napier & hastings

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Sadly missed by many international travellers, Napier is a wonderful place to visit - so great in fact that Napier should be avoided during New Zealand’s holiday periods due to the throngs of kiwi visitors drawn to the city and it’s surrounding area! Bathing in a Mediterranean climate and nestled idyllically on a superb coastal position Napier is the heart of one of the country’s premier wine-producing regions - the Hawkes Bay.

But what makes this town so unique? It’s friendly population, excellent restaurants, outstanding gardens and the incredible atmosphere created by its architectural heritage. Napier and neighbouring towns were devastated by a major earthquake and fire in 1931 resulting in frantic reconstruction of the city in a period regarded as the peak of the Art Deco era. Internationally recognised as representing the most complete and significant group of Art Deco buildings in the world, the city promotes walks and scenic drives with guided tours and walking-tour leaflets. Fancy dress dinners and balls are held during the annual Art Deco weekend held in February attracting visitors from around the country and the globe.

The Daily Telegraph Building is one of the finest examples of Art Deco in the city, and with numerous restored buildings in a concentrated area the city’s streets provide a colourful spread of visual delights for all, even those least interested in architecture! Some of the most striking examples include the Municipal Theatre, the Desco Centre, the clock tower, the Soundshell, the Esprit Buildings to name a few. The majestic Masonic Hotel graces the corner of Tennyson Street and the beautiful Marine Parade, almost announcing your arrival into the 1930’s - you’ll find great coffee there too! Although many shop fronts have been modified, looking up to the second floor of the buildings in Emerson Street will allow you to see the fine Art Deco detail such as zigzags, lightning flashes, rising suns and geometric shapes. The neighbouring streets exhibit a fine collection of buildings, all different shapes, sizes and colours. Well-established antique and curio shops are scattered around the town centre ensuring that every walking tour is a treasure hunt for all to enjoy!

Reminiscent of an old English seaside resort, the Marine Parade is lined with large Norfolk pines and some exceptional wooden buildings that managed to survive the quake. Complete with pebble beach, (although too hazardous for swimming), the ‘Parade’ has a collection of amusements including mini-golf, swimming pools, roller blading rink, bumper boats and miniature racing cars. For less action, visit the famous statue ‘Pania of the Reef’ and the sunken gardens. Marineland is New Zealand’s only marine zoo and wildlife centre. It provides a temporary home to seals, dolphins and blue penguins that have been rescued from the wild requiring treatment and rehabilitation. Some of the older ‘residents’ still enjoy performing daily, entertaining visitors with exceptional agility and humorous tricks - kids love it! You may choose to feed and touch the dolphins, and even swim with them in the safety of the pool - what a wonderful opportunity! Further down the Parade, the Hawkes Bay Aquarium has sharks, crocodiles, piranha, turtles and other animals including the native tuatara. A highlight would be daily feeding time when divers swim with the sharks in the main tank.

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