There are few cities in the world that are as complete in one architectural style as Napier, New Zealand. Following a major earthquake in 1931, the city rebuilt completely in the style of the times, which happened to be Art Deco. Today, Napier is a major stop on tours of New Zealand because of this unique aspect.
Napier, New Zealand
Napier is located on the southeastern edge of Hawkes Bay, on the east coast of the North Island. It’s population is around 63,000, but it’s often paired with Hastings (10 miles away) and the combined population of this metro area is 133,000. Napier is one of New Zealand’s major ports; exports like grapes, wine, kiwi fruit, and wool leave the country through here.
Maori tribes lived here long before any settlers arrived. Captain Cook was one of the first whites to see Napier/Hawkes Bay. Soon after, settlers arrived and set up a small town. Like in most New Zealand cities, the first settlers were traders, whalers, and missionaries. Napier lies in a very low area and as a result has a lot of marsh land around it. This hampered development slightly.
In 1931, the above-mentioned earthquake levelled the city and nearby Hastings. Some of modern-day Napier was underwater until the earthquake; it uplifted nearly 1500 square kilometres of land. The city rebuilt the town centre in the Art Deco style, which was popular at the time. It wasn’t until the 1990s, though, that people recognised the importance of the city’s heritage and protected the town centre.
Did you know? South Beach, Miami, Florida and Napier, New Zealand are generally considered to be the two best preserved Art Deco towns.
What to do in Napier
Napier’s city centre is obviously one of the major attractions, and many companies offer excellent walking tours. Private tours are also available! If you’re staying in the city, walking around is a great way to explore. The ISite (New Zealand information) has self-guided walking tours. Some of the best buildings, though, require a car. For example, the famous National Tobacco Company building is in Ahuriri, which is about fifteen minutes from town. The National Aquarium is here in Napier, New Zealand, and is another popular attraction, as is the Marine Parade where is it located. The Pania of the Reef statue is much beloved by visitors, similar to the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark. You’ll spot her on the Marine Parade. Napier Prison is one of the few buildings to still show evidence of the 1931 earthquake.
Outside of Napier, the Hawkes Bay wine region is a big draw; several wineries host summer festivals and most have cellar doors open year round. There are also several honey tasting facilities, and if you like honey like I do, it’s a cool experience. Outdoor activities include Te Mata peak and the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony (accessible by guided tour at low tide only).
Where to stay in Napier, New Zealand
Napier has a lot of accommodation choices, from backpackers to luxury lodges. Most are slightly out of the city centre, although you can find ones near enough to walk around. The Scenic Hotel chain, a New Zealand staple, is right on Marine Parade. By far, the most luxurious accommodation is the Farm at Cape Kidnappers. It’s about 30 minutes from Napier at Cape Kidnappers and is one of the luxury lodges of New Zealand. It’s also a Virtuoso property, which means my clients enjoy little extra perks and benefits just for booking with me!
**
|| Auckland || Rotorua || Wellington || Nelson || Christchurch || Queenstown || Dunedin ||
