The warm climate and seaside setting make Napier a popular holidaying centre. Known for European-styled art deco buildings, Napier is only a short drive from Hastings. Together they combine to create the core of the Hawke’s Bay region.
The high number of sunshine hours also makes this region one of the best horticultural and agricultural areas in the country and, as such, it has a heavy focus on primary food processing. Other industrial sectors are also strong and help to balance the regional economy. These include forestry and wood processing, engineering and technologies, finance and business services, and retailing.
Tourism is growing strongly, largely due to the efforts of the regions vineyards and wine makers who have made the Hawkes Bay one of the country’s leading wine producing areas.