Today we arrived at the small coastal town of Napier on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. After breakfast, we had free time to explore this quaint town with extensive Art Deco buildings dating to the 1930s. Guests visited local shops, an aquarium, a museum, and even a Saturday morning farmers’ market.
After lunch, we all went off to exciting excursions. Many guests took a trip to Cape Kidnappers for up-close and personal views of 20,000 Australasian gannets nesting on the point. These amazing birds are just completing their summer breeding cycle, and the chicks are almost fully grown. The coastal scenery was spectacular, and to be so close to these stunning seabirds was a highlight.
Other guests took a guided tour around town to observe the unique Art Deco architecture and learn how this concept developed after a devastating earthquake in Hawke’s Bay in 1931.
A few guests journeyed on an exclusive wine tour to three unique vineyards. Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s second largest wine region, and the wine and the tour were exceptional.
We left the port of Napier after dinner to head north for more adventures. I believe guests will take home fond memories of their visit to Napier.
