Bluff Hill, Napier Central, Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, Napier
Napier Hill is a large limestone outcrop which is surrounded by the city of Napier. Prior to the earthquake in 1931, the hill was surrounded by water but today it towers over the city with numerous residential dwellings dotted along a labyrinth of narrow streets.
The Bluff Hill Domain is located on the north eastern section with a popular walkway that takes you to a fabulous lookout point over the Port of Napier. The old Napier prison is housed in this section and has become a historic attraction.
The western end known as Hospital Hill houses the now derelict Napier Hospital which closed in 1998.
Products and specialities
Hill
Park
Walkways
Reviews
Once known as Scinde Island when the landmark was surrounded by water Napier Hill can be seen looming in the distance from all over Hawke’s Bay. The big hill takes on the names of Bluff Hill, Hospital Hill and Napier Hill. A journey through the steep streets is an architectural history of the city, from 18th century fisherman’s cottages, Edwardian and Victorian villas, Spanish Mission and Art Deco homes to modern construction and the interesting and ghostly old Napier Cemetery and Botanical Gardens.
Something I love about living with Bluff Hill on my doorstep is I get quick and easy access to a regular climb to start the day. Napier Hill is a hot-bed for places to beat out a step. Stairs and walkways criss-cross the steeply creased valleys and slopes, where it’s just too sheer for roads to interconnect. The area was once known as Scinde Island having been surrounded by water. Just google Napier Steps and along with a map of them all, thanks to Napier City Council, you’ll also get a wealth of information. Don’t get confused about the identities of Bluff Hill, Hospital Hill or Napier Hill – they’re effectively one and the same.
