Think we now know what Art Deco architecture is! Napier was destroyed in 1931 by an earthquake and rebuilt in art deco and spanish mission style with the buildings being well preserved. What a welcoming place it is, perhaps one of the better NZ towns and has the feel of being a very affluent seaside resort. It has a lovely marine boulevard which is a hive of activity with cyclists and joggers although it is not a safe swimming area and the sand, once again, is black. We managed a stroll which was pleasant as the temperature had risen to 15 deg and is apparently normal for this time of year.

At the north end of the town is Bluff Point where you can get a magnificent view of Hawke Bay. To the south is Cape Kidnappers (named when Maoris tried to kidnap Captain Cook's servant boy) where we were hoping to get sight of the bird we liken ourselves to - the gannet!! Unfortunately it is not the right time of year as they only come back to start building their nests at the end of July - gutted!!!

Heading north towards Poverty Bay - is someone trying to tell us something?

Jen and Ray