Napier is one of the most Easterly cities in NZ. In 1931 it was destroyed by an earthquake, anything that was left standing was burned down by the subsequent fires. As a result, the rebuilding took place in the late 1930's and the architecture is all Art Deco in design. We stayed at a really nice hostel down by the seafront. It was like a step back in time walking around the town, with all the buildings in lots of different colours and Art Deco styles.

We decided to take advantage of the local Hawkes Bay Harvest, a weekend where all the local vineyards open their doors for tastings and tours. The hostel rented us a tandem for the day and off we went! The local circuit, taking in 4 or 5 vineyards and a cider orchard, was about 34 km in distance. 'No problem' we said. Our first winery gave us our glasses for the day and we sampled everything that they had to offer! At the second, we sat out in their lawn, listening to the live jazz music in the sunshine! The 3rd and 4th were actually pretty far away and by the time we reached the Filter Rooms Brewery we were so relieved at getting off that bloody bike we had about 2 pints each! The saddle was unbearably firm we were doing John Wayne impressions as we returned it to the hostel. The hostel owner suggested we go down and try the (bargainous) local spa to rest our aching limbs and so we happily obliged! We spent the rest of the evening sitting in a hot tub by the sea!

The following day I picked up a newspaper and sat and had a coffee whilst watching the world go by. Sheona took herself on the Art Deco walk. We met up for lunch and then went to the local Art Deco shop to try on some 1930's attire! Napier hosts their own "Not-too-serious-celebration of the Art Deco Style" every February but we missed it by a fortnight. Everyone gets dressed up in clothing of the era and gathers on the Marine Parade for picnics, car rallies and various other events. Was a shame really because it looks like really good fun.

We had an all-you-can-eat Mongolian BBQ for tea with unlimited amounts of ice cream. Not together of course, that would be a bit ming. Sheona nearly died of sugar-overdose, but she's better now, almost.

-B