Napier

Today’s journey would take me 220 km SE to Napier, at a very reasonable fare of $28. The landscape changed from sheep and cattle farms to more forested areas. Again it was hilly with very narrow, winding roads. It rained on and off during the 4 hour trip but was dry when we made our 45 minute stop at Taupo. That was just enough time for a bathroom stop and the short walk to the largest lake in NZ. It is in the caldera of the Taupo Volcano and is 46 km x 33 km, small compared to Lake Winnipeg at 416 km x 100 km! Another interesting fact....Taupo is 186 m deep while our lake is only 36 m. It is popular with boating and fishing enthusiasts.

It was dry when we arrived at Napier on the shores of Hawke’s Bay. In 1931 an earthquake almost razed the entire city. It was rebuilt in the popular Art Deco style of architecture which draws many tourists to the city with a population of 63,000. Arts and culture are predominant as well. It is a small city but there are parks and gardens everywhere. The beach is black basalt and the water a chalky light green colour. Napier is such a pretty, clean city and I enjoyed walking throughout the town enjoying the gardens and architecture which was more extensive than South Beach in Miami. I wasn’t aware that the Art Gallery closed at 4 and was disappointed that I didn’t get to see it. The shops close between 4 and 5 so the town is pretty quiet after 5. It was a chilly 14 degrees in the evening and was the first time I had to dig out warm clothing.

Being a major tourist town I found it very difficult to find a reasonably priced hotel. I ended up staying at the County Hotel, an heritage hotel which has received awards for its authentic restoration. There were also little touches like a plate of mini carrot muffins in my room and free port in the library in the evenings. It was a unique experience and I didn’t encounter any spooks!Читать далее