Napier in New Zealand is the most consistently Art Deco city in the world, due to being largely rebuilt in the 1930s following a devastating earthquake in 1931. It is in Hawke's Bay, on the sunny east coast of the North Island.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
At 10:47 AM on 3 February 1931, Napier and the wider Hawke's Bay was struck by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake. The quake and subsequent fire killed 256 people and destroyed much of the central business district. The demolition rubble was dumped along the eastern foreshore and turned into gardens and a recreational reserve. After the earthquake, the CBD and other areas were rebuilt in the Art Deco styles prevailing at the time. Today, Napier is billed as "the Art Deco capital of the world", with over 100 Art Deco buildings in the CBD alone, most of which have been restored and heritage-listed. The earthquake raised the land by several metres, draining the Ahuriri Lagoon.
Taxi. Taxis are relatively inexpensive and can take you anywhere, anytime. Bus. The public buses cover Napier and run to Hastings and Havelock North as well. Services are not very frequent and do not run in the evenings, so it pays to check the timetable in advance. Information regarding fares, zones and timetables can be found on the goBay website.
Art Deco tour. Take a guided walking tour ($33–35:50, 1½–2½ hr) or buy a booklet at the Information Centre and give yourself a self-guided tour. Even a few blocks will take you past many of the most significant buildings that exemplify the style. One-hour tours in vintage cars available from $270 for up to 4 people. (updated Sep 2026) 1 Faraday Museum of Technology, 2a Faraday Street. Mon Wed Fri Sat (also Tue Thu during school holidays) 9:30AM–3:30PM. Technology museum housed in a former powerhouse. Exhibits range from household appliances through commercial equipment to the massive engine that was used to generate electricity. Adult $12, under 15 years $5.50.
1 Mclean Park, Latham St, Napier South, ☏ +64 6 835 7579. With a capacity of 19,700, in summer this hosts Central Stags cricket team in all formats. In winter Hawke's Bay and Hurricanes play rugby union here. (updated Oct 2023) Art Deco Festival. A five-day festival in February celebrating the Art Deco era of the 1920s and 1930s. Dress up and eat at one of the picnics around the city, watch the soapbox derby, admire the vintage cars or attend some of the other 250 events. Book your accommodation up to a year in advance for the festival. Food and wine tours. Meet like-minded people and share an appreciation of Hawke's Bay's wines.
1 Community Burgers, 112 Tennyson St, ☏ +64 6 833 6112. A popular family friendly restaurant in the middle of Napier city. Community Burgers uses the proceeds from their burger sales to help local community causes. From $17.00. (updated Jun 2026) 2 Poivre & Sel, 189 Marine Parade. Tue–Sat from 6PM. French cuisine from French restaurateurs. Expect fine dining rather than a hearty meal – you'll have room for dessert. From $55 (main & dessert) to $115 for 3 courses & wine pairing per person. (updated Apr 2020) Raffles Street Cafe, 72 Raffles St, ☏ +64 6 835-8245. Mon-Fri 7AM-3PM. Restaurant Indonesia, 409 Marine Parade, ☏ +64 6 835-8303. The Tennyson, 28 Tennyson St, ☏ +64 6 835-1490.
1 The Cabana, 11 Shakespeare Rd. A legendary live music pub since the 1950s (albeit with a break from 1997 to 2008). The Spanish Mission/Art Deco style building was designed by leading architects Finch and Westorholm and was the first Napier hotel to be rebuilt after the 1931 quake. Atmospheric West Quay, beside the beautiful Ahuriri marina, has a strip of bars and restaurants, including: Shed 2, 56 West Quay, Ahuriri, ☏ +64 6 835-2202. The first establishment to emerge on West Quay and an Ahuriri icon. Step inside and you step back 125 years, for the converted storage shed goes right back to the days the square-riggers tied up just metres from its front deck.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Nov, Napier typically sees ~23°C daytime highs and 8 rainy days.
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