The road to Napier takes you through never ending fields of wheat and barley, where the endangered Blue Crane can often be seen gathered together in large flocks. Napier is situated under the Soetmuisberg, surrounded by wheat and barley fields, near the southern-most region of Africa, the Overberg.

Napier is known as a village with the old world charm. Century old cottages blend with modern houses resulting in a delightful rural atmosphere. Napier was established in 1838, through a dispute between two neighbours, Michiel van Breda & Pieter Voltelyn van der Byl, over the location of the community church. This resulted in the creation of two churches in two separate towns, Napier and Bredasdorp.

Napier was named after the then Governor of the Cape, Sir George Thomas Napier. At the turn of the century miners searched for gold on the farm Hansiesrivier. The Napier Gold Mining Company was established, shares were issued but it had a very short existence. At present the town has a population of roundabout 3 000 and possesses a substantial Dutch Reformed Church and along the main road you will find restaurants, galleries and a host of interesting collector's shops including the Toy Museum. Napier is also home to the southernmost brewery in Africa on cnr of Station and Monsanto Road. The Grootberg hiking trail is a unique opportunity for the hiker to see a large variety of fynbos species and birds along a clearly marked route around the summit of the Grootberg.

Napier's Dutch Reformed Church has rather unusual architecture built in the form of a Greek cross with teak interior and a beautiful pipe organ. One of the first buildings in Napier, the Feeshuis, was restored in 1988 to celebrate the town's 150th anniversary. The Feeshuis was first used as slave quarters during 1810 - 1820 and then as a wine cellar.

Other interesting historical structures are the Kakebeenwa monument commemorating the Ossewa Trek and the watermill and sundial at the municipal offices. Annual events include a "Patatfees" (Sweet Potato Festival) which is held every June and "The toughest race, with the warmest heart" - The Caltex Voet Van Afrika Marathon (commonly known as The Voet) is held in October as well as the new Napier Caberet Festival.