The orginal town of Napier was destroyed by an earthquake (magnitude 7.8) in 1931. Around 256 people died in the quake. The town was rebuilt with the contemporary designs of 30's. This gives Napier its other name - The Art Deco City, and is now famous for its architecture. We went to go check it out!
The museum was the first stop - we've learnt to start parking near art galleries and museums. There are free toilets to use first thing in the morning!
Maori art workWe often go on the city walking tours that are written in the Lonely Planet. It was raining in Napier the day that we were there, so the photos look a little grey. Here are some of the buildings that were rebuilt in the art deco style after the earthquake.
The Daily Telegraph Building - "electro-Egyptian" apparently
ASB Bank - "Maori-meets-Deco"
Windows to the Old Central Hotel - "flamingo hues, zigzag swagger and lead-light complexity" - where do they get this stuff from?!
A lot of the ground levels have been refurbished into shops so you have to look up to the 1st and 2nd storeys to see the "Deco Dazzle".
Pania of the Reef - Napier's iconic statue. She was stolen recently, but then found again in someone's backgarden covered with a blanket!The cold and rain pressed us onward on our journey further south to Wellington.
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