We are staying in Napier for a few day - Napier is known as the Art Deco Capital of the world. Following a massive earthquake (7.9 on the Richter scale) on the morning of Tuesday 3 February 1931, fires destroyed most of the commercial heart of Napier. The city was rebuilt in the style of that era and by the end of the decade Napier was the newest city on the globe.
Later in the week we will be enjoying our very first Art Deco weekend, when the city is full to bursting with visitors, mostly dressed to the nines, we have been told. I was delighted to discover Napier Central Store which specialises in Art Deco clothing. We purchased some braces for Robin and beads for me, so that we will be suitably attired when we return to enjoy the weekend. The shop was full of beautiful beaded outfits, but sadly no photos were permitted inside. I snapped these headdresses through the shop window.
Seen in the Napier Central Store
Our camping neighbours recommended we visit the Art Deco Masonic Hotel for a coffee and to check out the historic photos on display. That sounded good to us, so off we went this morning. What a lovely place it was. The hotel had a checkered life, burnt down and rebuilt, and destroyed by fire in the huge 1931 earthquake. Luckily it rose from the ashes again, as good as new.
It was lovely and cool inside, with the decorating style heavily slanted to “vintage”. Toys and old suitcases were elegantly displayed, and there were cabinets full of the sort of things that Grandmother would have in her home. I spent some time checking out the historic photos, thanks to our neighbours for the tip, not somewhere we would have thought to visit.
Masonic Hotel
After enjoying our coffee we drove on to Havelock North, a very pretty and affluent village, especially to go to the Birdwood's Sweet Shop. Set is a cute little cottage, stepping inside is like a sweet lovers wonderland. Filled to the brim with jars and jars of sweets – you are invited to take a bowl or two, a plastic glove, and select the sweets you were drooling after. I chose Acid Drops and Robin was after Blackballs – we keep these in the car to perk us up on long drives.
Cute little sweet shop
And we couldn't leave without indulging in a “real fruit ice-cream”. Coffees and ice-creams are served in the spacious sculpture park at the back of the café and gallery. This really is a rather delightful property.
Time for an ice-cream
7 comments:
I’m so jealous. When we visited it was the Friday of the Festival. Oh, how we wished we could stay for the whole weekend. The little we saw was terrific and we met lots of beautiful vintage cars heading towards town as we were leaving..Maybe one day.......I’m sure you will have a wonderful time.
what a fun place this seems to be thanks for sharing and it is always great to stop for ice cream in touristy towns isn't it
It’s fun to tag along on your adventures. I’ve learned a lot about your country. Selecting just a few treats in the Sweets Shop would be difficult.
When we came to New in 2009 we arrived in time to visit the Art Deco parade of vintage cars. We couldn't believe how many there were, it was amazing. Have a wonderful weekend.
Judith nb Serena
What a fascinating history. Looks like you are in for a bit of fun.
Enjoy your sweets.
It is a beautiful city. When we were there the vintage cars were out and there were some people dressed up. I loved it.
What wonderful places to visit....art deco is such an elegant style. That ice cream looks good!
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