This important port in Hawke's Bay is named after the colonial administrator General Sir Charles Napier. The town was largely destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1931. In spite of the prevailing economic depression the town was rapidly rebuilt, and its previous neoclassical buildings gave way to art deco designs and the American Spanish mission style. The new buildings were claimed to be earthquake proof.
Skilled publicity, emphasizing the town's climate, its unique assemblage of art-deco and mission-style architecture and the varied scenic attractions of its hinterland, has made Napier (pop.
On the morning of February 3rd 1931 there was a severe earthquake in the region, shocks from which were felt as far away as Europe. Buildings in Napier and the neighboring town of Hastings were destroyed and 256 people lost their lives. The seabed in the Ahuriri Lagoon was thrust upwards and the town thus acquired more than 33 sq.km of extra land. This is now covered by pasture, various industrial installations, an airport and the districts of Marewa, Onekawa, Pirimai and Maraenui.
Napier suffered a devastating earthquake in 1931 which lead to the rebuilding of the town. Many of the new structures were completed in art-deco style. A guided Art Deco Walk is available for tourists.
To the north of the town center is Bluff Hill, on which are the Centennial Gardens and Bluff Hill Domain. From Bluff Hill Lookout (reached by way of Lighthouse Road) there are magnificent views; in good weather the prospect extends as far as the Mahia Peninsula to the northeast and Cape Kidnappers to the southeast.
The Hawke's Art Gallery Bay and Museum has a rich collection reflecting the culture and art on the east side of the North Island. Much space is also devoted to contemporary art. Particularly interesting is the audio-visual material on the earthquake and the subsequent rebuilding of the town, with many photographs and eyewitness accounts.
Address: Hawke's Bay Museum, 9 Herschell Street / 65 Marine Parade, Napier, Hawkes Bay , New Zealand
Hours:
10am-6pm
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Nocturnal Wildlife Centre maintains a variety of New Zealand animals that are active at night. In the Kiwi House visitors can see New Zealand's national bird, which is an endangered species.
In the gardens opposite the Hawk's Bay Art Gallery and Museum is a statue of Pania of the Reef, a mermaid-like figure who features in a Maori legend. Pania loved a man and lived with him on land, in spite of her family's appeals to her to return to the reef. One day when she swam out to visit them she was drawn down into the sea and was unable to return to her lover.
West of the town center, on the slopes of Hospital Hill, are the Botanical Gardens. Close by is Napier's cemetery, with a number of historic gravestones.
From the Hawke's Bay Museum the broad Tennyson Street runs into the town center, passing the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, whose roof fell in during a service on the day of the earthquake. It contains a small chapel dedicated to Bishop Bennett, the first Maori bishop, and the Maori politician Apirana Ngata.
Address: Napier Cathedral, Napier, Hawkes Bay , New Zealand
The War Memorial Hall commemorates those who fell in various military conflicts, particularly the first and second world wars. In front of the hall is the photogenic floral clock.
20km northwest of Napier, on the road to Taupo, is Eskdale Park, a popular destination for excursions. It lies in a beautiful valley with long-established woodland. There was fighting here in 1866 between settlers and Hauhau rebels.
40km north of Napier on Highway 2, situated on a lake (bird sanctuary), is the old sheep station of Tutira that was immortalized by the farmer and writer Herbert Guthrie-Smith (1861-1940) in his books. There is an attractive circuit of the area on the Tutira Walkway (9 km; steep in places).
Read More
Read Less
Read More
Art Deco Walk
Read More
Read Less
Napier
