THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Explore Napier’s striking Art Deco architecture, then taste small‑batch gins in the restored Old National Tobacco Building. This three‑hour guided tour blends local history with hands‑on distilling insights and a scenic drive through historic streets.
Explore Napier’s striking Art Deco architecture, then taste small‑batch gins in the restored Old National Tobacco Building. This three‑hour guided tour blends local history with hands‑on distilling insights and a scenic drive through historic streets.
You step off the air‑conditioned minivan into a sunlit street of clean lines and chrome—Napier’s Art Deco facades catch the light like polished instruments. The guide gestures up at geometric cornices and curved parapets, and the city’s 1931 earthquake becomes tangible: an urban phoenix built fast, with confident stylistic choices that still define the town.
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Operated by Mates travel · Napier, Hawke's Bay
You step off the air‑conditioned minivan into a sunlit street of clean lines and chrome—Napier’s Art Deco facades catch the light like polished instruments. The guide gestures up at geometric cornices and curved parapets, and the city’s 1931 earthquake becomes tangible: an urban phoenix built fast, with confident stylistic choices that still define the town.
The route threads through streets where concrete and terrazzo replaced timber after the quake, a practical response that gave rise to one of the world’s most complete Art Deco precincts. Beyond architecture, the Hawke’s Bay lays flat here—sheltered coastal plains backed by low hills—soil and climate that later helped spawn a local culture skilled in fruit, wine and now craft spirits. The Old National Tobacco Building, an industrial landmark turned distillery, anchors the second half of the tour: high ceilings, brick and timber framing repurposed for copper stills and tasting benches.
At the distillery, expect a short walkthrough of the production line, small‑batch tasting flights of gin, and clear explanations of botanicals, yeast choices and water sources. Conversations range from technical (botanical infusion and cut points) to cultural (how Hawke’s Bay’s fruit and viticulture trends influence spirit making).
Practical notes: the tour runs about three hours, suitable for most fitness levels, and includes a relaxed scenic drive back through historic streets. Bring photo ID for tastings, book ahead for small groups, and plan for easy walking and photography stops—late afternoon light is best for façade details.
The tour lasts approximately three hours and includes a driving heritage tour, distillery visit with tastings, and a scenic return drive.
Yes—private, air‑conditioned transport is included for the shared group tour.
Yes—a guided tasting flight of the distillery’s spirits is included; participants must be 18+ and present ID.
The tour is labeled physically easy and accessible for strollers; however, there is standing during tastings and short walks—contact the operator to confirm specific accessibility needs.
Mates travel operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step off the air‑conditioned minivan into a sunlit street of clean lines and chrome—Napier’s Art Deco facades catch the light like polished instruments. The guide gestures up at geometric cornices and curved parapets, and the city’s 1931 earthquake becomes tangible: an urban phoenix built fast, with confident stylistic choices that still define the town.
You step off the air‑conditioned minivan into a sunlit street of clean lines and chrome—Napier’s Art Deco facades catch the light like polished instruments. The guide gestures up at geometric cornices and curved parapets, and the city’s 1931 earthquake becomes tangible: an urban phoenix built fast, with confident stylistic choices that still define the town.
The route threads through streets where concrete and terrazzo replaced timber after the quake, a practical response that gave rise to one of the world’s most complete Art Deco precincts. Beyond architecture, the Hawke’s Bay lays flat here—sheltered coastal plains backed by low hills—soil and climate that later helped spawn a local culture skilled in fruit, wine and now craft spirits. The Old National Tobacco Building, an industrial landmark turned distillery, anchors the second half of the tour: high ceilings, brick and timber framing repurposed for copper stills and tasting benches.
At the distillery, expect a short walkthrough of the production line, small‑batch tasting flights of gin, and clear explanations of botanicals, yeast choices and water sources. Conversations range from technical (botanical infusion and cut points) to cultural (how Hawke’s Bay’s fruit and viticulture trends influence spirit making).
Practical notes: the tour runs about three hours, suitable for most fitness levels, and includes a relaxed scenic drive back through historic streets. Bring photo ID for tastings, book ahead for small groups, and plan for easy walking and photography stops—late afternoon light is best for façade details.