When an earthquake in 1931 destroyed Napier, a new city rose literally out of the ashes.
Napier is New Zealand's Art Deco capital and the annual Art Deco Festival in February commemorates that fateful day but celebrates its Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture with pizzazz.
Art Deco events draw visitors from all over the world - many who dress in 1930s jazz costumes and drive vintage cars. The shoreline along Marine Parade becomes the venue for the longest lunch. One thousand diners sit at a 250m long table and enjoy lunch prepared by celebrity chefs.
Food and wine is a central theme for Napier, Hastings and the surrounding Hawkes Bay towns. The region grows about 80% of New Zealand's merlot, cabernet sauvignon and syrah grapes. Harvest Hawkes Bay is held at the end of January and brings 40 wineries into one location with live music, wine tastings and great food.
The annual outdoor Mission concert at Mission Estate winery has become an iconic event. Around 25,000 people attend with their picnics and best singing voices. Past acts have included Rod Stewart, Tom Jones, Kenny Rogers and Motown and many arrive in crazy costumes for a great evening.
Napier Aquarium holds the country's largest display of aquatic life and unique New Zealand wildlife as well as sharks, piranha, crocodile, kiwi and tuatara. This is a must-see for the kids. And so is a day trip to the famous gannet colonies at Cape Kidnappers between September and May. Chicks hatch in December and January and you can see fluffy babies watching their parents soar with two-metre wingspans. There are 20,000 gannets just 20 minutes from the Department of Conservation Rest Shelter. Guided tours are also available.
Accommodation in sunny Hawkes Bay includes stunning luxury lodges with golf courses, hotels, self-catering motels, camp grounds and farmhouse b&b's with local families.
 |
Use the search tool to the right to book your Hawke's Bay holiday online now | |
Want more info, or prefer to book by phone? Contact us.
