Witness the Art Deco Movement in Napier

Away from the populated pockets in Europe and America where 20th Century design evolved, New Zealand’s Napier stands out. The city in the heart of Hawke’s Bay wine region is revered in the world as the Art Deco Capital. Napier was struck by a massive earthquake in 1931 which brought upon wrath and destruction. The reconstruction process was something that catapulted Napier’s style of architecture to the paramount.

Today Napier’s town centre has one of the largest collections of Art Deco buildings outside Miami. Napier is the only location in the Southern Hemisphere to boast of such a concentration of buildings made in the 1930s style.

Napier is well connected by road and is ideal for road trips. A car tour through Napier would take you through the Art Deco Quarter to the Marine Parade for pristine views over Hawke Bay, Napier and the inner harbour. The Bluff Hill is another notable attraction not to miss out on while you’re here in the city. A visit to the historic Ahuriri is a must which is the oldest part of Napier and holds the reputation for being its original port to the National Tobacco Company Building.

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Then tread further till you reach the Deco houses and gardens of Marewa which is Napier’s 1930’s Art Deco Suburb. Return to the Art Deco Shop as you pass Georges Drive, manoeuvre through the suburbs before cruising along the Marine Parade past the Information Centre. This brings you to the end of your Art Deco tour.

There are other notable places of interest that can be visited. National Aquarium of New Zealand is a place that cannot be overlooked. Napier also brings you closer to New Zealand’s varied wildlife species.