Napier

Napier the main city of the Hawkes Bay region is commonly known as the Art Deco city of the New Zealand. Like Hawkes Bay, Napier receives fine share of sunshine each year. Although the city has lot to offer but the city biggest crowd puller is the Art Deco buildings and exceptional architecture. Napier is strong contender to challenge Miami for the title of ‘Art Deco Capital of the World’. Napier has lot to offer and there are numerous examples of unique style around the city center.

Long before Napier was occupied by Maoris as they found peace in place with abundance of food and favorable weather. The outlook of Napier changed drastically after the devastating earthquake in 1931. The earthquake shattered the city completely; Napier was then redesigned in the Art Deco style. It was then the city got an absolute facelift. The Art Deco and architecture is now the major tourist attraction in Napier.

The awesome architecture of Napier city resembles more like a movie set. Locals and visitors alike can be seen capturing the fascinating architecture of the Art Deco around the city into their camera screens. People buy souvenirs of Art Deco grab during the Art Deco Weekend celebrated in February every year in Napier. Visitors especially children get excited to see ‘Bertie’ a popular character in Napier streets. Bertie is the official ambassador of Art Deco and quite often pops up during the guided walks by Art Deco Trust. Some of the must visited Art Deco buildings in Napier are National Tobacco Company in Ahuriri, The Daily Telegraph building, residents of Marewa and Taradale’s Mc Donald’s Mc Deco, they are considered to be the only two Art Deco Mc Donald statues in the world. There are many Art Deco guided tours, to explore the sight and sounds of the place on your own. The guided tours have the option of taking you to downtown of Napier, Hastings and Havelock.

Napier makes a good base for exploring the wineries of the region, which are located on a short distance from the main city. Napier is located in the oldest wine growing region of the country. Tourists to the region experience the savoring taste of wine with the extensive array of food.

Napier offers superb shopping experience, with an amazing mix of art and culture; the shopping centers are always bustling with activity. The stores and boutiques in Napier showcase a range of fashion clothing, jewellery, quality books and antiques. The cultural displays offer endless options of art and crafts, contemporary paintings, hand crafted pieces, depicting the true spirit of lifestyle in Napier.

Marineland in Napier is the only marine zoo of the New Zealand. It offers unique and exciting marine adventure and fun for the whole family. Stroll through the National Aquarium or visit to the Seahorse Farm is an ultimate underwater experience for the visitors to the place.