Napier by design
Celebrate the city’s love of art deco
February 3, 1931, could have been the end of Napier, but the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that flattened the city and killed 256 people, instead enabled its rebirth as a unique architectural marvel.
This is celebrated in the annual Art Deco Festival, which is held close to the anniversary of the earthquake. Rebuilt in a remarkably cohesive style that incorporates Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical, Napier is a celebration of geometrical patterns, clear colours, stripes, sunrises and streamlining.
Any visit should include a guided tour to see these stylish delights, which also incorporates occasional Ma¯ori elements.
But to really get into the spirit of art deco, and surround yourself with the playful glamour of the age, you should go to the festival.
It’s a huge event, attracting many thousands of visitors who, along with enthusiastic locals, dress up and travel back to the age of the flapper.
WHY GO?
Where else could you wear feather boas or striped blazers and fit right in? Channelling the Great Gatsby is so much fun, especially when everybody else is doing the same thing. More than 200 scheduled events means there is something for everyone: concerts and classic cars, parades and picnics, parasols and penny-farthings, fashion and fly-overs, dinners and drinks, showgirls and a Soap-box Derby.
There are movies and lectures, jazz in the park, singalongs, and a Depression Dinner. The Royal NZ Navy is in attendance, marching and playing music in their splendid dress whites. You can buy antiques, learn the tango (or the Charleston), go to the theatre, or to church.
INSIDER TIP
If you don’t have any suitable glad rags, go to the special market at the Hastings City Mall on February 14 for some affordable authentic clothes, and you might even win a spot prize when you’re dolled up in them in Napier. And look out for the photo backdrops around town for you to pose against.
ON THE WAY/NEARBY
Hire a bike for a leisurely ride, and call in at some of the area’s many famous vineyards. Climb up Te Mata Peak for glorious 360-degree views and swooping paragliders. Find out about the earthquake at the Hawke’s Bay Museum. Go out to Cape Kidnappers to visit the gannet colony. Take a chauffeurdriven tour in a 1926 Packard. Explore the old prison up on the hill. Buy a souvenir set of striped braces from Chris Wiig menswear.
HOW MUCH?
Many of the events around town are free, but be prepared to fork out for some of the special festival activities, such as $80 for the Gatsby Picnic VIP Lunch, and $100 for the Prohibition Party.
BEST TIME TO GO
The 2019 Art Deco Festival runs from February 13 to 17, so you’ll need to move fast. If you miss out, there is also a Winter Deco Weekend on July 19 to 21. The Art Deco Trust can help you find accommodation. See artdeconapier.com.