If you need to know anything about the ports of call on your cruise, where the ship berths, how you find your guide and
tour vehicle, what transport options there are, then this page is where you need to look.
If you have any information that you think would be useful for fellow passengers please let us
know and we will try and incorporate it. If you notice any errors or omissions please advise us. |
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Napier is the main town in the Hawkes Bay region, famous for its Art Deco architecture and wineries. Napier was the
site of one of New Zealands largest and most destructive earthquakes in recent history, the town being almost totally destroyed in 1931. Rebuilt in the then current style, Napier claims to
have the largest number of preserved Art Deco buildings in the world. Each February, the town really turns on the style with its intetrnationaly renowned Art Deco Festival, if you are lucky
enough to visit during this event you will certainly be impressed. |
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Napier is a busy working commercial port. Passengers are not able to walk from the ship but must take the
shuttle buses to the port gates or city unless they have a pre-arranged tour or transport. Passengers with pre booked tours will be advised if the tour guide and vehicle will be allowed access to
the port. This is the usual plan for Mount Classics Tours. In this case the guide and vehicle should be located close to the base of the gangway, if you can not locate them easily ask a member of
the port security staff for assistance. The guide will be holding a Mount Classics name board, either with the Tour Name or your own name clearly shown, a copy of this sign will have been
sent to you with your booking confirmation so you can easily identify it.
Passengers are not allowed to exit the port parking area adjacent to ship unless in a vehicle, you will also need
your ship and photo ID to get back through security on the return. Mount Classics tours will usually transfer you back to the ships gangway at the end of the tour unless you request an
alternative drop point, such as the city centre if you want to do some shopping or have only a half day tour booked. |
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Local buses can be found close to the information centre on Marine Parade in the city centre. |
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As the ships berths in the centre of a large commercial port, you are not allowed to walk from the ship out of
the port. Instead you will need to take one of the shuttle buses arranged by the ship, for some ships this is a free service, for others there is a small charge. The shuttle buses
drop you in the centre of town outside the Information office [I-Site]. |
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Taxis in New Zealand are strictly regulated, like all passenger transport, and can usually be found close to
the ship in their designated ranks. Taxis can not refuse a fare if asked and can not charge more than the fee shown on the taxi meter which must be switched on once the journey begins. Some taxis
also accept payment by credit card, but not all, so its best to check before starting the journey. Taxis can be booked at the I-Site on Marine Parade. |
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The Information office [I-Site] is located in the centre of town on the waterfront on Marine Parade. You
can also book any Mount Classics tours for subsequent ports of call here as well. |
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The emergency number in New Zealand is 111 [though 911 also works]. The dialing code for international
calls is 00, followed by the country code. The local area code is 06 which need not be dialed for local calls. Low cost phone cards can be purchased from the I-Site offices and at
many other retail outlets. |
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There are a good selection of shops in Napiers busy city centre, check out Art Deco Heritage centre for some of
the iconic styles of that era. |
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Enjoy a walk along the waterfront, the Promenade, or venture up Bluff Hill overlooking the city centre for a
great view. Join one of the short guided Art Deco walks which run daily, to see and learn about the history of this beautiful city. These can be booked at the I-Site or at the Art
Deco Centre in town. |
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