Chris Gravett

Today, Friday 24^th January, we cycled to Napier. That involved crossing the Clive River over a bridge near where we are staying and following the cycle path along the north bank of the Clive. At the estuary the path turns left and follows the coast straight up to Napier, about 11km. The track got busier as we reached Napier.

Napier is known as the ‘Art Deco Capital of the World’. I couldn’t understand why Napier, and indeed Hastings have adopted this style throughout their towns (Kiwi cities), today I found out. In 1931 a massive earthquake destroyed nearly every building in Napier and surrounding towns. Napier was rebuilt, much of it in 1933 -39, Art Nouveau (later to become known as Art Deco) was in vogue throughout Europe and America at the time so Napier was rebuilt Art Deco style throughout and that style has been adhered to until this day. Here is a taste of Napier’s Art Deco.Masonic

Charleston Pharmacy

Emerson Street

Ocean Boulevard

Public trust Office

One of the few buildings that survived the earthquake is the Public Trust Office.

 

Napier is a thriving town with a positive vibe (except on Mondays as mentioned earlier). Although mid summer and school holidays the beach was all but deserted. I was told it is extremely dangerous to swim in the ocean here so perhaps that is the deterrent.Napier Beach

It’s still nice to sit a chill with your dog on the promenade though.

 

Once again the return bike ride was a breeze following consuming some Hawkes Bay wine!