The Te Pania Hotel in Napier is across the road from the Marine Parade.  From your room, you will be able to hear the waves lapping at the shore as you sleep.  It is very relaxing.  Cleaner than any American hotel I've been to, Te Pania Hotel truly impressed me.  The staff were friendly, the bed was comfortable and the food was good.  My Kiwi boyfriend seemed somewhat less impressed, and the locals who live on the hill above don't like the fact that the shiny surface of the hotel, which is shaped like the curve of Hawke's Bay, reflects the sun and blinds them once a day.  Nevertheless, it's a nice place to stay.