Napier was a funky little place nestled amongst the mountains and oceans and we enjoyed walking around the art deco shops & buildings that were created as an earthquake leveled the downtown in the 1930'2...so why not rebuild with that theme in mind? Everything was retro and flapper style from the little shops to street signs. Apparently we missed the huge art deco festival last weekend that brings 40000 people from around the world!! Of course the promotion of the Cricket World Cup was everywhere and look who got recruited?! Enjoyed a walk through an estruary and the rocky beach and played a little minigolf too!

Drove today to Gisborne which was a truy scenic and white-knuckle drive over the mountains. Apparently it's the Chardonnay capital of NZ and is the first city in the world to wake up to sunshine!! Crazy how you can drive right along the ocean on one side and steep mountains (with cattle & sheep!) on the other. Lots of vineyards and orchards too. Went for a stroll along the long beautiful beach - water is gorgeous and sand is hot. Think I burnt them a little on the sand so iced them tonight! Calling for 29C tomorrow so more swimming and waves!