Adventure

Behind the Scenes: Napier Port & Mainfreight Learning Adventure

(Bus leaves from) National Aquarium of New Zealand

Hawkes Bay

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1 Sep 2026, 10:00am–3:00pm

Tuesday, 10:00am to 3:00pm

$200 per person

Join us for a truly one-of-a-kind Learning Adventure that takes you deep behind the scenes of two of Hawke's Bay's most fascinating operations — Napier Port and the Mainfreight Hastings depot at Longlands.

Our day begins at Napier Port, one of New Zealand's busiest and most vital maritime hubs. Our guided bus tour will take you beyond the public eye and into the operational heart of the port, revealing the daily activities that keep Hawke's Bay connected to the world. You will be joined by a very special guide: Tony des Landes, a former 50-year port employee, local maritime historian, and regular cruise ambassador volunteer. Tony will share extraordinary insights into the port's rich history, its modern-day operations, and the remarkable rise of cruise tourism in Napier over the past three decades.

From the port, we will head to Madame Social on the Ahuriri waterfront for a spectacular shared lunch — the perfect setting to pause, connect, and enjoy vibrant modern Asian fusion cuisine overlooking the water.

Our afternoon takes us to the Mainfreight depot in Longlands, Hastings — one of the most forward-thinking logistics operations in the country. Here, Hastings Branch Manager John Mackay will personally guide us through the facility, revealing the live tracking technology, electric forklifts, and the sustainable design of the building itself — from water capture systems to energy-efficient construction. You will see how one of New Zealand's most iconic companies brings its values to life every single day, and how the Mainfreight culture of care — for its people, its community, and its environment — drives everything that happens inside this busy Hawke's Bay hub.

Please note: For safety and security reasons, attendees must remain on the bus for the duration of the port tour, and valid photo ID is required for port entry.

Limited to 20 people. Booking early is essential.

What to Expect:

Fascinating Access: A rare guided bus tour inside the secure areas of Napier Port, witnessing daily maritime operations up close.
Expert Insights: Learn from Tony des Landes, a maritime historian with 50 years of experience at the port.
Culinary Delight: A shared 'Express Business Lunch' at Madame Social, featuring vibrant modern Asian fusion cuisine on the Ahuriri waterfront.
Behind the Scenes at Mainfreight: A personal guided tour of the Mainfreight Hastings depot with Hastings Branch Manager John Mackay — live tracking data, electric forklifts, sustainable design, and the Mainfreight culture in action.
Meaningful Connection: An intimate group setting perfect for conversation, discovery, and connecting with fellow guests.

Secure your ticket today and prepare for a day of maritime history, logistics innovation, delicious food, and wonderful company.

We cater to most dietary requirements with prior notice. Please advise us of any allergies when booking on hello@heart.co.nz.

Date: Tuesday September 1st, 10am-3pm

Location:

Our bus leaves from The Napier Aquarium, onto Napier Port, then have lunch together with Tony at Madame Social.

About the expert

Tony des Landes

Tony des Landes is a true cornerstone of Napier’s maritime community. With a remarkable career spanning 50 years as an employee at Napier Port, Tony possesses an intimate and unparalleled understanding of the port's operations and evolution.

Beyond his professional tenure, Tony is a respected local maritime historian who has meticulously documented the port's history, including creating a comprehensive database of shipping movements dating back to 1880. He is also a regular cruise ambassador volunteer, uniquely placed to share the fascinating story of the rise of cruise tourism in Napier over the last 30 years.

Tony's deep passion for Hawke's Bay's maritime heritage, combined with his firsthand experience of the port's transformation into one of New Zealand's busiest hubs, makes him an exceptional and captivating guide for our Learning Adventure.