Otatara Pā Historic Reserve

Napier


Wooden palisades, carved pou (memorial posts) and a carved gate help bring this (fortified village) site to life. An hour-long loop walk across grassy hills passes barely discernible archaeological remains but affords terrific views of the surrounding countryside. From the city, head southwest on Taradale Rd and Gloucester St, then turn right into Springfield Rd just before the river.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Napier attractions

1. Mission Estate Winery

2.2 MILES

New Zealand’s oldest winery was established in 1851. Follow the long tree-lined driveway up the hill to the restaurant (serving lunch and dinner; mains …

2. National Tobacco Company Building

5.78 MILES

Around the shore at Ahuriri, the National Tobacco Company Building (1932) is arguably the region’s deco masterpiece, combining art-deco forms with the…

3. National Aquarium of New Zealand

5.81 MILES

Inside this modern complex with its stingray-inspired roof are piranhas, terrapins, eels, kiwi, tuatara and a whole lotta fish. Snorkellers can swim with…

4. Westshore Beach

5.87 MILES

Napier's closest swim spot (the main beach in front of the town centre isn't safe).

5. Daily Telegraph Building

6.21 MILES

The Daily Telegraph is one of the stars of Napier's art-deco show, with superb zigzags, fountain shapes and a symmetrically patterned facade. If the front…

6. Sunken Gardens

6.22 MILES

An interesting historic curio (1969) along Napier's waterfront promenade with tidy floral arrangements set into the ground below street level. A pretty…

7. MTG Hawke’s Bay

6.31 MILES

The beating cultural heart of Napier is the smart-looking MTG – a gleaming-white museum-theatre-gallery space by the water. The MTG showcases live…

8. Marine Parade

6.35 MILES

Napier's elegant seaside avenue is lined with huge Norfolk Island pines, and dotted with motels and charming timber villas. Along its length are parks,…