"Art Deco capital of New Zealand" Top 5 Page for this destination Napier by worldkiwi

Napier Travel Guide: 198 reviews and 522 photos

The fountain on Marine Parade at night. - Napier

Napier is a small city on the east coast of New Zealand. It is the main centre for the Hawkes Bay Region. The city is famous for its Art Deco architecture, which is a result of a rather tragic event. In February 1931, a massive earthquake hit the Hawkes Bay and destroyed Napier's city centre and the lives of over 200 people. Following the earthquake, the city centre was reconstructed in the fashion of the times and thankfully today the architectural heritage of that time has been preserved, even if it isn't at street level in the main shopping area. Just look up and you will see what Napier has become famous for.
Napier and the wider Hawkes Bay Region has a sunny and dry climate and is a reknown wine growing area. Napier has a number of interesting sights and a relaxed urban feel, that make it well worth a few days on any itinerary.

Highlights of Napier.

Marine Parade's attractive seafront garden.

Make sure you do/see the following while in Napier.
1. Stroll along Marine Parade (the picture-perfect seafront avenue in the city).
2. Explore the city centre's art deco streets.
3. Visit the National Aquarium and be enchanted by the sea-turtles.
4. Visit the Napier Museum on Marine Parade.
5. Sit in a street front cafe and sip coffee.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A laid back city and good base for exploring the region.
Cons:The main beach is too dangerous to swim at (currents and sharp incline)
In a nutshell:A city I would love to spend more time in!

Last visit to Napier: Apr 2006
Intro Updated Apr 8, 2006
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (10)

Affordable accommodation in Westshore. Hotels (1)

I stayed here with three friends during a long weekend get-away to Napier and the Hawkes Bay region in April 2006. The... more travel advice

Napier's high street. Shopping (1)

Emerson Street is the main road of Napier (high street in UK terms), although it's less a road than a pedestrian... more travel advice

Make the I-site office your first stop. Favorites (1)

The I-site office should be one of your first stops in Napier. Just across Marine Parade from the iconic A&B Building,... more travel advice

Panorama from Bluff Hill. Off The Beaten Path (1)

If you have your own transport, you should be able to make your way through the winding streets of Bluff Hill, to the... more travel advice

Things to Do (4)
See All Visit the National Aquarium.

Restaurants (2)
See All A nice spot for breakfast.

Travelogues (1)

Written Apr 8, 2006

4 photos

Some pictures of Art Deco architecture in Napier.

1 - 1 of 1

Comments (2)

Reply
- Report abuse
Bwana_Brown Jun 28, 2007 at 11:55 AM

A beautiful little seaside town, just my kind of place! I knew a Kiwi from Napier when I was working in Papua New Guinea. He and his wife would let me bunk at their home when I went to the Highlands and we kept in touch for years later!
Reply
- Report abuse
frankcanfly Apr 4, 2006 at 2:38 AM

A great start! I enjoyed my brief visit here to Napier...