Napier and the Hawkes Bay are renown for many things, the Art Deco design of the city, (which happened after the city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 ) View Details

So what better place to start than with the buildings and architecture. In the city there are a number of pedestrian areas, which allow the walker time to stop and enjoy the buildings, if you go to the Information center in Napier, you can get a booklet that has a street guide and offers history of the Art Deco buildings. One of the most famous is the Rothmans building, it is a stunning display of build quality, and you can take a tour through the building.

So what is Art Deco?

It originated in Europe in the early 1900′s and by 1920-1940 it was at its heyday, it was seen as a celebration of all that was good about the 1920s lots of Jazz influence and freedom of expression that epitomized the 20′s

So you will find sunbursts and fountains, skyscrapers, icons showing speed, light and power, various geometric shapes, and occasionally vague Egyptian references!

Next year February 2010 from the 16th-21st you can join in with the Art Deco celebrations, a myriad of 1930′s car, clothes, paintings and music will be on display. This is one of the high lights of the calendar, and  not to be missed.

So put aside at least half a day to enjoy the cities shape and colour.