Notes on Napier

Next stop in NZ was Napier.  The first westerner to see Napier was Capt.  Cook.  Napier is a town known for its Art Deco architecture.  It has so much of this architecture due to a massive earthquake in 1931 that destroyed the town.  it was rebuilt in the Art Deco style.















We happened to be there when there was a bagpipe competition going on.  We stopped for a listen before walking down the marine parade (a promenade) to the National Aquarium. 

At the Aquarium, we got to see 2 kiwis.  They are brother and sister found as abandoned eggs.  The man who worked there was feeding them and told us there are 4 types of kiwis-  Great spotted, Little Spotted, North Island Brown and Southern Brown.  We saw North Island Brown.  He spent time after the feeding explaining the dangers and threats to the kiwi and telling us how docile this pair is with him. 

At the aquarium we also saw Little Blue Penguins which have now been renamed Little Penguins.  These are the same that were also known as the Fairy Penguins.  They are the smallest species of penguins.  The ones here are either rescued from injuries or abandoned chicks.  They were quite fun to watch above and below the water.  They did a feeding while we were there as well.  This aquarium is quite fortunate to receive its water directly from the harbor.  They run it through a filter to get the large particulates out and then recycle the used water back out to the ocean.  No chemicals need to be added

little blue penguin

pregnant male seahorse

There were also a large number of seahorses, many of the males were visibly pregnant.  We even say very small babies swimming in the tanks.

After our aquarium visit we walked back toward town along the beach promenade.  This is a wonderful town with well-preserved Art Deco buildings.  They also have many classic cars from the 20s and 30s.  You can even take a tour around in the vehicles.  I did a brief photo tour on my own while “C” and grandpa were mini golfing.

Our final stop was at the statue of Pania.  She is the Maori’s “Little Mermaid”.  Legend says she was lured out to the sea by siren voices.  When she tried to return to the shore to her lover, she was transformed into the reef that lies beyond the breakwater in Napier.  After our photographs with the statue, we continued walking to the ship. 

pania

Upon return, we found the classic cars and their owners, clad in period clothing, had come to send us off.  They also had a wonderful brass Dixie band.  As we got ready to board, the band struck up a tune for “C” along the lines of Get on Board Children.  It was another wonderful day in a wonderful country.

some of the farewell group