THE ART DECO CITY OF NZ -- NAPIER
Six days spent in this engaging city, approximately four hours drive from Hamilton, was definitely worthwhile. We had decided to spend the time between Christmas and New Year exploring all the nooks and crannies.Some we had visited before and were enjoyable because of the memories that were stirred but others completely new.
The Napier Museum, on Tennyson St, holds the tragic story of the Napier earthquake, where over 150 of the population lost their lives. Survivors shared their stories of helping the injured and pulling the dead from the rubble. The shock and despair which permeated the whole city was there for all to see. It took over two years to rebuild the city.
The Napier Port, which can be best seen from Bluff Hill, is one of the busiest ports in New Zealand. 50 cruise ships visit. 600 ships transfer goods.. 1,000,000 tons of log exports. 250,000 shipping containers are handled in a year. 240 full time employees keep this port moving. 4,000,000 tonnes of cargo of wood pulp export leave this port each year.
While we watched the activities of containers being unloaded, we also watched the cruise ship, Norwegian Princess, leaving the port. Amazing, as it was a huge liner but with the assistance of two brave little tug boats, she left port and headed towards her next destination which we presumed was Tauranga.
Cycle tracks allow you to explore a very wide geographical area. With many rental bike stalls around, clear cycle maps available and the weather beautiful, the tracks were really busy. There were little ones, tucked into trailers, attached to the back of the bike. Slightly older ones riding tandem with dad. A lovely family outing for old and young.
Many of the winery entrances welcomed us into a wide grassy area, often split by a long winding driveway, usually edged with flower gardens or small bushes. These driveways led us to the front of the main building which was usually just as impressive. Again maps identifying the vineyards are available from iSite in Napier, so negotiating your way around is easy. Bus and private car tours are also available.
We saw New Year in, at the local soundshell, where a band and singer entertained until midnight. . Again the setting was beautiful. A wide grassy space right in front of the soundshell, allowed people to put their picnic rugs down and while away the evenings. There was space right in front of the bands where little children jiggled and juggled the night away. At the back of the grass were may concrete seats which surrounded gardens, letting the audience sit a little way from the band but still able to hear and see it. There was a Zero ban on alcohol and a number of security and policemen to monitor this. But, having said that, the evening went off beautifully, with everyone having great time and a enjoying the countdown to 2018. The evening finished with a momentous fireworks display which must have lasted for at least 10 mins. A spectacular sight. A most memorable evening.
