Marine Parade Coastal Promenade Walk
Stroll the iconic Marine Parade from the city centre to Perfume Point, lined with Norfolk pines, gardens, and Hawke's Bay sea views.
- 1
Napier Soundshell
The Art Deco soundshell marks the start of the Marine Parade promenade — the wide seaside boulevard is one of New Zealand's most recognisable streetscapes.
- 2
Pania of the Reef Statue
The bronze statue of Pania, a figure from local Māori legend who was lured from the sea by love, has stood watch over Hawke's Bay since 1954.
- 3
Marine Parade Gardens
Beautiful formal gardens stretch along the parade, with sunken rose gardens, lily ponds, and the distinctive silhouettes of the Norfolk pine avenue.
- 4
National Aquarium of New Zealand
The aquarium houses tuatara, kiwi, sharks, and a living kelp forest, and is the departure point for some of New Zealand's best shark-dive experiences.
- 5
Hawke's Bay Shingle Beach
The beach below the parade is a steep shingle bank — gannets from the Cape Kidnappers colony are sometimes visible fishing offshore in spectacular plunge-dives.
- 6
Perfume Point
The northern point of Marine Parade offers views back along the entire foreshore — named for a former sewage works, now a pleasant open headland.