Napier, New Zealand

Wednesday, February 9, 2011    74 degrees                         NOON – 6:00 PM



Coastal road





Art Deco Buildings

215 miles northeast of Wellington.  It is situated at the Western most side of Hawke’sBay.  Center for gourmet food and wines.  It is a popular tourist destination.

New Zealand prides itself on natural wonders.  By that way of thinking Napier is an exception.  This coastal city of 50,000 is best known for its architecture.  After an earthquake devastated Napier in 1931, residents rebuilt it in the art deco style of the day.   The Art Deco buildings have been recognized as architecturally unique, and since the 1990’s have been protected and restored.   Napier has been nominated as a World Heritage Site.

We took a shore excursion to Clifton Station a working sheep farm.  In their heritage woolshed we watched a sheep being expertly shorn, while outside we were entertained by a sheep dog demonstration rounding up the sheep.

From Clifton Station we drove through the beautiful Tuki Tuki Valley to the summit of Te Mata Peak where we had a panoramic view over the Heretaunga Plains and Hawke’s Bay.  We were escorted by a motorcycle driver to the summit of Te Mata Peak as the road was only wide enough for one car.  Finally we visited the coastal town of Hastings.

Upon returning to the ship we had musicians playing at the port, complete with their vintage cars and attire.