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Napier
Things to Do in Napier
Marine Parade
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Marine Parade

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See all things to do
Marine Parade
4.5
1,466
#2 of 65 things to do in Napier
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Top ways to experience Marine Parade and nearby attractions

The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
161 within 3 miles
Amber Bar
1,020
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Brew Pub • Wine Bar • Dining bars
Bistronomy & Vinotech
822
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • European • New Zealand • Vegetarian Friendly
Wine Street
268
0.2 mi$$$$ • European • New Zealand • Vegetarian Friendly
Faith Hope Love Malaysian Eatery
189
0.4 mi$ • Cafe • Asian • Malaysian
Rasoi Cuisine of India
413
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly
Mister 'D's Bistro
1,276
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • European • Contemporary • New Zealand
Cafe Tennyson + Bistro
461
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Diner • New Zealand
Hunger Monger
485
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Healthy • New Zealand
Lone Star Napier
539
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Southwestern • Bar • New Zealand
Vinci's Pizza
57
0.3 mi$ • Quick Bites • Italian • Pizza
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Attractions
54 within 6 miles
Centennial Garden
74
0.1 miGardens
Pania of the Reef Statue
136
0.2 miMonuments & Statues
Creative Arts Napier
20
0.2 miArt Galleries
MTG Hawke's Bay
313
0.3 miArt Museums
Napier i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
408
0.4 miVisitor Centers
Tom Parker Fountain
3
0.2 miFountains
Bluff Hill Lookout
1,275
0.4 miLookouts
Sunken Gardens
265
0.4 miGardens
Napier Library and Museum
23
0.3 miArt Museums • History Museums
Marine Parade Viewing Platform
5
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,466 reviews
Excellent
840
Very good
520
Average
94
Poor
7
Terrible
5
Carol
Auckland, New Zealand64 contributions
A Step Back In Time
Dec 2019
Marine Parade in Napier is such an interesting place to take a walk, with the ocean on one side and the Art-Deco buildings on the other side. A pier which takes you quite a way out, beautiful garden areas and often you will see a lovingly restored vintage car chug past, or a 1930's themed band playing. This part of Napier is a magnet for those who appreciate a bygone area with a modern twist. Loved it all!
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
OneManTripper
Tauranga, New Zealand3 contributions
So much fun to be had!
Jan 2021 • Family
What can I say? I lived here 15 years ago and it was nothing like it is now. Napier City Council has done a fantastic job of making this a lively, moving, enjoyable, fun, safe place for all ages. The city waterfront has an amazing vibe. We especially loved the Bay Skate park. Would move here if we didn’t live in actual paradise.
Written January 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Liz H
Lichfield, UK845 contributions
Fitting Art Deco design
Feb 2020 • Couples
We enjoyed our time strolling in Marine Parade. While we were there, a fully kilted bagpipe player was performing.
Plenty of seating to people watch.
We took the opportunity to go into the black volcanic beach and have a quick paddle in the sea.
Written April 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PMT
Lower Hutt, New Zealand18 contributions
Saving grace for Napier
Jun 2021 • Couples
For us, Marine Parade is the saving grace for Napier. This is the third time we have been here for family events and we really want to love the city but the beauty of the spectacular Art Deco buildings in its centre is marred by the utterly tacky modern high street signage and big chain branding on the shopfronts. Marine Paade benefits from being largely unsullied by this although definitely time to put Te Reo signage on such landmarks as Pania of the Reef. Whanganui does its Art Deco centre so much better with lovely hand painted signs. Plenty of other cities worldwide make big brands toe the line on the look of their shopfronts in heritage areas - it would be good to see Napier city council doing the same and lifting the look and feel of the city to what it could be.
Written June 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Warren W
Blind River, Canada12 contributions
Stick to central region
Jan 2020
Downtown section is interesting and quirky. Gives you a taste of the history, restaurants, recreational activities, etc. In the area. Going south just leads to empty fields and industrial area. Going north gets you into residential area pretty quickly, although to be fair, we didn’t go far enough to get to an alleged “park”. I would recommend walking the downtown section to give yourself time to read the plaques, etc.but don’t bother renting bikes to go farther.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Architecture and food
Wellington, New Zealand625 contributions
A great evening walk
Sep 2020 • Couples
We went for a dinner on marine parade and on the way home we walked along the parade on the pathways along the beach. A great Jetty our into the surf with a floating roof, lovely old style flower gardens, the colored fountain and the bronze Pania. A lively walk on a lively evening.
Written September 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bernard R
Whangarei, New Zealand1,047 contributions
Manicured, Clean & Well Thought Out
Mar 2020 • Couples
Napier is a special place and the Marine Parade exemplifies this superbly and is a credit to the city and those who run it. The flora generally and in particular the pristine flowere beds are manicured and well kept. The war memorial, fountain, collonades and general architecture along the way enhances the ambience of the city and sets the tone for the entire place. Whilst the beach is not pristine white sand, and I am told swimming is not recommended, sculptures are installed along the walkway giving it an impressive look.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeff1903
King's Lynn, UK1,566 contributions
Stroll along
Mar 2020
It is a great place to stroll along. There are gardens, statues, activity areas for the kids and the beach, but you may just want to walk along in a nice peaceful area admiring the view and the buildings, maybe stopping at a café. Lovely to have such a resource so close to the city centre.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BenuBery
New Delhi, India111 contributions
Magnificent parade of Nature at it’s best,with Man’s contribution.
Jan 2020
The Marine Parade is a a 2 km stretch on the shores of the Pacific Ocean,alongside colonial housing on the opposite side,including mostly motels,and quaint 6 sisters identical homes.The streets around have quaint Art Deco gems from 1930’s,architecturally interesting and are done on foot,in vintage cars or buses..The town has The Hawke’s bay Farmer’s market every Sunday morning,where one can meet the grower or maker of wines,breads and pickles,as well as local veggies and fruits.
The main walk houses the Aquarium,,The I center,catering to tourists,the sunken garden,Sound shell area on the black beach,spring flowers,statue of Pania on the reef,The museum and theatre etc.It is dotted with plants,kids play and recreation areas,toilets,snacks and ice cream shops and is a very pleasant way to explore the area.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Samantha S
Oakland, CA246 contributions
Lovely in all ways
Jan 2020 • Couples
The Marine Parade is a gorgeous place to walk, along the beautiful beach and glorious turquoise waters of Hawke’s Bay. Sculpture, fountains, sunken gardens, pergola, an Art Deco bandshell, skate parks and mini golf for the kids, a bagpiper in the morning. The trees are amazing, all lit up at night. Every detail of the landscaping is perfect; people work hard to maintain the glorious gardens. It felt as perfect as the Promenade des Anglais in Nice...even more so, or what Lake Como might look like. Heaven!
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Marine Parade (Napier) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Marine Parade
We recommend booking Marine Parade tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Marine Parade tours on Tripadvisor