This guide was written and shared by a member of the ExploreABLE community
– made free for everyone to enjoy.
The Experience: Wander or ride along the wide, sun-drenched pathway lined with towering Norfolk Pines, connecting the city centre to the expansive Pacific Ocean views.
The View: Sweeping vistas with landmarks like the statue providing a touch of local mythology.
Facilities: Toilets and cafes along the way.
Extra Information
In 1931 Napier’s inner city was destroyed by an earthquake. The city that rose from the rubble
was built in the popular architectural style of the time, Art Deco, and today the city still boasts an impressive collection of Art Deco buildings. Combined with its sunny location, ocean views, Norfolk pines, seaside parks and multitude of family activities, Napier’s Marine Parade is a delightful place to visit for a stroll.
There are wide pathways alongside the beach and the roadside. And if you visit in February, the anniversary month of the devastating earthquake, you may be lucky enough to coincide your
holiday with the annual Art Deco festival, when Marine Parade goes back in time. Vintage cars,
swing and jazz bands, Charleston dancers, and locals dressed in 1920s and 1930’s costumes
take over the road.
We have shown the distances for a walk from the National Aquarium of New Zealand on the
south end of Marine Parade to the public toilets beyond Ocean Spa at the north end – but
there is car parking along the entire route so you can easily walk a shorter section or even keep walking further along the coast. We have detailed the attractions on the side of the road
closest to the sea; the other side (the city side) is a combination of houses, hotels, offices, and restaurants.
Children’s playground – 2 accessible toilets.
Bay Skate Park – 2 accessible toilets.
I-site -1 accessible plus multiple male and female toilets
Ocean Spa – 2 accessible toilets.
Some of the attractions along the beach side of the road sell ice cream and drink.
On the city side of the road there is a wide variety of restaurants.
This guide was created by a community member of ExploreABLE.
Conditions Change: Nature is unpredictable. The conditions and weather mentioned in this post may have changed since the ExploreABLE community member visited.
Personal Responsibility: You are responsible for your own safety and must assess your own fitness and skills before attempting the activity. Please consult with a doctor before undertaking any new physical activity to ensure it is safe for you.
Accuracy: While ExploreABLE strives for accuracy, errors can happen, and official sources (like National Parks websites) should always be checked for the latest alerts.
Other Users: Be aware the beach side path is shared with bicycles.
Beach: Do NOT in any circumstances swim in the sea alongside Marine Parade – it is not safe because the sea floor drops suddenly, there are rips and often rogue waves. There have been many drownings along this beach.
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