If you want to spend quality time in Napier, you do not have to break your bank. It’s a city home to and loaded with free natural attractions, museums, walks, and things to do that cost under NZ$25. Here are the 6 Free or Cheap Things to Do In Napier.
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If you’re traveling on a budget and want to make the best of your trip and the place, here are the top 6 free or cheap things to do in Napier within your budget and still have fun:
1. Visit Otatara Pa
With Maori arts and the remains of Hawke’s Bay also known as pa site (Maori fortified village), Otatara Pa is one of the greatest attractions to visit.
It is a 45-minute walk around the reserve that offers some great examples of a historic pa site, along with stunning views of Napier, the coast, and all the way inland to Mt Ruapehu. You can visit Otatara Pa for free.
2. Take a Walk Along Marine Parade
Being a visitor to this place, you should start with a walk along Marine Parade. It is a walkway along the Marine Parade where you get stunning beach views and plenty of water creatures and statues to make your walk interesting. This is free to do where you can easily access the city center.
3. Pap in MTG Hawke’s Bay
MTG Hawke’s Bay is the most popular museum for the Hawke’s Bay region and a nice place to spend time learning about the region’s European and Maori history.
This place is also home to many art galleries and also a theatre so you can spend an hour or so absorbing the culture. Here the entry is free.
4. Explore Napier Urban Farmers Market
This thing is also cheap as it will depend on how much you end up spending here as the entry is free. You’d love to enjoy the Napier Urban Farmers’ Market as it’s a free and cheap experience in Napier where you get to taste and entertain through street performers all for free.
You can visit this market every Saturday from 9 am-1 pm and the Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market in Hastings every Sunday between 8.30 am-12.30 pm.
5. Go for a Self-Guided Art Deco Tour
Napier is sort of into Art Deco also! This offers an opportunity to learn about why Napier was built with Art Deco architecture and also get a glimpse of the history that you can enjoy setting out on a self-guided Art Deco tour.
Take a brochure from the Art Deco Centre (around NZ$7.50) and start your tour. Or else, there are many interpretation panels around the city that you can check out while walking around the city.
6. Explore Napier Prison
You need to shell out around NZ$20 for a self-guided audio tour to Napier Prison, which is one of the cheap things to do in Napier.
Here you will also find one of the 10 Seriously Spooky and Haunted Places in New Zealand which is also the oldest prison of New Zealand. You get to hear stories of famous New Zealand inmates and visit the Hanging Yard with Earthquake Room, Graveyard, Gallows, Solitary Confinement, and more!
Interesting Read: 8 Best Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in New Zealand with Fireworks
Synopsis
So, if you’re looking to make a trip to Napier, you do not have to worry about the budget as there are plenty of things that you can do and see in this city for free or at very little expense.
Explore Napier on a budget with these 6 Free or Cheap Things to Do. Immerse yourself in Maori history at Otatara Pa, stroll along the Marine Parade for stunning views, and pop into MTG Hawke’s Bay for a cultural experience.
Suggested read: 16 Cheap Things to Do In Auckland
Enjoy fresh produce and entertainment at Napier Urban Farmers Market, embark on a Self-Guided Art Deco Tour to discover the city’s architectural charm, and uncover the history of Napier Prison.
Whether you’re interested in nature, culture, or history, Napier offers affordable activities without compromising the quality of your experience. Travel smart, save money, and make the most of your visit to this vibrant city.
FAQs
Is there an entry fee for the Marine Parade in Napier?
No, there is no entry fee for Marine Parade. It’s a scenic walkway along the coast, providing stunning beach views and interesting water creatures and statues.
What does MTG Hawke’s Bay showcase?
MTG Hawke’s Bay is a popular museum showcasing the European and Maori history of the Hawke’s Bay region. It also features art galleries and a theater, with free entry.
When does the Napier Urban Farmers Market take place?
The Napier Urban Farmers Market occurs every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, offering a range of local products, street performers, and a vibrant atmosphere.
How much does a self-guided Art Deco tour in Napier cost?
You can undertake a self-guided Art Deco tour by obtaining a brochure from the Art Deco Centre for around NZ$7.50 or explore the city using interpretation panels.
What is the cost of a self-guided audio tour at Napier Prison?
The self-guided audio tour at Napier Prison costs approximately NZ$20, providing insights into the history and stories of the oldest prison in New Zealand.
Are there haunted places in Napier Prison?
Yes, Napier Prison is considered one of the 10 Seriously Spooky and Haunted Places in New Zealand, featuring areas like the Hanging Yard, Earthquake Room, Graveyard, and more.
When is Napier Prison’s audio tour available?
The audio tour at Napier Prison is available for self-guided exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the history and stories at their own pace.
