January 30 - Napier

Saturday 30 January

Driving the last section of the Pacific Coastal Highway was beautiful. Vineyards and other crops adorning the plains; sheep, cows, goats and forests covering the hills. Spectacular gorges with roads, rail and rivers cutting winding routes through the countryside.

We reached Napier by lunchtime having left Gisborne at 9am. Luckily for us the weather had improved and it was beautiful and sunny in this famous art deco town. We parked the car and followed a self guided walking route through the town to check out the buildings which have put Napier on the map. After a rest stop we headed up to the Bluff for 360 deg. views around the harbour and Hawke Bay.

Once again we timed our arrival at our accommodation perfectly and were quite happy to have a relaxing afternoon. Our hosts were very welcoming and we fitted right in sharing their lounge area with both rugby and cricket in common, even if on different sides of the competition. 

A good recommendation for dinner saw us enjoying fish and chips in doors with a bottle of local wine.

 

The buildings in Napier have all come about as a result of a devastating earthquake in the 1930s

Great views from The Bluff

This staircase was a quirky surprise at our accommodation