Napier, NZ

 

The harbor at Napier is notoriously difficult to enter.  There is a very small opening and its tricky to get it right.  We looked out and saw the tugs already getting into place to guide us into our dock. Our port stop today is short, only 5 hours. We won’t have much time to see the sights and try to find a wine tasting.

Napier is often referred to as “the Nice of Pacific” It has an interesting history. In 1931 a devastating earthquake razed the city. What didn’t fall down from the quake,burnt down in the fire following the quake. There was great loss of life and the centre of town was destroyed along with many homes.  Due to the time period in history and the rush to rebuild the city, the architecture of the time was Art Deco. In 2007 Napier was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has not received that designation, however it is acknowledged that along with South Beach, Miami Florida it is considered the best preserved examples of Art Deco in the world. Sit back and enjoy the pictures I took…can’t really give great descriptions but they are great examples of the architecture.

These houses are called “the six sisters” they were built for six sisters originally

One is under restoration

My favorite building ! The national tobacco company operated here.

Louis Hay one of the architects chosen to quickly get Napier up and running again after the quake designed this building

Of course ther is more to Napier than jus Art Deco style.  The number of unique designs is endless. It must be fun to be an architect here!

Definitely NOT Art Deco, but interesting all the same!

When Al and I visited Napier years ago, we stayed in a bed and breakfast that was cozy and overlooked the ocean. It was nice to see it is still open although it has a new name and owner.

And finally: 

Tomorrow we visit Wellington!