Cultural experiences in Napier

As it went towards the end of our trip, we headed for Napier on the east coast. Napier's major tourist attraction is the town itself, which draws Art Deco and architecture enthusiasts from around the world. The rebuilding period after the 1931 earthquake coincided with the shortlived and rapidly changing Art Deco era and the Great Depression, when little 'mainstreet' development was being undertaken elsewhere. As a result Napier's architecture is strikingly different from any other city; the other notable Art Deco city, Miami Beach, has Streamline Moderne Art Deco. The whole centre of Napier was rebuilt simultaneously. In many ways it resembles a film set as it has whole streets of 'in period' buildings, but it is a real city and the buildings are original.

After experiencing the art deco city, we set off to taste some of the famous wines of the area. Wine tasting comes highly recommended - you'll spend the afternoon drinking up to 40 glasses of wine (not entirely full glasses, of course, but still...). It all becomes very funny after 20 glasses or so. Need I say more?

Our three days in Napier were really great! Everyone visiting New Zealand should go there to get a bit of art deco culture and a big dose of the wineries! :-)

Mari sniffing on her wine before emptying the glass

Sunset in Napier. Nice, huh?

Afternoon moods

Christian admiring the ocan view

Mari having a rest after a hard work out

Christian trying to be really sophisticated

Smiling after 16 glasses of wine. We insisted that the picture was to be taken from some distance.

Even though you can't see it very clearly in this picture, Napier really looks like a Hollywood film set from the 50s.