Cruise Ship Excursions

An Art Deco Tour Like No Other

The Hawke’s Bay Express is your best way to get the most out of your call in the Art Deco Capital-Napier, please book via your ship’s shore excursions.

You will head out along the scenic Marine Parade with seascape views of Cape Kidnappers. Then, trundling through the city you will get to marvel at some of the world’s most stunning examples of Art Deco architecture. You will even be taken where no other tour bus can take you: right into the elegant heart of Napier, the main street which is otherwise largely a pedestrian zone. From the town centre you will head over Bluff Hill; then on into Ahuriri, once the old port village, now a haven for summer tourists.

The engaging commentary outlines the history of the 1931 earthquake and the city’s rebuilding and you will hear about many aspects of life in the region such as it’s workforce, industries, lifestyle and culture. Your short tour stop is at the Customs house with pictorial stories of the region over time. From here, the tour will continue through the vibrant bar & restaurant area and sailing port of Ahuriri, back towards Napier’s Marine Parade.

Reviews

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Great train ride in Napier, New Zealand!

May 2025

The Hawkes Bay Express was amazing. Will and his father, Kit, built this beautiful train pulled by a tractor through the beautiful streets of Napier. It was very well made and decorated. Will gives a great narration. Lots of fun on a beautiful day.

HBE tour is well worth it

Mar 2025

Just got back on Ovation of the Seas and took this great tour. Amazing vehicles built By the owner. Will was entertaining and made the stop memorable. Definitely book this if you’re coming to Napier on a cruise. It’s an hour and a half leaving plenty of time to walk around afterwards