Napier day two

Fab day today, ticked off all the things we wanted to do and only got wet once!

Started with the museum (free entry!) which was great. The basement narrated the 1931 earthquake event which has defined this region for one reason or another ever since. It was well explained, with human interest stories and family memorabilia plus a moving memorial book detailing the people who sadly lost their lives. Most of the region was affected by the 7.3 quake and subsequent fire but the harsh truth is this area is never that far from its next quake. The east coast is right in a subduction zone where the Pacific tectonic plate slides under the Oceanic plate, which NZ is situated on. This means there is often movement, some you feel most you don’t, but the ‘big’ one could always round the corner. There are clear instructions about tsunamis and what to do inc a prescribed ‘grab bag’ should an extreme event occur, and you need to vamoose - fast. Sobering stuff.

It’s pretty normal to monitor seismic activity on a regular basis:
https://www.geonet.org.nz/

The rest of the museum was good too, an eclectic mix of Māori history and modern art works, with a live piano accompaniment. Great morning of culture.

After another tour of some art deco photo ops, we have lunch (or I should say brekkie, as many Kiwi caffs offer a very civilised ‘all day breakfast’). We got wet in a sharp shower on the way to the aquarium but soon dry off as we walk through the tanks and inmates.

A lovely modest sized aquarium with the addition of some reptiles, little penguins and native tuatara (lizards) and a lone kiwi trudging back and forth in its dimly lit enclosure. Wasn’t sure about the latter - it seemed lonely and stressed.

Got back to our cabin for a much needed afternoon cuppa and a preliminary pack, to set off to the central plateau tomorrow.Read more