Dream it. Wish it. Do It: Napier - Such a sweet treat for the tired soul

Napier is one of the cities we visited quite a few years back and always wanted to go back to again. So we decided that Napier would be the start of our summer tour of the bottom half of North Island. We stayed there for 2 weeks and were not disappointed.

Throwback to the Great Gatsby era!

The whole art deco scene of Napier is just my thing. The whole Great Gatsby era of the 1920 and 1930 years has always fascinated me. And Napier just oozes with sights very reminiscent of this glamorous and stylish period of history. So many of the building are painted in soft pastel colours and have beautiful Art Deco facades and detail. They are arty looking, with gorgeous olde world charm and vintage memorabilia tucked away here, there and everywhere.

The main street along the ocean has stately palms lining it which almost make you believe you could be in Maimi.

So during our stay here, we wanted to check out some of the lovely highlights of this small city.

City Centre.
One of the most beautiful town's centres I have seen so far. Well preserved Art Deco facades, and a lovely town centre - some parts when deserted of modern-day cars and people, it could well be a movie set for the 1930s.

One of the main streets in Napier

Fabulous old buildings

Art Deco Building

Vineyards.
Beautiful wine farms to chill in and enjoy some good food and wine. We found this to be an extremely expensive experience but were very happy to enjoy a lunchtime meal in my favourite wine farm of Hawkes Bay, the Black Barn Vineyard.

Entrance to Black Barn Vineyard

Lovely Al Fresco dining under the grape vines

Lovely outlook over the vineyard

Sweet Delights.
Tempting chocolate factory and sweet shop, so decadent and delicious.

Silky Chocolate Cafe

Jars full of yummy sweets at Birdwoods Sweet Shop

Beautiful Gardens.

Serene and peaceful gardens - perfect for quiet reflection.

Gardens along the ocean front

Entrance to a garden

Charming white rose garden (and no the birds aren't real)

The Art Scene.
We went to see the amazing sculptures of Birdwoods Gallery. Just as a side note for all our South African and Rhodesian (Zimbabwe) friends and followers - yes some of the sculptures are from Africa as the owners of the gallery support the artists from Zimbabwe as a means of promoting their art.