1084-1084 Travel Guide

The National Aquarium of New Zealand sits on Marine Parade in Napier and is one of Hawke's Bay's main indoor marine attractions. Its galleries cover ocean, freshwater and native species, with the walk-through underwater tunnel the highlight — sharks, eagle rays and schools of reef fish glide overhead. There are also displays of little blue penguins and kiwi, and the facility takes part in rescuing and breeding injured wildlife. Being indoors, it is especially good for families when the weather turns. It sits right beside Napier's waterfront, so it pairs well with the Marine Parade walkway, fountains and the Art Deco quarter.

Pania of the Reef is a bronze statue on Napier's seafront, drawn from the Māori legend of Pania, a part-human, part-fish maiden — hailed as 'New Zealand's Little Mermaid'. Standing on Marine Parade against a city famed for Art Deco rebuilt after earthquake, it is the seaside symbol every visitor photographs. Beside it, a seafront garden and ferris wheel make it both landmark and family stroll's end.