What Makes Napier Good Place to Live

Is Napier a good place to live? 

| Last Updated: September 2023

Nestled on the eastern coastline of New Zealand’s North Island, Napier is a hidden gem that has long been captivating both residents and visitors alike with its unique charm and character. So, if you’re considering moving here, you’re probably wondering: Is Napier a good place to live? 

Napier is a good place to live if you want a city with natural beauty, a Mediterranean climate, a vibrant arts and culture scene, a thriving wine and food industry, a strong economy, a welcoming community, and plenty of outdoor activities. 

Join us as we delve into the heart of Napier, uncovering the true Kiwi essence of living in Napier.

Napier is a city with natural beauty all around 

Napier’s idyllic surroundings and stunning landscapes make it a wonderful place to call home, offering many benefits for those who appreciate the great outdoors and a laid-back lifestyle.

The city is surrounded by fertile plains and iconic natural features waiting to be explored. From the stunning coastline to the lush vineyards and rolling hills, Napier has no shortage of breathtaking vistas. 

Napier’s natural beauty extends to its urban environment as well. The city is renowned for its Art Deco architecture, adding elegance and charm to the cityscape.

Napier has a pleasant Mediterranean climate 

Napier’s Mediterranean climate is characterised by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, which makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.  

The city’s climate is also a boon for gardeners and nature lovers, with an average of over 2,200 hours of sunshine yearly. This has resulted in beautiful public gardens and private green spaces that add to the city’s aesthetic appeal.

Moreover, the Mediterranean climate is the secret behind the region’s famed wine industry. The long, hot summers and cool winters provide perfect growing conditions for various grapes for wines such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. 

The health benefits of living in a Mediterranean climate should not be overlooked either. All the sunshine Napier gets means you have a better chance of getting vitamin D and the milder winter temperatures can be more comfortable for those with certain health conditions such as arthritis.

Napier has a vibrant arts and culture scene 

Napier is a thriving cultural hub with artistic vigour and rich heritage, making it an exceptional place to call home for those who appreciate art and diversity. Living in a city with a dynamic arts scene encourages creativity, promotes cultural understanding, and enhances the quality of life. 

The vibrant arts scene punches well above its weight, offering diverse experiences for residents and visitors alike. You’ll find numerous contemporary galleries and artist studios lined down the streets. 

Public art is another facet of Napier’s cultural appeal. These artworks add colour to the cityscape, from thought-provoking sculptures to vibrant murals. Not to mention the traditional Māori arts and crafts you’ll find too! 

Napier has a thriving food and wine scene 

Napier has long been celebrated as a culinary hotspot. It offers various food experiences, from exquisite fine dining to charming cafes and innovative street food.

Pacifica Restaurant has dynamic seafood, Sai Thai takes you to Thailand with their cusine, and Market St just may be your go-to spot if you’re a total foodie. 

Really, whether you’re a seafood lover, a vegetarian, or a fan of international cuisine, you’ll find plenty of options to tantalise your taste buds. This diversity adds to the city’s culinary appeal and promotes a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone’s food preferences are celebrated.

But of course, no discussion of Napier’s epicurean offerings would be complete without mentioning its world-class wine industry. 

Brookefields Vineyards, Mission Estate Winery, Crab Farm Winery, and Church Road Winery are all excellent choices for wine cellar tours and more. From robust reds to crisp whites, the wines of Napier are renowned for their quality and complexity.

Napier has a strong economy 

Napier’s strong economy provides job opportunities, supports a high quality of life, and fosters a dynamic entrepreneurial community. Let’s go into detail on each of these below!

Job Opportunities 

For one, Napier’s steady economic growth contributes to a stable and prosperous job environment for the city’s residents. A thriving economy means more job opportunities—which is what the Napier City Council is aiming for. 

As of June 2023, the unemployment rate in Napier was at 3.6%. This is a good thing because it means that there are jobs available. It’s also a good sign of Napier having a  healthy economy. 

Luckily, Napier’s job opportunities are diverse, with strong sectors including agriculture, tourism, and viticulture, thanks to the region’s fertile lands and favourable climate. This diversity adds resilience to the local economy, helping it weather economic downturns and ensuring a stable income base for the city’s inhabitants.

A High Quality of Life

In addition, Napier’s robust economy supports a high quality of life for its residents. Economic prosperity allows for investment in public services, infrastructure, and cultural and recreational amenities. 

These elements, in turn, contribute to the city’s overall liveability, making it not just a good place to live but an excellent one.

Investment in public services adds to economic prosperity by enhancing residents’ quality of life and attracting new residents and businesses to the area. Infrastructure is another critical aspect of Napier’s economic success. 

The Port of Napier, for instance, has significant impacts on the Hawke’s Bay region’s economy. It serves as a crucial link for the export of local goods and import of essential commodities, contributing to the city’s economic vibrancy.

Napier’s cultural and recreational amenities also testify to the city’s economic prosperity. As the so-called Art Deco capital of the world, Napier attracts tourists from around the globe, injecting substantial revenue into the local economy and fostering a rich cultural scene that enhances residents’ quality of life.

A Dynamic Entrepreneurial Community 

A strong economy attracts businesses and investments, fostering innovation and creating a dynamic, forward-thinking community. This is evident by the number of start-ups that have been founded in Napier in recent years. 

For example Daisy Bath and Body, The Corner Collective and other small businesses have been thriving in Napier. 

It’s clear that entrepreneurial spirit permeates the city. Recent economic statistics of Napier’s GDP also show this. 

Plus, according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, in recent years, Napier has had a 6.6% GDP growth and 5% per capita GDP growth. 

The GDP growth of 6.6% means that the total economic output of Napier has increased by 6.6% over the past year. This is a positive sign for the city’s economy, as it indicates that businesses are doing well and people are spending money.

The per capita GDP growth of 5% means that the average income of people in Napier has increased by 5% over the past year. A good growth rate of GDP per capita is generally considered to be 3% or higher.

Napier has a welcoming community 

One of the city’s most endearing qualities is undoubtedly its welcoming community. 

As part of the nationwide Welcoming Communities Programme, Napier has committed to creating a more inclusive environment for everyone. This initiative brings together local government councils and communities to foster a culture of welcome and inclusion, making cities more inviting for all residents, new and old.

But the welcoming spirit of Napier extends to its neighbourhoods as well. From small-town charm to preserving historic houses, the city offers an idyllic setting for residents to call home.  

Furthermore, Napier’s welcoming community is a testament to the city’s values. It reflects a collective commitment to kindness, respect, and inclusion—values that are fundamental to a harmonious and prosperous society.

Napier has plenty of outdoor recreation 

Napier offers everything from adrenaline-pumping adventures to peaceful escapes. These activities foster a healthy, active lifestyle while allowing residents to enjoy the city’s natural beauty. 

Here’s a glimpse of the outdoor activities Napier has in store for you if you come live here! 

Mohaka Rafting

Mohaka Rafting takes you on an unparalleled adventure experience right in Napier’s backyard due to its race against the wild on stunning river gorge and exhilarating white water rapids. 

They have trips suitable for all, from mild to wild, making it a perfect outing for families, thrill-seekers, and everyone in between. The rafting trips range from scenic half-day excursions to full-day grade 3 adventures. 

Their full-day grade 3 adventure features a mix of adrenaline-pumping rapids, stunning gorges, canyons, and a chance to leap off cliffs into the clear water below. The trip also includes visiting a gold mine, adding a unique historical touch to the outdoor experience.

Napier City Bike Hire

Napier is the perfect place to explore by bike. And thanks to Napier City Bike Hire & Tours, experiencing the city on two wheels has never been easier. 

There are many options to choose from, like Hawke’s Bay Winery Cycle Tours to E-bikes, Pathway Bikes and Cruisers, Tandems, and even Kids’ Bikes & Accessories. 

Their bike hire prices are accessible, starting from around just $20 for a 24-gear black bike. Electric bikes are available for hire at $60 for those seeking extra power.

Hawke’s Bay Trails

The Hawke’s Bay Trails encompasses nearly 200 kilometres of cycling and walking paths. The trails stretch from Bay View in the north to Cape Kidnappers in the South, taking in the cities of Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North along the way. 

One of the most popular routes is the trail from Ahuriri to Bay View. This 7km path is suitable for all recreational uses, including bikes and wheelchairs, making it a perfect outing for the whole family. 

Cycling is arguably the best way to enjoy the Hawke’s Bay Trails. The leisurely, off-road trails provide a safe and scenic route to explore the region’s vineyards, rivers, orchards, and mountains. 

But the trails aren’t just about cycling. They also offer excellent walking opportunities. The Cape Kidnappers Track, for instance, is a challenging yet rewarding hike that provides stunning views of the coastline. 

And since The Hawke’s Bay Trails are open all year round, you can take your time exploring each trail.

Ahuriri Estuary Walking Track

One of Napier’s lesser-known gems is the Ahuriri Estuary Walking Track, a haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Walking the Ahuriri Estuary is not only great exercise but also an interesting place to explore, thanks to the easy paths and wooden walkways over the wetlands. 

The Ahuriri Estuary Walking Track is a 3.0 km looped trail that starts and ends in Napier City. This easy loop track around the Ahuriri Wildlife Refuge is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family outing. 

The route includes gravel tracks, asphalt sections, and a charming boardwalk stretching out across the water for excellent viewing.

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