Lake Taupo to Napier

Waipangu Falls

Bade farewell to Taupo and headed for Napier. Lovely road. Very straight to begin with through a flat, rural landscape, then into the forests and mountains again, crossing the Ahimanawa Range. Brilliant sunshine all the way. Pulled in to a scenic lookout and were rewarded with an unexpected view of the spectacular Waipunga Falls.

Boaters and Blazers Yacht Chase

Arrived in Napier by lunchtime and went down to the quayside for lunch overlooking the yacht harbour and bay. Loads of yachts streaming out of the marina to take part in the 'Boaters and Blazers Yacht Chase', just one of the many events of Napier's Art Deco Weekend. First impressions of Napier are very positive - beautiful location on Hawkes Bay, lots of boats, pubs and cafes down by the quayside.

Tennyson Street, Napier

 Napier is famous as an Art Deco city. Devastated by an earthquake in 1931, the city was rapidly rebuilt, all in the, then current, Art Deco style. The remit was to build 2-storey re-inforced concrete buildings to withstand future quakes.  It languished a bit in the mid 20th century but then, in the 80s the city realised what an architectural gem it had, just in time to avoid the then rather dingy-looking buildings being knocked down or redeveloped. The buildings have all been spruced up and returned to their original colour schemes and Napier has established itself firmly on the tourist map. Every year, in February, they hold an Art Deco weekend to celebrate the rebuilding of the city. People flock from all over the world to join the party.

Marine Parade, Napier

Bathing Belles at the Sound Shell

Checked in to our motel then headed downtown to join in the weekend festivities. Walked along the Marine Parade - the beach-side promenade. People everywhere dressed in 1930's garb, rows of gleaming vintage cars and a couple of steam engines taking people for rides along the prom. A jazz band was playing in the Sound Shell - an Art Deco outdoor theatre on the promenade, centre of many of the weekend's free activities. This was followed by a period costume competition. Watched for a bit then wandered down the two main streets in the centre (Emerson & Tennyson), admiring the Art Deco architecture and party atmosphere.


Returned to the Sound Shell to watch the Bathing Belles competition and listen to more music. Then sauntered back along the beach to pick up the car.

Ate in our motel (still full of lunch) then headed back downtown for the evening festivities. Lots of music, dancing and streetshows. Exhausting but super day.

Parker Fountain, Napier

Street party, Emerson Street