Napier/Hastings: Art Déco & Spanish Mission style
When disaster struck on 3 February 1931 in Napier and Hastings 258 people died, and the twin-cities were destroyed by the worst earthquake in New Zealand's (human) history, measuring 7.9 on the Richter Scale, followed by devastating fires. (More about earthquakes and disasters on my introduction page to the North Island.)But both cities rose like a phoenix from the ashes. Napier was redesigned in the Art Déco style with its simple and clean lines and has become the Art Déco capital of New Zealand. As local architect Louis Hay incorporated some Maori features in the buildings Napier got a unique style. The pastel colours give the city a joyful atmosphere. Coincidentally this jazzy style had been at its height in the 1930s.The Art Déco Trust has a Visitor Centre from where guided walks start twice daily (10am and 2pm). You can also get a booklet ($4) for self-guided tours. Brochures also...


































