Reluctantly leaving Paradise, we headed down East Cape to our next destination; the widely acclaimed, art deco capital of the world, Napier. 7 hours and 380km of beautiful coastel scenery later, we arrived with the claim to fame that we were in the first city in the world (Gisbourne) to see 5:32pm happen on 10th September!
We arrived in
Napier centre the next morning at 8am to start our self guided tour of the art deco buildings. 5 hours later we were both moved by what we had heard and spellbound by what we had seen.
A tremendous earthquake in 1931 killed over 250 people, still New Zealand's biggest natural disaster, and flattened Napier to the ground. Slowly the people of Napier rebuilt their city with pride and determination. In reflection of the period, fashion and their desire to create something bright and unique, the new city reflected the style of the times - art deco. The buildings are incredible and in every colour conceivable. In the afternoon, we admired the 'domestic deco' in Marewa housing area then took in a wine tour at
Church Road winery. Slightly tipsy, we managed to blow $20 on 3 bottles of wine then wondered into Napier to see the art deco fountains and buildings lit up in all their evening splendour. Off course, we managed to fit in a visit to the Governers Inn bar - to admire the art deco interior of course. Ahem.
Next day we headed south to Wellington, the capital despite being only the third biggest city in New Zealand, and where our North Island trip would come to an end.
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