The 5 Best New Zealand Architecture Tours

1.Guided 10am Morning Art Deco Walk From Napier Art Deco Trust

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 167 reviews · from $20Our pick

Start with a 20-minute film about the 1931 earthquake, then follow an easy, flat walk through central Napier. Guides such as Sarah, Susan, and Simon have been praised for lively local stories, while supplied headsets help you hear clearly. The tour visits around 20 buildings and returns to the meeting point.

“This was an easy enjoyable ramble around a block of the CBD, with a bit of humour, and a lot of cool facts about Napier's Earthquake and Art Deco rebuild history. The guide new the uneven parts of the route and pointed them out. If you are going on a weekend, be aware that one portion is only available to view through glass doors from outside, as the business housing the decor is closed.”

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2.Guided 2pm Afternoon Art Deco Walk from Napier Art Deco Trust

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 97 reviews · from $20Top rated

Meet at the Art Deco Centre at 2pm for an introduction and 20-minute film, then walk Napier’s Art Deco Quarter with a local guide. Guides such as Simon, Martin, Christopher, and John explain the 1931 earthquake, design details, and the city’s rebuild. Expect a small group, easy pace, and about 2.5 hours in all.

“We had a wonderful afternoon with John. His enthusiasm and knowledge of Napier and her buildings was contagious. Thoroughly recommend.”

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3.Shore Excursion: 4 Hour Premium Hawke’s Bay, Napier Art deco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 37 reviews · from $86

This four-hour small-group excursion combines Napier’s Art Deco streets with Bluff Hill, Arataki Honey, Te Mata Peak, the Tukituki River, and Hastings. Guides such as Mark, Sukh, Roy, John, and Kirsti lead the tour, though the exact guide varies. Expect plenty of driving, photo stops, local history, and a maximum group size of 22.

“Sukh gave it her all. She was caring, thorough, and a great guide. We had a great time! We were blessed to have a private tour as we were the only ones signed up this day but it is usually a small group. It gave us a great sense of Napier, Hastings, and the surrounding area in a short 4 hours. Extremely enjoyable!”

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4.Explore the legacy of artist, ecologist, architect, visionary

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 23 reviews · from $18Best value

At Whangarei’s Hundertwasser Art Centre, you’ll see the largest collection of his work outside Vienna, a living green roof, and changing Māori exhibitions at Wairau Māori Art Gallery. Explore at your own pace with full-day admission, or add a one-hour interactive guided tour for more context.

“A place of colourful art which reminds one of childlike pleasure in experiencing colour and shape. Very nice restaurant as well. Not to be missed.”

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5.Napier and Hawkes Bay Scenic and Art Deco Tour by VW Kombi

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · from $142

Join Craig in a restored 1970 VW Kombi for a 3.5 to 4 hour tour from Napier. With space for only six, you will see the coast, Tuki Tuki Valley, Te Mata Peak, local produce stops, Arataki Honey Centre, and Napier’s Art Deco streets. Coffee and ice cream cost extra.

“Driver picks you up in a 1970's Kombi VW bus, in town and drives around to some beautiful spots, including a vineyard, in Napier. This is a must do for any VW Bus enthusiast, but also a great way to get chauffeured around in Napier. Side note, Read more”

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