Behind the Scenes: Napier Port & Mainfreight Learning Adventure

Have you ever driven past Napier Port or watched trucks moving through Hawke's Bay and wondered what really happens behind the scenes?
Every day, thousands of tonnes of cargo, products and supplies move through systems most of us rarely get to see.
Yet these operations quietly keep our region connected to New Zealand and the rest of the world.
This is a rare opportunity to step behind the gates and discover two of Hawke's Bay's most fascinating and important operations.
Join us for a special Learning Adventure that takes you inside Napier Port and Mainfreight Hastings, guided by people who know these organisations better than almost anyone.
Our day begins with an exclusive guided tour of Napier Port, one of New Zealand's busiest maritime hubs. You'll hear stories of the port's history, watch the operation in action, and gain a new appreciation for the scale and complexity of what happens there every day.
After the port tour, we'll gather for a relaxed waterfront lunch at Madame Social in Ahuriri — a chance to enjoy great food, good conversation and wonderful company.
In the afternoon, we'll head to Mainfreight's Hastings depot for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the country's most innovative logistics operations. From live freight tracking and electric forklifts to sustainable building design and workplace culture, you'll discover what makes this Hawke's Bay business such a success.
Along the way, you'll meet interesting people, hear remarkable stories and see parts of the region that most people never get access to.
Meet Our Guides 🎤
Tony des Landes spent more than 50 years working at Napier Port and is one of Hawke's Bay's leading maritime historians. His knowledge of the port, its history and its role in shaping the region is unmatched.
John Mackay is Hastings Branch Manager at Mainfreight and brings deep insight into the day-to-day operations, innovation and culture that have helped make Mainfreight one of New Zealand's most respected companies.
What We'll Explore
• A rare behind-the-scenes tour of Napier Port
• The history and evolution of Hawke's Bay's maritime industry
• How goods move through New Zealand's supply chains
• Innovation, sustainability and culture at Mainfreight
• The people, stories and systems that keep our region connected

📍 Location: Bus departs from The National Aquarium of New Zealand, Napier
📅 Date: Tuesday 1 September 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
☕ Refreshments: Lunch at Madame Social included
🎟️ Tickets: $200 per person
👥 Hosted by Love Heart
Warm, welcoming learning experiences designed for people who enjoy discovering new ideas and meeting interesting people.