- New Zealand Travellers
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Abel Tasman
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Auckland
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Cape Reinga
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Christchurch
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Dunedin
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Franz Josef
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Greymouth
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Kaikoura
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Lake Tekapo
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Milford Sound
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Mount Maunganui
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Napier
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Nelson
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Paihia
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Queenstown
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Rotorua
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Taupo
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Wellington
On the 3rd of February 1931, most of Napier was flattened by an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale. Over the next decade the city was rebuilt in the style of that era, a style we now call Art Deco.
Lots of the architecture from the rebuild remains and today Napier is considered one of the most preserved Art Deco towns in the world. People travel from around the world to see the buildings up close and to participate in the annual Art Deco Weekend which is held in February. During the Art Deco Weekend, people dress up in clothes and drive vintage cars of the Art Deco era.
A large part of Napier is its Art Deco architecture, but there are other things to do too.
Things to do
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Art Deco tours and information
There are both guided and self-guided tours which show you some of the Art Deco features of the town.
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Adventure activities
Everything from rock climbing to kayaking to caving, this place has it all.
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National Aquarium of New Zealand
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Scenic/wine tours
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Spa and heated pools
Accommodation
We stayed at Wally’s Backpackers. Wally’s provides for all your basic needs, it has a decent sized kitchen, Internet access, TV room, and eating area but it feels as though it is missing something. The rooms look a little tired and it feels as though a little more care could be taken. The hostel lacks a little character. Staff are friendly and rooms were (mostly) clean but the half finished carpeting/floorboard combo in the room did make it feel unfinished. They may have been in the middle of refurbishments. From looking around Napier we saw better hostels and as such, we probably would not stay here again.