Napier, New Zealand Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Napier_and_bay.jpg Author: Robyn Gallagher
Napier (Maori: Ahuriri) is a seaport in Hawke's Bay, on the eastern coast of North Island, New Zealand. It has a population of 58,000 people (2011 estimate). The city is often twinned with Hastings located about 18 km inland. Together, the Hastings-Napier urban area is the fifth most populous in the country.
Napier is the main seaport and airport for northeastern New Zealand. It is the main point for the export of wool as well as fruits. Frozen meat and timber are also exported via Napier. On the other hand, the city is also becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, with its well-preserved building in the Art Deco style built in the 1930s.
The area around Napier is believed to have been settled by the Maori as early as the 9th century. In 1769, Captain James Cook arrived in this area, which was the first part of New Zealand to be sighted by him. The village of Ahuriri was already in the area when the British colonial government decided to establish a town here in 1851. The town was founded in 1854 and named after Sir Charles Napier, the British military hero who fought in Sindh, India.
Oceanarium tunnel at the National Aquarium of New Zealand, Napier Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oceanarium_tunnel_napier_aquarium.jpg Author: ZoofanNZ
As with Hastings, Napier was thoroughly destroyed by the earthquake of 1931. As a result, the town was rebuilt in the Art Deco style which was fashionable in those days. The town has some of the best preserved Art Deco buildings in the world on par with South Beach, Miami.
The warmest month in Napier is January, with average high temperature regularly touching 24.4°C (75.9°F). Coldest month is July, when the temperature drops to 4.6°C (40.3°F). July is also the wettest month, receiving 92 mm (3.62 in) of rain.
Port of Napier, as seen from Bluff Hill Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Port_of_Napier_from_Bluff_Hill_lookout.jpg Author: Pseudopanax
Visiting Napier
There are buses to Napier from most major towns on the North Island.
Sights & Attractions to visit in Napier
Bluff Hill Domain Vantage point above Napier, with scenic views of the Kaweka and Ruahine ranges, the Mahia Peninsula, and Cape Kidnappers.
Hawke's Bay Museum Museum showcasing the Maori heritage of the area, with displays of Maori artifacts and art.
Marineland of New Zealand Marine theme park with dolphin shows as well as performances by otters, seals, sea lions and penguins.
Napier Botanical Gardens Recreational park with manicured lawns, flower beds and ornamental bridges.
National Aquarium of New Zealand Housed in a stingray-shaped structure, the aquarium features an oceanarium with an underwater glass tunnel.
Ocean Spa Spa complex with marvelous views of the ocean. It offers pools, sauna, steam room, hot pools and massage facilities.
Port Ahuriri Located 4 km from Napier's city center, this is a fishing village. You can see the fishing boats at the port which is lined with bars and seafood restaurants.
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Napier, New Zealand
Oceanarium tunnel at the National Aquarium of New Zealand, Napier
Port of Napier, as seen from Bluff Hill
