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Tourist places in Napier |
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| Tuesday, 06 May 2008 | |
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History
of Napier
This important port in Hawke's Bay is named after the
colonial administrator General Sir Charles Napier. The town was largely
destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1931. In spite of the prevailing
economic depression the town was rapidly rebuilt, and its previous neoclassical
buildings gave way to art deco designs and the American Spanish mission
style. The new buildings were claimed to be earthquake proof.
Skilled publicity, emphasizing the town's climate, its unique assemblage of art-deco and mission-style architecture and the varied scenic attractions of its hinterland, has made Napier (pop. 53,000) a popular tourist center. Earthquake, 1931-On the morning of February 3rd 1931 there was a severe earthquake in the region, shocks from which were felt as far away as Europe. Buildings in Napier and the neighboring town of Hastings were destroyed and 256 people lost their lives. The seabed in the Ahuriri Lagoon was thrust upwards and the town thus acquired more than 33 sq.km of extra land. This is now covered by pasture, various industrial installations, an airport and the districts of Marewa, Onekawa, Pirimai and Maraenui.
Tourist
Attractions in Napier
Napier - Bluff Hill
To the north of the town center is Bluff Hill, on which are the Centennial Gardens and Bluff Hill Domain. From Bluff Hill Lookout (reached by way of Lighthouse Road) there are magnificent views; in good weather the prospect extends as far as the Mahia Peninsula to the northeast and Cape Kidnappers to the southeast. Napier - Hawke's Bay Art Gallery and Museum The Hawke's Art Gallery Bay and Museum has a rich collection reflecting the culture and art on the east side of the North Island. Much space is also devoted to contemporary art. Particularly interesting is the audio-visual material on the earthquake and the subsequent rebuilding of the town, with many photographs and eyewitness accounts. Napier - Marine Parade Marine Parade, the town's finest promenade, runs along the seafront. It is lined with Norfolk pines and is most attractive in the morning sun. It has all the attractions and entertainments of a popular tourist resort. The busy Marine Parade is just off the town center. The visitor center provides information about Napier and the surrounding area. Well-tended gardens, including the impressive Sunken Gardens, mini-golf and a roller-blading rink provide entertainment for young and old. In the Mediterranean-style colonnade with a roofed concert platform is the ship's bell of HMS Veronica, which was the first source of help after the 1931 earthquake. Napier - Marineland of New Zealand A major attraction is Marineland of New Zealand, with its displays by performing dolphins, seals and otters, as well as its penguins and gannets. Marineland also operates the Lilliput Railway. Napier - Nocturnal Wildlife Centre The Nocturnal Wildlife Centre maintains a variety of New Zealand animals that are active at night. In the Kiwi House visitors can see New Zealand's national bird, which is an endangered species. Napier - Statue of Pania In the gardens opposite the Hawk's Bay Art Gallery and Museum is a statue of Pania of the Reef, a mermaid-like figure who features in a Maori legend. Pania loved a man and lived with him on land, in spite of her family's appeals to her to return to the reef. One day when she swam out to visit them she was drawn down into the sea and was unable to return to her lover. Beside the statue is the Tom Parker Fountain.
Best
Buying Napier
Napier inner city is one of the
country's most exciting city centres to explore. The layout is compact and in
very close proximity to the sea and the picturesque seafront walkway.
The palm tree lined boulevards and strip malls are home to an inviting mix of stylish and artistic specialty boutiques sprinkled amongst national chain stores. Many of the shops are locally owned and operated and the products on offer are often not found in other centres. The city is also recognised for its appealing, vibrant alfresco café scene. Savour the aroma and taste of freshly ground coffee beans while admiring the internationally renowned and impressive Art Deco architecture on surrounding buildings. To request the Napier Shopping and Café Guide or Inner City Café.
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 07 May 2008 ) | |
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