Winter Deco: A Glamorous Seaside Detour
If you’re in town for Napier’s Winter Art Deco Festival, don’t miss the chance to wander just a few minutes from the city centre and discover Ahuriri — Napier’s original port village, now a vibrant, walkable neighbourhood bursting with architectural gems, Art Deco icons, and warm hospitality.
Nestled beside the sea, Ahuriri is where elegance meets edge — home to stunning heritage buildings, buzzing eateries, local artisan shops, and a rich maritime history. It’s the perfect escape from the festival crowds, offering a slower pace with no shortage of sparkle.
Stay in Style: The Crown Hotel
Make your Art Deco experience truly immersive with a stay at the beautifully restored Crown Hotel, right on the waterfront. Originally built in 1859 and lovingly reconstructed post-1931 quake, it’s a Deco-lover’s dream — think mosaic tiles, leadlight windows, and elegant heritage suites that channel the spirit of the Jazz Age.
Image by Kevin Bridle
🏛️ Ahuriri’s Must-See Deco Landmarks
✨ National Tobacco Company Building
No Art Deco pilgrimage is complete without a visit to this architectural icon on Ossian Street. Designed by Louis Hay in the 1930s, it’s a masterclass in Deco-meets-Art Nouveau styling — curved lines, intricate details, and floral motifs galore. Now home to The National Distillery, you can take a guided tour, sip handcrafted spirits and devour delectable platters in this unforgettable setting.
🔶 Ellison & Duncan Building
Tucked away on Barry Street, this hidden gem features Mayan-inspired patterns and a story of resilience. Rebuilt and relocated after the original structure was demolished, it’s a testament to Napier’s commitment to preserving its Deco identity.
🏨 The Union Hotel
A lesser-known treasure just off Bridge Street — admire its handsome facade and picture the many travelers who’ve passed through since the town’s maritime heyday.
🏨 The Crown Hotel
Art Deco on the outside, coastal chic on the inside. Worth visiting even if you’re not staying overnight — pop in for a coffee or cocktail in the stylish lounge.
✨ Special events
The National Distillery Company sure knows how to throw a great ‘do and they’re inviting you to get your Deco on this weekend with two of their finest concoctions!
PART OF WINTER ART DECO FESTIVAL
COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS:
Friday 18th July - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Throw on your gladrags, grab your mates and come shake things up at our place! This cocktail masterclass is back for Winter Art Deco. Book here!
PROHIBITION BLEND YOUR OWN GIN:
Saturday 19th July - 1pm - 4pm
Step behind the curtain and into the golden age of distilling with this hands-on gin blending workshop. You'll sip, learn and even take home your own special blend. Book here!
🥂 Where to Eat, Drink & Unwind Like a Deco Darling
Bellatino’s Kitchen – Start your day under the pergola at this local favourite in the Neighbour Food Hub. Great coffee, cabinet treats, and a stunning grocery selection for foodie gifts (or just a slice of cake for later).
Milk & Honey – Light, fresh, and full of flavour. Go for the coconut bircher or smoothie bowl, or spice things up with the bao bacon butty. Just steps from the beach — perfect for a morning wander.
The Gintrap – Roaring fire, harbour views, and the biggest gin bar in the country. A cosy, stylish spot to sip and stay a while.
Madame Social – Art meets ambiance in this luxe little bar. Velvet booths, bold interiors, and seriously good cocktails.
West Quay – Once lined with wool stores, now buzzing with bars, seafood spots, and historic charm. Grab a drink at the Thirsty Whale and toast to the golden age.
🚶♀️ Take the Walk: Discover Ahuriri’s Heritage Gems
Time-travel through Napier’s story on this self-guided Ahuriri Heritage Walk — a must-do for lovers of history, architecture, and sweeping sea views.
Start at Spriggs Park with views across Hawke Bay and remnants of an 1876 sea wall. Follow the path through Te Karaka Reserve, once a sewage site, now a vibrant hub for walkers and local fishermen.
Trace the transformed shoreline to The Iron Pot, Napier’s oldest working harbour, and step into the past at the Old Customhouse, now a museum brimming with maritime stories (open Sundays).
End your walk at West Quay, where naval ships once broadcast the first signals after the 1931 quake. The buildings here — once full of wool, now full of wine — blend resilience and reinvention with every brick.
🌟 Why Ahuriri?
Because behind every Deco detail here is a story — of transformation, survival, and sheer Hawke’s Bay charm. Ahuriri is for the curious. For those who like their history with a harbour breeze, their buildings with bold lines, and their holidays with a touch of something extraordinary.
Whether you’re in a cloche hat, a bow tie, or just a warm winter coat — Ahuriri welcomes you.