Napier

Introduction

Napier

© All Rights Reserved themeyers

Napier was devastated by a huge earthquake in 1931, as a result of which most of the city had to be rebuilt. As Art Deco was popular at the time, there are many fine examples of this type of architecture throughout the city, as well as Spanish Mission -style buildings. Napier is also in one of New Zealand's main wine producing regions, Hawke's Bay.

Sights and Activities

Where the sun rises in Napier on the first day of the Millenium

© All Rights Reserved melmonson

• National Aquarium of New Zeland - Stingray shaped buiding with a walk-through Oceanarium.
• Bluff Hill Lookout - A steep walk up to the top is rewarded with great views over Hawke Bay.
• Guided Art Deco Walk - The Art Deco Centre on Tennyson Street runs daily guided walks, taking in the city's architectural heritage. Walks are 1 or 2 hours and cost $14 or $20 respectively.
• Wine tours - There are many wineries in the area and several companies offering tours which typically last for a few hours and take in several different wineries.
• Botanical Gardens - Pretty gardens a short walk from the city centre.
• Cricket - catch a match and enjoy a local game.
• Sunrise Monument - this is were the sun rose on the first day of the Millennium
• Te Mata Park

Events and Festivals

• Art Deco Weekend - Takes place in the 3rd week of February and celebrates Napier's Art Deco heritage.

Getting There

By Plane

Hawke's Bay Airport (IATA: NPE, ICAO: NZNR) is 8km North of the city and mainly serves domestic destinations. There are daily flights to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Gisborne, Tauranga, Hamilton and Palmerston North. International charter flights can be arranged for aircraft with fourteen or less people on board with prior arrangement.

By Car

Napier can be accessed by highways 2, 5 and 50. Parking in the centre of the centre is by meter at $1.00 per hour. Just a short distance from the centre, parking is free with a two hour restriction.

Serveral of the major hire car companies have offices at Hawkes Bay Airport.

By Bus

Napier travel centre is on Munro Street, not far from Marine Parade. Serves various destinations, including Auckland, Wellington and Taupo.

Getting Around

By Foot

The city centre is compact enough to explore easily on foot.

Sleep

Budget

• Napier YHA - Conveniently located on Marine Parade, a short walk from the city centre. A rambling building, with the usual good YHA facilities. A pretty courtyard is situated at the back and there are plenty of other communal areas.
• Criterion Art Deco Backpackers - Centrally located in an art deco building.

For more accommodation options and the above with travellers ratings:

Keep Connected

Internet

There are several internet cafes in the centre of Napier, offering access by the hour.

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

Post

Most areas have dedicated PostShops, however stamps can also be bought at grocery shops, supermarkets and book stores. There are two main formats for domestic mail, namely Standard Post and Fast Post. Fast Post is used next day delivery between major towns and cities (two days from rural areas), whereas Standard Post will take a few working days to deliver nationwide. Standard costs NZ$0.40 for letters/postcards (NZ$0.80 for larger envelopes), Fast Post costs NZ$0.80 (NZ$1.20 for larger envelopes). International mail takes about 3-6 days to Australia (NZ$1.50), and 6-12 days to Europe, Asia and the United States (NZ$2). Post boxes are white, red and black and can be found in many areas throughout towns and cities, including information about when their contents are collected. Most post offices and smaller post shops have opening hours from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, and 9:00am to 12:30pm on Saturday. You can buy stamps here, or at newsagents and general stores. For parcels, you can use the NZ Post or otherwise courier companies like TNT, DHL, UPS or FedEx.