Art Deco city
Published by Asya in Arts, Australia, Cruise, Cultural, Museums, New Zealand, Relaxing, UNESCO, Urban Tourism
Located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island in the Hawke’s Bay area, roughly 400 kilometers southeast of Auckland. Ten kilometres to the south lies Hasting, Napier’s twin city. The two are sometimes known in New Zealand as “The Twin Cities”. Napier is dotted with vineyards and orchards wrapped in some of the most gorgeous farmland you’ll ever see. Napier is also the “Art Deco” capital of the world. After a 1931 earthquake flattened the city, most of Napier was rebuilt in Art Deco style. Hence, the city has some of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the world. Every year on the third week of February, locals and visitors dress to the nines. Hundreds of spit-and-polish vintage autos cruise along Marine Drive, big band music wafts through the air, and laughter is everywhere. As of 2007, Napier has been nominated for UNESCO status, the first cultural site in New Zealand to be nominated.
The first European to see the future site of Napier was Captain James Cook, who sailed down the east coast in October 1769. He commented: “On each side of this bluff head is a low, narrow sand or stone beach, between these beaches and the mainland is a pretty large lake of salt water I suppose.” In October 1769 the bark “Endeavour”, captained by James Cook, sailed down the East Coast of the North Island on a voyage of discovery. As part of his meticulous charting of the unknown territory, Cook named the Bay in honour of Sir Edward Hawke, First Lord of the Admiralty. The actual Bay (the water) is Hawke Bay, and the the province (the land area) is Hawke’s Bay. Napier was declared a port of entry in 1855. The Royal Bride, 526 tons, from London under Captain Laker was wrecked at Napier on June 22nd 1863 two miles from the harbour entrance after dragging anchors. No lives were lost. She carried 24 assisted emigrants.
Napier is known as the Art Deco city, and is maintaining that title these days mainly because of the work of the Art Deco Trust. The buildings in this city have undergone massive reconstruction since the earthquake of 1931 which almost levelled the city. The rapid rebuilding, which occurred in the following few years after the earthquake saw the rise of the Art Deco city, was influenced by the art of that time. Without a doubt, Napier’s biggest attraction is the city itself, with marvelous architecture that offers visitors a look back in time. But The National Aquarium of New Zealand on Marine Parade is a Napier destination you wouldn’t want to miss. Opened in March 2002, it has a huge ocean tank with an observation tunnel and holds the most comprehensive collection of marine life in the country. The aquarium’s magnificent architecture resembles a stingray. Exhibits include kiwis, piranhas, crocodiles and every sea creature.
A great climate with day upon day of sunshine makes a year-round tourist destination and you will quickly feel relaxed as you wander through the streets amongst the splendour of the Art Deco buildings. Napier oozes fun and adventure and a visit to the attractions of Marine Parade is a must. Marine Parade overlooks the Pacific Ocean and out towards Cape Kidnappers, home to the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. A full day can be taken visiting Ocean Spa hot pools and swimming complex, the Hawke’s Bay Museum, the National Aquarium of New Zealand, or get splashed by the dolphins and seals at Marineland of New Zealand.
