Captain Cook was probably the first European to arrive here. He sailed into Hawkes Bay in October 1769 and again in 1773. He named the bay in honor of Sir Edward Hawke, First Lord of the Admiralty. The traders arrived in 1831 only to be followed by a succession of Anglican and Catholic missionaries. The first flock of sheep arrived in 1849 and the first New Zealand winery began in 1851 thus forming the backbone of the Hawke’s Bay economy. The first orchard was planted in 1892 and the local horticultural industry was established. The port at Napier became a transportation hub. The wool, wine, produce and logging industries continue to this day.
The earthquake of 1931 destroyed Downtown Napier. When the area was rebuilt, it was designed in the fashionable style of the time: Art Deco. Today, Napier is the Art Deco capital of the world!
Docked in the port of Napier, Hawkes Bay, NZThis is a heavy idustrial port.Lovely homes overlooking the town and sea.A 5 minute drive took us to the information center.A little train will take you on a tour. This photo taken in front of the Dome Hotel.Big Red, the local HOHO.Street view of Napier, NZThe Sound Shell on Marine Parade.Pania of the Reef. An iconic symbol of Napier. Pania is similar to the Liitle Mermaid of Copenhagen in that she’s a childrens’ story from Maori mythology.The County Hotel with the Waiapu Anglican Cathedral of St John the Evengelist behind.Tiffen Park. Earlier, we spoke with a lady who was decended from the Tiffen family. Apparently a prominent family and we must look up the history.These folks are playing with remote control cars. And they do it well. And really fast!Isn’t It Cute?WWII SignAn unbroken string of Art Deco buildings.Being silly while enjoying a local brew from the Zealandt BreweryHastings St SouthMarket AlleyBeautiful old cars. and they are available to hire!The sunken gardens along Marine Parade.As we returned to the ship, a group in vintage attire played a little jazz. We were happy to buy their CD!Aren’t those cars just the “cat’s meow!”
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