How & When To Visit New Zealand
If you are in the northern hemisphere, you might be among the visitors to New Zealand who include many from the UK and USA. In addition to the advantage of Speaking English Most English speaking visitors, and used to driving on the left like in the UK.
The two immediate differences in New Zealand and firstly the seasons. Escape winter in England and north America by going to New Zealand in January, or February, the last of the summer. (Schools went back in New Zealand the first week in February - leaving restaurants and hotels emptier).
Napier
If you are in New Zealand in February, or just want to travel online, look out for information on the Art Deco Festival in Napier. We flew to Auckland on the North Island in January. We hired a car, a beat up old banger, and drive south making two overnight stops, via the Maori geysers area, over the camelback mountains, up and down twisting roads thorugh forests, out through the harbour, the industrial area of container ships, around Hawke's bay, passing many signs to well known vineyards and wineries.
Our destination was to the seafront, to our hotel, the Art Deco Masonic hotel. (The restaurant did not serve breakfast, which was available to buy from their cafe on the next corner down the art deco street.)
News About Napier's Art Deco
Napier is known for its delightful art deco architecture. Historically, first the bad news - A dreadful earthquake devastated the buildings in Napier in early February 1931, Feb 3rd to be exact, followed by a ferocious fire. (We had noticed the Fire risk today rainbow clocks seen from the road all over the countryside.)
Art Deco Architecture
Next the good news. The undaunted citizens vowed to rebuild their buildings in the latest style, which was art deco. It's a slice of time.
You can park across the road from the seafront by the soldier's statue commemorating the soldiers, the war memorial. Walk or drive down from the seafront along Tennyson Street towards the old Fire Station which is now a wonderful restaurant, Central Fire Station Bistrot, expensive but worth it. (Closed on National Holidays - check opening times and make a booking.)
When the restaurant is open, when you go to the toilets, you will find historic photos and accounts of the building's and city's history.
Alas, I won't be there for the festival. I took a trip to New Zealand in January 2025 and am now reading all about it in their booklets and posters which I have saved. What are the amusing highlights of the festival?
Festival goers can hire art deco era (thirties) costumes. (Or make your own.)
Free Events
Friday Night Royal New Zealand Navy Band. Outdoor concert Friday 14 Feb 6.30 pm to 9 pm at Napier Soundshell Marine Parade, Napier, NZ.
There is a free to view vintage car parade.
Lots of ticketed and paid for events, others for donations.
Planes
A static display of vintage arcraft (WW2).
Memorial flying displays - at set times (but weather permitting). Noisy and dramatic.
Museums and Shops
Visit the Art Deco Centre. The area is full of nooky shops.
Tractors and Transport
You can take all day coach tours, long paid for walking tours. Just about every form of historic transport is offering trips to join, or watch. Even dry boat racing on the beach.
Sports & Deco Dog Parade
Sunday 16 Feb 9 am to 10 pm at the Soundshell, Marine Parade.
Free. Sponsored by ZIWI. If you are in New Zealand you can register your dog and have the chance to win a prize. Late registrations on the day only at 8 am to 8.45 am.
If you miss the festival, go into the museum, which has costumes you can wear for photos. Next to the museum is the Art Deco Centre which books tours and has a large shop.
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