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Historic center · Napier (Ahuriri), Hawke's Bay
Napier Art Deco Centre
Napier's centre, rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake with dozens of Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical buildings, is explored on foot with a map or on guided tours.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Napier Art Deco Centre
Napier's centre occupies a few flat blocks between the sea and Bluff Hill. Almost everything there was rebuilt between 1931 and the late 1930s, after the earthquake and subsequent fires destroyed the town. Architects used the styles of the era, with reinforced concrete, geometric facades, zigzags, sunburst motifs and stylized Maori patterns.
Emerson, Tennyson and Hastings streets concentrate many of the buildings. Among the best known are the Daily Telegraph, with an ornate façade and decorative metalwork, the former Masonic Hotel facing the sea, and the ASB Bank building, featuring Maori patterns on the ceiling. In the port neighbourhood of Ahuriri is the National Tobacco Company building, with leaded glass doors and rose carvings.
The Art Deco Centre on Tennyson Street runs guided walking tours in the morning and afternoon and sells maps for self-guided routes. There are also vintage car tours.
In February, the Art Deco festival attracts thousands of people in period dress, 1930s cars, bands and street dances in the centre.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One and a half to 2 hours for the guided walking tour; half a day to explore the centre and Ahuriri on your own.
Best time
In the morning, when the façades are lit, or late afternoon. In February, during the Art Deco festival, the town becomes crowded and accommodations fill up.
How to get there
The centre sits beside the Marine Parade and is explored on foot. The Art Deco Centre is on Tennyson Street, near the promenade. Ahuriri is about 3 km away by car, bicycle or bus.
Tip
Do the guided tour first and then return on your own to the buildings that caught your eye. Look up: many details are high on the façades, above the shops.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Napier Art Deco Centre
Is there a guided Art Deco tour of Napier?
Yes. The Art Deco Centre on Tennyson Street runs guided walking tours and sells maps for self-guided routes.
Which are Napier’s most famous Art Deco buildings?
The Daily Telegraph, the former Masonic Hotel, the ASB Bank in the centre, and the National Tobacco Company in Ahuriri.
How long does it take to see Napier’s Art Deco?
About two hours with the guided tour; half a day to explore the centre and Ahuriri at a relaxed pace.
What was the Napier earthquake?
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake on February 3, 1931, which destroyed Napier and Hastings and killed more than 250 people.