"NAPIER where the sun shines most of the time" Napier by kiwi

Napier Travel Guide: 240 reviews and 491 photos

Masonic Hotel on Napier waterfront - Napier

Art Deco centre of the world!!

On 3 February 1931 around 10am the city of Napier was rocked by a large earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale. Every building was flattened and the area looked like it had been mass bombed. The quake was relatively shallow, approx 16 kms below the surface. It lasted 2.5 minutes and produced 150 or so after shocks in the following 12 hours.
The building depicted here was designed by Louis Hay in the Chicago School style of architecture. Incorporating Art Nouveau and Ard Deco features, it has an impressive brass banister , ornate lamps and a marble foyer.

A bygone era

As a result of the devastation caused by this event, the whole city was rebuilt in the Art Deco and Spanish Mission styles. Not many cities get to rebuild entirely and therefore in one or two styles, making Napier quite unique.

Pros and Cons

Pros:An amazing collection of Art Deco buildings, and a wonderful seaside town.
Cons:Takes a while to get there.
In a nutshell:Paradise, wonderful climate, hidden treasure.

Last visit to Napier: Nov 2011
Intro Updated Nov 6, 2011
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Reviews (4)

Make your own night time activities. Nightlife (1)

I'm sure there are bars and places to go at night, and of course there are restaurants. But we really enjoyed walking... more travel advice

Take a drive and explore. Off The Beaten Path (2)

You'll need to rent a car, or find someone to drive you, but this short journey is worth it. Venture south from Napier,... more travel advice

Maori Heritage in Napier. Off The Beaten Path (2)

Napier has a lot of Maori heritage, this statue depicts 'Pania', a figure from Maori folklore. This is on the... more travel advice

Anatoles. Restaurants (1)

Lovely old restored building. Really nice furniture and setting. French toast off the Breakfast menu!! more travel advice

Travelogues (3)

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Comments (9)

Redang Mar 12, 2012 at 12:10 AM Report Abuse

So, you saw SW here?, my anthipodes, btw!
Goner Jan 30, 2004 at 10:36 PM Report Abuse

What a fun thing to do! Enjoyed the account of your trip.
centralqldcoast Jan 2, 2004 at 8:36 PM Report Abuse

Yeah Howdy. My name is GOSSY BURTON. JOSEPHINE KONA BURTON. THANK GOD I WAS AQUITTED IN AUSTRALIA OTHERWISE I WOULDNT BE IN BEAUTIFUL NAPIER
mikecj Dec 4, 2003 at 8:02 AM Report Abuse

Great travelouge. I am very homesick for Hawkes Bay now!
TomorrowsAngel Aug 18, 2003 at 10:25 PM Report Abuse

Hey Pam. Thanks for your comment on my Oamaru page. Heading to Napier in December. Very helpful tips here for me! Thanks Bec :-)
Alphons May 19, 2003 at 8:27 PM Report Abuse

great page with nice pictures, brings back memories, it was a nice rally i think, greetings Alphons...
TinKan May 1, 2003 at 6:44 PM Report Abuse

Way cool page and pictures in the travelogues. I wish the US had some road rallies. The dolphin pics are very nice. Looks like it was a fun weekend.
MEdelmann Feb 25, 2003 at 11:56 AM Report Abuse

Very nice page and some good infos. Love the travelogues!
craic Feb 1, 2003 at 10:04 AM Report Abuse

My mother lived in Napier as a girl. I always get nervous going there in case it has another big one! But it is very beautiful.