Yesterday we travelled down the Thermal route from the Bay of Plenty to Napier. We were expecting lots of brown signs inviting us to stop and look . There weren’t many unless you were a mountain bike rider , or a 4wd or wanted a jet boat ride. We did however discover two beautiful waterfalls…..one because of its volume and noise (Huka Falls) and the other., the Waipunga Falls…well it was just pretty and not frequented much( no signs saying here I am ,come see me)
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Arriving in Napier was a trip down memory lane for Mike having spent part of his life travelling to this part of the world to load cargo. He was even forced to spend a month here when strikes blocked the port. It has changed a little since then.
We drove to one to an area called the Bluff where all THE people with money live. Mike walked up the hill in former times…. I was happy to drive as it is so steeeeeeeep. From the lookout, it is possible to see Napier and the original sea wall. On the morning of February 3rd, 1931, Napier experienced a massive earthquake. It only lasted 2 minutes but ,during that time many of the buildings were destroyed and, of those remaining ,fire swept through burning wooden frames and fusing bricks.
A temporary city was built while decisions were made as to how to rebuild. The inland sea had disappeared as the land had risen 2 metres. The style at the time was called modernist or Art Deco. Simple buildings decorated with zig zag, sunburst, zenith, lines and later chrome. Beautiful glass either in straight line panels or stained glass completed the look. “Modern Napier “was born. Thankfully the value of this time capsule of architecture was discovered before too many buildings were modernised . Today the city celebrates its unique architecture and history.
Now having admired the buildings we visited the local museum to admire present artists, Maori culture and the influence of music in the lives of the local communities. In Napier there is also another history collection,all donated by the local people. This is a collection for all as you can touch,try,push buttons,turn handles and generally experience pieces of your own history , grandparents or great grandparents. We tried everything!The Faraday centre is for all.
Now if none of these appeal, there are murals to spot, a black pebble beach to experience, play areas for children, wide paths,sculptures and gardens. They are all in Napier just waiting for you to discover.
Wash day.A robot?