Napier

The most important harbor town on deep blue Hawkes Bay was largely destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1931. In spite of the economic depression of the 1930's the town was rebuilt quickly. Instead of the neo-classical building style used generally till then, simpler and more geometric forms became important, inspired by art deco and the American "Spanish Mission" style. This new style was reputed to be earthquake proof. An excursion to Cape Kidnappers where a colony of gannets can be seen on windy terraces, can be recommended.

Napier is the largest crossbred wool center in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the largest apple, pear and stone fruit producing areas in New Zealand. It has also become an important grape growing and wine production area with the fruit passing from the growers around Metropolitan Hastings and then to Napier for exporting.

The town enjoys some of the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand, its warm, relatively dry climate the result of its location on the east coast, a Mediterranean climate delivered from the waters to the north, and its strategic position in Hawkes Bay.