Art Deco Highlights

Travel to the port where Napier was known to have begun, historic Ahuriri. In 1931, the towns of Hastings and Napier were severely rocked by an earthquake; it was this same earthquake that led to a unique rebuilding at the same time the Art Deco concept was flourishing in the U.S. and Europe. As a result, Napier is endowed with a splendid heritage of Art Deco buildings.

Stop for photos at the National Tobacco Company Building, and from there it's on to Marewa, Napier's Art Deco suburb where you'll have an opportunity to view many of the unique private homes and gardens that comprise this charming neighborhood. Travel back along Marine Parade with its stately Norfolk Pine trees to the Art Deco Shop. Following an informative 20-minute film presentation, your local guide will lead you on a leisurely half-mile stroll through Napier's Art Deco Quarter where you’ll see up close its eclectic mix of 1920s and 1930s buildings in the Spanish Mission, Stripped Classical and, above all, Art Deco styles. Interior visits to the old AMP Building and the ASB Bank are also included in this guided walk.