Napier

Napier is a town in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. The city of Napier is one of the best places to warm you up, thanks to its Mediterranean climate, affordable prices and the world's best-preserved collection of Art Deco architecture. With its laid-back population of 54,000, Napier is Hawke's Bay's largest city, and the jumping-off point for trips out to the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers as well as the barrel-load of world-class wineries on the surrounding plains. Having been almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, Napier was rebuilt in line with the current then modern styles. Art Deco was a palimpsest of early-twentieth-century design, combining elements of the Arts and Crafts movement, the Californian Spanish Mission style, Egyptian and Mayan motifs, stylized floral designs and even Maori imagery. When visiting Napier it is advisable to make your trip of the notable Art Deco points of interest, as this will also help you learn your way in the city. After this you will have the freedom to dive deeper in the city atmosphere or to explore the interesting surroundings of Napier. You can get a sense of Art Deco Napier by wandering along the half-dozen streets of the city center, notably Emerson Street. Worth special attention here is the ASB Bank, on the corner of Hastings Street. On Tennyson Street, look for the flamboyant Daily Telegraph building, with stylized fountains, and the Municipal Theater, built in the late 1930s in a strikingly geometric form. On a more fun side of things 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. Another landmark of Napier is Bluff Hill, which is home for many Napier residents and provides views of the town beaches of Perfume Point and Westshore, past the newly upgraded airport and out towards Whirinaki. Bluff Hill also overlooks the Port of Napier, one of New Zealand’s busiest ports, transporting timber, local fruit and meat products to worldwide destinations. And don't forget - there are tons more of attractions, activities and interesting places to see in the city of Napier, visit them and write here at HolidayStreets.com about their beauty and mystery!