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Napier, New Zealand
On February 3, 1931, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake destroyed most of Napier and raised the seabed two meters, creating new land. The city was rebuilt rapidly in the prevailing Art Deco style, creating the most concentrated and best-preserved collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. Walking the Emerson Street pedestrian mall, Tennyson Street, and Marine Parade reveals hundreds of buildings in Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and Deco styles, many with Maori motifs unique to New Zealand. The Art Deco Trust runs excellent guided walking tours. Beyond the architecture, Napier is the heart of the Hawke's Bay wine region, with cellar doors easily reached by bicycle or car.
explore by interest
The Art Deco precinct is best explored with the Art Deco Trust's morning guided walk, which provides historical context for the facades.
February through April offers warm, settled weather; the annual Art Deco Festival in February is the biggest event, drawing thousands of vintage enthusiasts.