Explore Art Deco Napier with the Art Deco Trust, the official and most experienced tourism operator in Hawke’s Bay. As a heritage focused not-for-profit charity, the Trust is your one stop shop for all things ‘Art Deco Napier’.
Visit the Art Deco Centre, 7 Tennyson Street, Napier to find out more about the devastating 1931 earthquake and the rebuild of the city in the Art Deco style of the times. We have daily guided walks from $31.00 per person and vintage car tours from $270 for 4 people. The Art Deco Centre has fabulous Art Deco-inspired gifts for sale.
Each year the Trust hosts two Art Deco events: coming next is our intimate and indulgent, Winter Deco, 18-20 July 2025; and our next, world-famous, Art Deco Festival Napier, 19-22 February 2026, when thousands of people, dressed in Deco attire visit Napier to celebrate our city’s art deco era heritage!
During the Winter months (1 April – 30 September), the 10am and 2pm walks begin with the short film, before the 1.5-hour guided walk ($31.00 per person).
Art Deco Centre is open Monday – Sunday, 9:30am – 2:30pm
Closed: Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day until 1pm
Walking Tours
Discover the fascinating story of Napier’s heritage on a guided walking tour.
We went on the walking tour of the Art deco area of Napier. The short video explains the background of the 1931 earthquake and the aftermath and describes the development of the art deco area. The walking tour was at a leisurely pace and was very interesting the guide was knowledgeable.
Response from the owner 01:58 01 May 25
Thank you for joining our Walking Tour Neil and glad you enjoyed your time with us. Best wishes – Fiona
This group epitomises the strength of community and the importance of creating a sense of place and belonging. We loved our town tour with Tony in a vintage car and would highly recommend taking a tour and booking directly via the Trust. What an incredible thing the volunteers here are doing to preserve the wonderful town of Napier.
Response from the owner 03:31 01 May 25
Thank you for your lovely comments Natasha and your special mention for Tony. Thank you for supporting the Trust. Best wishes – Fiona
Excellent presentation, short video and hour long walk around central Napier, guided by Chris. Informative and friendly. Great value for money as an introduction to Napier architecture. It made me look at the buildings in a different light.
Response from the owner 23:18 30 Mar 25
Thank you for your review and glad you enjoyed your tour with Chris. Best wishes – Fiona
We did the guided walking tour around Napier’s art deco buildings run by a volunteer from the Art Deco Trust. You need to pre book your places on the tour. It was easy walking, went for about an hour and a half, they provide you with a head set so you can listen to your guide. Great stories, wonderful insights about the city, especially the earthquake history. I’d highly recommend the tour.
Response from the owner 23:23 30 Mar 25
Thank you for joining one of our walking tours Vince and yes we do highly recommend prebooking the morning or afternoon tours on our website. It’s been a busy season and we hate to have to turn away guests on a frenetic day. Best wishes – Fiona
The store is full of a wide range of touristy and art deco items to purchase, from the small, cheap tourist memorabilia to more expensive jewellery, hats and clothing and is staffed by very helpful and enthusiastic volunteers. I did the 2pm guided walking tour and found it very interesting and informative.
Napier, A city that was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in the 30thies,, was built back in the art deco style. You can take a tour in an old car with an old driver dressing in 1930 style.
Excellent tour and presentations. Delightful, informative, experience. One of the many highlights of Napier. Highly recommend this wonderful experience. Not to be missed.
The Art Deco Trust is a guardian, a storyteller and an interpreter of a collection of unique national treasures.
The Art Deco Trust is a registered charity with the New Zealand Charities Commission (CC21328), our charitable purpose is to protect, promote, restore and celebrate Napier’s Art Deco era heritage buildings. Our charitable status makes you eligible for a tax refund of up to a third of your donation. All transactions are billed in New Zealand dollars – Click here to make a donation today and help us continue to achieve our purpose.
