Napier is known as the Art Deco city of New Zealand and maybe of the world! The reason – in 1931 most of Napier was leveled by an earthquake followed by fires thought the city. It was so bad that the no one could enter the city for two years while the rubble was moved away. When rebuilding began it was during the Art Deco period and thus the downtown buildings represented that inside and out.

Although over the years some Art Deco buildings were replaced a large number still survive and the town celebrates its history with tours, lots of 1930’s area old cars and a major festival every February with everyone in town dressing up in the 30’s style.

We signed up for a guided tour of the the Art Deco buildings in town which also included coverage of the earthquake and recovery of the town.

Napier also has a lovely seaside walk with attractions for all ages – I only saw about a third of it.