Top 5 things to do during your visit to Art Deco Napier
Art Deco Napier - get me to Hawke’s Bay
You love Art Deco I know you do. Here are a few tips for your next visit to Napier. Are you bringing the kids? Napier is super family-friendly or maybe get some you time by going it alone. (You time is so important)
A little bit about my own journey to Napier
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I moved to Art Deco Napier in 2016 from Auckland and I have zero regrets (other than leaving behind a few awesome friends). I knew that Napier had a cool Art Deco vibe but I wasn't sure about the whole Art Deco Festival, it seemed like an overwhelming event to me. I'm not into the party scene anymore, I know you hear me. Now that I live here that overwhelming feeling of the crowds from Art Deco weekend can be easily avoided, instead I get to experience all the beauty of art deco every time I walk out the door at any time of the year. As an artist, some of my favourite things about Napier are the little art deco details that you can find if you look a bit closer. The stunning street signs and the elaborate manhole covers. Don't forget to look in every doorway and check out the ceilings in every building.
How did Napier become the art deco capital of the world you ask?
In February 1931 there was a devasting earthquake and the city changed its landscape forever. When Napier went to rebuild they embraced the popular style of the time which was Art Deco. It now has one of the highest concentrations of this building style in the world. I believe Miami in America is also a place to visit for this style. Visit the MTG to learn more about the 1931 earthquake.
Visiting Art Deco Napier - What should you do?
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Not ready to just wing it? there are some great websites to check out that will help plan your visit before you arrive.
The Art Deco guide by Hawke’s Bay Tourism is a must-visit.
The Art Deco Trust is a good place to book in for walking tours and of course, visit their shop.
Napier information centre
The Hawke’s Bay Art Guide and Arts Trail
5 great options for things to do:
Art Deco Napier walks and car tours at all times of the day - Book these through the Art Deco Trust. Visit during the Art Deco festival, winter or summer for a full-on experience
Hawke’s Bay has a number of impressive vineyards to visit, stop in on your way to Hastings, Havelock North or one of our beachside spots.
Walk or drive around and see how many seawalls you can spot.
Hire an ebike and go for a cruise along Marine Parade towards Cape Kidnappers.
Get a view at the top of Te Mata Peak or Napier Hill
5 food things:
Get a seriously fancy cocktail at Teresa
Pizza at Vinci’s
Stuff your face at stuffed
The fanciest dessert in town at Origami
Ice Cream at Lick this
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5 Great kids activities to try while you're in Napier
Marine Parade (The skate park, Fenced playgrounds and bike track)
Visit our independent local bookshop Wardini Books in Napier or Havelock North (voted best in NZ)
The National Aquarium of New Zealand
The Faraday Centre
Andersons Park
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How to get here and where to stay? There is a variety of accommodation options in Hawke’s Bay to suit all budgets. If you are planning to attend the Art Deco Napier festival or the Mission Estate concert you need to book early to avoid disappointment. Napier is on the East Coast of the North Island so a good road trip from Wellington or Auckland or a quick flight would be the best way to get here.
My Top 5 Things to do
Getting gelato and walking along Marine Parade is a very overlooked perfect Napier experience in my opinion
Drive or walk up to the lookout over the Napier Port, a perfect spot for a picnic lunch
Get a coffee from one of the many markets and browse the local stalls. (Check out the eco wrap by Lily Bee)
Drive out to Ocean Beach to get a surf lesson and enjoy one of the best beaches in New Zealand (Debatable I'm sure)
Visit as many art galleries as you can my top suggestions are, The Rabbit Room and Tennyson Gallery
Architecture - Art Deco
What makes art deco art deco? Art Deco is dominated by simple lines, pastels and luxury it has many influences and crossovers with other styles. You can see in the Rothmans building (Illustration below) has a lot of influence from Art Nouveau. Learn more about Art Deco on Wikipedia I've really started looking closer at the buildings around Napier and I like what I see. The Details on the buildings show real attention to detail and a high level of craftsmanship. Buildings of note to visit in Napier - Since you have an interest in Art Deco Architecture I highly recommend a walking tour as they also point out some beautiful Art Deco Sculptures.
The Rothmans building (National Tobacco Company LTD)
Napier Sound Shell and the Napier Arch
The Daily Telegraph Building
The Criterion Hotel
The Masonic Hotel
Art Deco Napier tea towel
See you in Napier soon
Ngaio Blackwood
Please note none of these links is paid for in any way they are just my personal recommendations.