27 Meeanee Quay, Westshore, Napier, New Zealand
+64 6 835 9626 or 0800 835 9626

The Rocks Motor Lodge is a 2-minute drive or a 12-minute stroll to Napier's beautiful inner harbour, home of a wonderful selection of restaurants, bars and cafés. The Hawke's Bay is a renowned food and wine region with plenty to see and do all year round. Napier, the region's main city, has one of the largest concentrations of art deco buildings in the world and is home to many working artists and winemakers. It is a city where there is something for everyone – be it an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a relaxing day out.

Distances

At The Rocks Motor Lodge is the following distance by road from these locations:

  • Hastings – 22km
  • Taupo – 138km
  • Palmerston North – 184km
  • Gisborne – 211km
  • Rotorua – 216km
  • Whanganui – 255km
  • Tauranga – 277km
  • Hamilton – 286km
  • Wellington – 324km
  • New Plymouth – 408km
  • Auckland – 409km

Napier Activities

At The Rocks Motor Lodge is located next to the Ahuriri Estuary which caters for kayaking, windsurfing, swimming and sailing. There is kayak and sailing hire nearby, perfect for exploring the inner harbour and waterways. We are 50m from Napier's only safe swimming beach, Westshore. The Rocks Motor Lodge also has a small gym on site for your convenience and it is a mere 500m walk to the Napier Sailing Club and Napier West Quay where you can enjoy many wonderful waterfront bars and cafés. Alongside fine eating establishments, the Hawke's Bay region is home to award-winning vineyards and plenty of outdoor activities.

The main attractions in the area are cycling with two of Napier's extensive cycling tracks covering the coastal walkway and the estuary wetlands within 100m off the Motel, water sports, art deco tours, vineyard tours, fishing, golf courses, gannet colony visit and heritage walks. We recommend an Ahuriri Estuary walk or trip up Te Mata Peak, stopping off at some of the impressive wineries around Havelock and Hastings. The Ahuriri Estuary is home to a varied population of birds on tidal mudflats and coastal waters – it is an ecological haven, perfect for gathering shellfish, watching birds and walking. The popular 2km track which is managed by the Department of Conservation is an easy walk that skirts around the estuary and can be accessed across the road from At the Rocks Motor Lodge.

Gannet Safaris

Gannet Safaris

Take a 4x4 tour to visit the largest and most spectacular mainland colony of gannets in the world. The 3-hour tour with 'no walking' takes you over Cape Kidnappers to a spot within 3m of these amazing birds. The coach traverses riverbeds and broad rolling pastures with unforgettable views the entire way. Tours depart daily at 9:30am or 1:30pm between 1st September and 30th April.

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Art Deco Walks and Tours

Art Deco Walks/Tours

The Art Deco Trust offers a range of activities which educate, promote and celebrate the history of Napier's destruction by earthquake and fire in 1931 and its rebirth in art deco style. Take a guided walk, vintage deco car tour or a deco bus tour around the city's most unique buildings and galleries. Your entertaining and informative guide will bring Napier's fascinating architectural history to life. There is also an opportunity to visit the Hawke's Bay museum, listening to earthquake survivors stories or enjoying their extensive art deco collection after your tour.

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National Aquarium

National Aquarium of New Zealand

The National Aquarium of New Zealand showcases New Zealand's largest display of aquatic life and exceptional wildlife. Inside you will discover a large collection of piranha, sharks, crocodile, tuatara and kiwi nestled among other native species and marine life. Uniquely situated on Napier's foreshore, the aquarium is a fun and educational place to visit for all the family. Open 7 days (except Christmas Day) from 9am-5pm.

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Grape Escape Wine Tours

Grape Escape Wine Tours

Venturing south, your Grape Escape Wine Tour guide will show you around some of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring scenery New Zealand has to offer. You will have the opportunity to taste Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir crafted in the well-renowned Hawke's Bay wine region and followed by lunch depending on the tour you choose. Grape Escape guides are experienced professionals with an extensive knowledge of New Zealand wines and there is a range of different tours available to suit your needs.

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Hawke's Bay Farmers Market

Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market

There's nothing fresher or finer than a barrow load of food from the Hawke's Bay Farmers' Markets! Shop at one of the two markets for a wide range of fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, bread, eggs, pickles and preserves and more. Purchased straight from the producer.

Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market (Hawke's Bay Showgrounds, Kenilworth Road, Hastings) every Sunday, 8.30am-12.30pm

Napier Urban Farmers' Market (Clive Square, Napier) every Saturday, 9am-1pm

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Centennial Garden and Waterfall

Centennial Garden & Waterfall

The gardens were developed in 1974 to commemorate the centenary of the establishment of Napier, but they were once a quarry manned by prison labourers. Water is a significant landscaping feature. From the lower pool, water is pumped to the main pool and then to the top of the cliff where it cascades down the 40-metre rock face. Spray from the waterfall has encouraged the growth of plants on the limestone cliff face. At night, when lit with green illumination, the scene is one of almost primeval beauty.

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