Art Deco & Gannet Central

Thursday 19th & Friday 20th November, 2009

Napier claims to be the Art Deco capital of the world, and it certainly captured my imagination. Rebuilt after a devasting earthquake in 1931 destroyed most of the city, it was predominately re-erected in true Art Deco style. It was a little strange in some places to see the original art deco facades mixed in with modern signage and branding, but once we could see passed the modern world intrusions, we started to become art deco professionals spotting geometric shapes along with features such as 'sunburts', 'waves' and 'the skyscaper shape' everywhere.

In huge contrast to this funky little town and just a short drive south east is Cape Kidnappers, the home of the world's largest mainland gannet colony. In true traveller style, we took the cheapest option to get to it! Declining a $30 tractor ride to the colony, we walked the 11km along the beach - a much better journey which allowed us to really take in the scenery and get up close to the imposing cliffs alongside the beach. As we got close to the colony the stench of the guano (birdy poo to you and me!) started wafting up our noses. With our first up close look at these fairly big sea birds, we soon forgot about the smell. That was until we get to the largest colony up in on top of the cliffs - I had to stop breathing through my nose to allow us to spend enough time to get a few snaps of these funny guys! Up on the main colony the activity was getting ready for the up coming mating season, There were couples preening each other and wrapping their necks around each other, there were big males flying in with nest material in their beaks, landing in a very ungamely fashion and then looking around hopelessly for their mate, only to turn around and find another big guy standing there ready to steal the nest material right out of his beak! The walk back seemed further than the walk in, so we were happy to see Steely sitting in the sun waiting for us to take us to our seaside campsite.

Cx