Accommodation

Taupo, Rotorua and Napier are abundantly blessed with accommodation, you will find a rich selection of every kind, from back packers, Motels and Hotels 2 stars up to 5, Motor camps, Bed & Breakfasts and Holiday homes to rent. I think the most important thing in choosing you accommodation is firstly know what you want from where you are going to stay. Secondly research the place, is it close to town, but on a quiet street? Does it have views, do you care if it does, often there is little point paying for views if you are going to be out and about all day.

Most accommodation providers have a huge resource of information about the area you are going to explore, it is often worthwhile  asking for their advice when you arrive. From experience when I ran a motel, I would ask the guests what they would want to achieve, was it excitement, adventure, or pampering and soothing? So in summary know what you want before you leave, you may end up paying for something that you don’t want or need, conversely, sometimes a few extra dollars spent on accommodation may leave you with memories that bring pleasure.

Over the next few weeks I will be posting some my favorite accommodation providers

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Napier Art Deco

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.

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