Welcome to Napier, a stunning city located in theHawke’s Bay region of NewZealand’s North Island. Napier is a twin city, part of a pair of cities known as “The Bay Cities”, the other being nearby Hastings. Although it would appear a little off the beaten track, there is plenty for visitors in this little corner of NewZealand.
Napier is a town with an interesting history. In 1931, a catastrophic earthquake rocked the Hawke's Bay region and lasted for more than three minutes, decimating the town and killing almost 260 people. The project to rebuild began almost immediately, with new buildings reflecting the architectural style of the time, which was Art Deco.
Today, Napier is a sunny town, with a charismatic centre that is often likened to a film set. The city has an affluent seaside resort atmosphere, which is complemented by its old school Art Deco aesthetic. One could well be on Long Island with the great Mr Gasby, enjoying a summer in the Roaring Twenties, such is the vibe and aesthetic that surrounds Napier.
Linger a while in town and its surrounds and you’ll discover some of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets, from exquisite restaurants, to award-winning wineries.
Begin with a Walking Tour
Napier’s movie set good looks are best explored on foot. You can grab a map from the Art Deco Trust and take a self-guided tour, or you can join one of the guided walks around the city that take place every day.
Napier is home to many fabulous restaurants, bars and cafes. The boutique shops here are great, as is the street art collection which can be seen on the magnificent murals painted on more than 50 walls around the city. Grab a map and walk or ride around the city to see them up close.
Experience the Glitz and Glamour of Times Past
Every February, Napier pulls out all the stops to celebrate its heritage with the Art Deco Festival – a suitably stylish affair that toasts all things 1930s, with vintage cars, fashion and music taking over the city for a nostalgic extravaganza.
Explore the MTG (Museum Theatre Gallery)
The MTG is the cultural heart of Napier, housed in a stunning building that mixes art deco with beautiful modernist style, and includes a light-filled gallery that looks out across the ocean. The gallery’s collection is curated in a way that tells the story of the local area, including the 1931 earthquake that devastated the city. It celebrates the resulting legacy and the art deco architecture that has made the city famous. The space also plays host to live performances, film screenings and regularly changing exhibitions of local and international interest.
Taste World-Class Wine
Napier and the surrounding Hawke’s Bay region is also famous for producing world-class wine. With over 200 kilometres of relatively flat biking trails, you can leave the rental car behind and explore the wineries, either on your own, or as part of an organised tour.
There is so much to see and do in Napier, we’ve only scratched the surface. Start planning your own adventure today.
