Napier

Napier in New Zealand is the most consistently Art Deco city in the world, due to being largely rebuilt in the 1930s following a devastating earthquake in 1931. It is in Hawke's Bay, on the sunny east coast of the North Island.

Understand
At 10:47 AM on 3 February 1931, Napier and the wider Hawke's Bay was struck by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake. The quake and subsequent fire killed 256 people and destroyed much of the central business district. The demolition rubble was dumped along the eastern foreshore and turned into gardens and a recreational reserve.

After the earthquake, the CBD and other areas were rebuilt in the Art Deco styles prevailing at the time. Today, Napier is billed as "the Art Deco capital of the world", with over 100 Art Deco buildings in the CBD alone, most of which have been restored and heritage-listed.

The earthquake raised the land by several metres, draining the Ahuriri Lagoon. The airport, the surrounding farmland, and the modern-day suburbs of Onekawa, Pandora, Pirimai and Tamatea all sit on the reclaimed land. Some streets still have the names they had when they were on the coastline – streets called a "quay" or a "bay" may be inland now.

The suburb of Taradale, a separate town until 1968, has the region's oldest and most famous wineries, which host concerts during summer.
 * Napier City Council website
 * Napier City Council website

By car
Napier lies on State Highway 2, which passes through the centre of Napier just outside the downtown area. State Highway 50 crosses the city from the Port to Taradale before continuing south.

From Taupō and most destinations north, take State Highway 5 (Napier-Taupo Road) east from Taupō. The highway terminates onto State Highway 2 at Eskdale, 14 km north of central Napier. There are two EV charging stations on the way from Taupō, but no fuel stations, so be sure you have at least 150 km worth of fuel before leaving Taupō.

Distances and travel times to Napier (times are non-stop in typical traffic, so allow additional time for breaks and delays on longer trips):
 * Auckland – 420 km, 5hr
 * Hamilton – 295 km, 3hr 30min
 * Taupo – 145 km, 1hr 45min
 * Hastings – 21 km; 25min
 * Palmerston North – 180 km, 2hr 15min
 * Wellington – 320 km, 4hr

By bus
National bus operator InterCity provides daily services in and out with connections throughout the North Island. Fares start from $1 and can be purchased online or via numerous local ticketing agents including the i-SITE information network. Services arrive and depart from 12 Carlyle St, beside Clive Sq.

The Hawke's Bay Regional Council runs a public bus service between Hastings and Napier via Taradale every 20 to 30 minutes on weekdays, hourly on Saturday and two-hourly on Sunday. Catch the number 12 bus from outside the public library in each city; adult single fares cost $5.40.

By plane
Hawke's Bay Airport is located 6 km north-west of the city centre, off State Highway 2. Air New Zealand Link operates daily flights to Hawke's Bay from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Air Napier flies from Gisborne. Sunair flies from Wairoa, Gisborne and Tauranga. There are two cafes in the terminal – they close at 6PM, so don't cater to evening flyers.

Get around

 * Taxi. Taxis are relatively inexpensive and can take you anywhere, anytime.
 * Bus. The public buses cover Napier and run to Hastings and Havelock North as well. Services are not very frequent, so it pays to check the timetable in advance. Information regarding fares, zones and timetables can be found on the goBay website.

See




Do

 * Art Deco Festival. A five-day festival in February celebrating the Art Deco era of the 1920s and 1930s. Dress up and eat at one of the picnics around the city, watch the soapbox derby, admire the vintage cars or attend some of the other 250 events. Book your accommodation up to a year in advance for the festival.
 * Food and wine tours. Meet like-minded people and share an appreciation of Hawke's Bay's wines. Taste great wines and learn of the area's unique growing conditions. Cheese boards are provided on all tours. Take home great tasting wines and memories. Grape Escape. Depart Napier 1PM, return 5PM. Visit 4 or 5 local wineries. Tour includes tasting Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and other wines. Some of New Zealand's finest cheeses matched with wine. Walk amongst the vines and learn about terroir. Winery tour can be arranged if requested when booking. Tours start half an hour earlier for those who request a winery lunch.
 * Spend a day at the beach. The golden sanded beaches of Waimarama and Ocean Beach are approximately 30 min south of Napier by car and are local retreats in the summer months. These long sandy beaches cater for surfing, fishing, and long walks to check out the native habitat.
 * Spend a day at the beach. The golden sanded beaches of Waimarama and Ocean Beach are approximately 30 min south of Napier by car and are local retreats in the summer months. These long sandy beaches cater for surfing, fishing, and long walks to check out the native habitat.

Buy
The main shopping areas are along Emerson Street, Dickens Street and in the nearby suburb of Taradale. As well as the usual franchise stores seen across most of New Zealand, a handful of independent stores are in the city centre.



Drink
Atmospheric West Quay, beside the beautiful Ahuriri marina, has a strip of bars and restaurants, including:

Sleep
Accommodation is abundant in Napier and the surrounding area and ranges from luxury to budget; hotels, self-catering apartments, motels and lodges (some with restaurants), homestay, backpackers hostels, holiday parks and motor camps with self-catering units, budget cabins and campsites. Families and groups are welcome at most establishments; seasonal and group discounts may apply. It pays to book in advance when events like Art Deco weekend are on, as accommodation can fill up at these times.





Esk Valley
Just north of Napier, past the airport and Bay View, is Esk Valley. This area is now mainly orchard, vineyards and a lavender farm. The area is peaceful but only 10 minutes from the bars and restaurants of Napier. It provides a good place to stay for those who want to experience New Zealand country life or stay on a vineyard. There are numerous accommodation options.

Go next

 * The suburb of Taradale is a 10-min drive.
 * Hastings city is close by.
 * Taupo is a two-hour drive inland.
 * Wairoa is a two-hour drive north along Hawke Bay