The History of Napier New Zealand

by

TraceyLC

Napier is known as the Art Deco capital of the world as many of the citys buildings were rebuilt in the 1930s due to a devastating earthquake in 1931. The result is one of the best collections of colourful Art Deco architecture in the one place in any part of the world. True lovers of architecture will love a trip to Napier to explore its stunning street scapes and rich history. Accommodation in Napier is varied with a great range of Napier hotels including both contemporary and Art Deco styles depending on your preference.

Napiers history begins with the Maoris who first inhabited the area many centuries ago. It was this group of Maoris who were the first to come in contact with European settlers in 1769 when Captain James Cook sailed by what is known as Hawkes Bay. Believing that the Maoris were hostile, Cook decided not to land but took note of the area naming it after Sir Edward Hawke, First Lord of the Admiralty. It wasnt until much later in the early 1830s that European settlers began to move into the area including traders, whalers and missionaries and by the 1850s farmers and hotel owners had arrived.

The town grew in size over the years and was officially named a borough in 1874. On February 3, 1931 the town of Napier was razed to the ground by a powerful earthquake that flattened most of the town centre with the ensuing fires killing over 250 people. The massive rebuild that occurred in the following decade makes Napier the town it is today and one of two of the best preserved Art Deco towns in the world along with an area of Miami Beach, Florida. There are over 4000 hectares of land now visible in Napier that were underwater before the earthquake struck and pushed the land out of the sea.

Although some of the Art Deco buildings were replaced with more modern structures in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the historic and aesthetic value was fortunately realised in the 1990s and the centre of town became protected and restored. In 2007, Napier became the first cultural site in New Zealand to be nominated with UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Napier now attracts 1000s of architecture enthusiasts annually from all over the world and even those without an interest in architecture enjoy Napiers unique city centre with its bright colours and ornate finishes. Napier also boasts the Hawkes Bay Museum and Art Gallery, National Aquarium, the Soundshell (outdoor stage and forecourt) and the iconic Pania of the Reef statue (often compared to Copenhagens Little Mermaid) , based on Maori legend about a beautiful mermaid who lived in the surrounding sea.

Visitors to Napier will be spoilt for choice for Napier hotels with a good range of budget, middle range and luxury accommodation in Napier. Napier is also surrounded by lush countryside which produces excellent produce and stunning wines so food and wine lovers are well catered for.

For more information on

accommodation in Napier

including

Napier hotels

visit

Choice Hotels Australia

online.

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The History of Napier New Zealand}