Art Deco Napier — Discover Napier’s Art Deco Heritage

Art Deco Trust is the authoritative heritage organisation for understanding, experiencing and preserving Art Deco Napier.

Following the devastating 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake, Napier was rebuilt in the distinctive Art Deco style that has become an enduring part of the city’s identity. Today, visitors can explore this remarkable heritage through our guided walking tours, vintage car tours and self-guided experiences.

Discover the stories behind Napier’s iconic architecture, learn about the people and events that shaped the city, and experience the unique character of one of New Zealand’s most celebrated Art Deco destinations.

Visit the Art Deco Centre in Memorial Square, join one of our daily guided tours, or explore Napier at your own pace.

Throughout the year, Art Deco Trust also brings the city’s heritage to life through Art Deco Festival Napier in February and Winter Deco in July.

Watch the earthquake movie – The Day That Changed the Bay – and discover how the 1931 earthquake transformed Napier and shaped the Art Deco city we know today.

Open 7 Days

Winter Hours, 1 April – 30 September: 9.30am – 2.30pm

Summer Hours, 1 October – 31 March: 9am – 5pm

(Closed: Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day until 1pm)

Art Deco Trust is a not-for-profit charity. Our purpose is to protect, promote, preserve and celebrate Napier’s Art Deco era heritage buildings; our advocacy services and grants programme are all supported by our tourism and events activities. Thank you in advance for joining a walk, taking a vintage car tour, and purchasing at the gift shop.

Please consider supporting us today by making a donation or becoming a member.

Walking Tours

Discover the fascinating story of Napier’s heritage on a guided walking tour. 

WALKING TOURS

Vintage Car Tours

Discover the fascinating story of Napier’s heritage on a guided vintage car tour. 

VINTAGE CAR TOURS

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 1345 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Ceemee1 
 
39 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
This tour is a must do in Napier! We did the 1 hour tour and throughly enjoyed it. Our driver/guide Tony was brilliant, very friendly and extremely knowledgeable of the area and the beautiful art deco buildings. We even got to dress the part which added to the experience. If you are in Napier this tour is a must!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Cathy C 
 
39 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
Not just a walk! A wonderful tour, the video at the start set the scene and explanations on the walk brought it all together. It has heightened my awareness and knowledge of building architecture.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Sue C 
 
39 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
Art Deco Delights A very interesting well paced tour. Allan was an excellent guide and we thoroughly recommend this tour.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Jason T 
 
59 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
Pleasant and passionate Great way to get a feel for the city
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Bec G 
 
65 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
A must do in Hawkes Bay We had a wonderful time learning about Napier’s art deco features and history. The walk was well-paced, informative and the headsets ensured we could easily hear our guide.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Clair H 
 
84 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
Very informative walking tour We really enjoyed our walking tour with John. He also took us inside two of the buildings, which was an added bonus. He was passionate as well as knowledgeable and it was well worth it. A lovely, memorable experience!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Joanne C 
 
104 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
Awesome walking tour! We really enjoyed our afternoon tour with John last Monday - he was very knowledgeable and engaging and as locals we found out so much about Art Deco we previously didn’t know! Loved it and highly recommended!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Quahog213 
 
115 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
Wonderful overview of this curious art deco capital of the southern hemisphere! What a wonderful introduction to the art deco capital of the southern hemisphere! Sue did an incredible job, and we apologized for being a few minutes late. She even caught us up on what we missed. This was a really superior experience. Thank you so much!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Anne M 
 
120 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
Enjoyable walk Enjoyed our walk. Guide Alan was very knowledgable Value for money.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 christinebish 
 
125 days ago
 
 
 Verified 
Art Deco tour Napier Excellent tour. Our guide was engaging and very informative. Great knowledge of Art Deco and related Architecture. Highly recommend this tour
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Verified by Trustindex  
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Art Deco Trust is a guardian, a storyteller and an interpreter of a collection of unique national treasures.

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www.artdecofestival.co.nz

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Memberships & Accreditations

 
 
 
 
  
 
Excellent4.6524 reviews
 
4.6
 
Excellent524 reviews
 
 Write a review 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Michaela Foermer 
 
102 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+9
On 25 May 2026 we did the 1,5 hour tour which was great. Our guide was Tony and he did a great job. The film at the beginning of the tour was helpful to understand the historical context and situation after the earthquake. During the walk through the city Tony explained the special characteristics of the Art Deco period showing us many beautiful buildings. Without the tour we would have never noticed any of the details. Although we were only a small group, everybody got headsets, which we appreciated as we could understand everything very well. We highly recommend doing the tour. Today we walked through Whangarei and we saw several Art Deco buildings (by far not as beautiful as in Napier) which we only recognized as Art Deco buildings because of Tony’s great explanation. Many thanks! 😊
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Heather Boswick 
 
131 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+5
We made a trip out to Napier during our NZ trip JUST for the famous art deco. It was such a colorful, beautiful, historic city! Loved walking thru the town & taking it the vibrant rich art decor history! Lots of famous art deco buildings all for viewing in a short walk! So beautiful & very photogenic!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 David Waldren 
 
156 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+7
This tour is a “must do” if you’re visiting Napier for its art deco heritage. The introductory film “The day that changed the bay” is really helpful to set the scene. Then a wonderful guide leafs a gentle walk around town with a distributed audio system so everyone gets to hear the excellent commentary (including funny asides).  Also interesting was having the included Māori elements of the decoration identified & explained. There’s plenty of time for photos. This is an excellent experience.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Derrick Du 
 
170 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+0
The 20 minutes video tells the story of Napier. I would recommend this if you are into history.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Kerri Welden 
 
181 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+4
I did the art devo walking tour.  Very knowledgeable guide.. with personal family history.  Great experience
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Andrew & Jackie Lobban 
 
184 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+0
A great way to see Napier. Paul, our driver, lovely sense of humour, informative and a great ambassador for Napier. Thank you very much for a wonderful day.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 John Lang 
 
184 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+1
Brilliant. Did 4.30pm 2 hour Art Deco Soc guided tour.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Duncan Strathie 
 
185 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+19
A wonderful band of people keeping the Art Deco legacy of Napier going for the future. The centre has good information and nic-naks for sale. 3rd weekend in February each year there is an Art Deco festival that draws thousands. The best thing to do is to book a spot on the walking tour. Very informative, beginning with a personal and video presentation about Napier's history centring on the 1931 earthquake and the fire that followed. The town was flattened. In three years it was rebuilt in the style of the day - Art Deco. Many buildings survived and the Trust do a great job adding on planning and maintenance.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Mark Rogalski 
 
194 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+0
Great walking tour! Simon was very Knowledgeable and engaging.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Alexander Ofri Mikhlin 
 
196 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+0
חובה ביקור בפסטיבל ארט דקו בפברואר