Walking Tour of Napier, North Island, New Zealand

     My walk begins at the Tourist Information Centre, on Marine Parade, the Hawke’s Bay waterfront thoroughfare. Pick up a map and get your questions answered before proceeding to begin your walk of this “retro” city, the Art Deco capital of the world. Note that there are, literally, hundreds of noteworthy buildings in the town, so feel free to deviate from the walk, to explore other streets.

     Walk north on Marine Parade, noticing the T&G Building, at the intersection with Emerson Street. It is one of the most photographed buildings in town. Continue north to the Hawke’s Bay Museum, which offers a film about the 1931 earthquake that destroyed the city, paving the way for its reconstruction in the prevailing architecture of the time.

     After your visit, turn left on Browning Street to admire the Ministry of Works Building, on your right. Then, turn left on Hastings Street, which features a number of interesting vintage buildings, including Hartson’s Bar. Turn right when you reach Tennyson Street to see the Market Reserve Building, at the corner, and the Daily Telegraph Building, ahead on the right.

     When you reach Clive Square East, turn left and left again on Emerson Street. At Dalton Street, detour to the right to see the Countrywide Bank Building, a pink, Art Deco masterpiece, then return to Emerson Street and turn right (eastward) to see more classic Napier structures.

     Now, turn right again on Hastings Street and then left on Albion Street to Marine Parade. Turn left again to return to your starting point.