On to Napier and its Jazz and Flappers

Our drive today was something of a frustration. There were so many scenic views but nowhere to pull over to photogrpah them. The highway from Gisborne to Napier has very narrow shoulders and stopping would have exposed us to the large number of heavy vehicles on the road.

However, we did find some opportunities that illustrate something of the type of country through which we travelled. We had a pleasant drive on a nice sunny day.

An obvious thing of which to be careful on the roads were these timber trucks. They seemed to be everywhere. On the highway, they travel at a good clip and before you know it, they would be right up your bum. They slow significanty up the hills and winding sections of the road and go slowly downhill utilising their engine brakes to stay at a safe speed. We were constantly looking for a passing lane or slow vehicle bay to get around them. Then there would be another one.

Apart from the pine forests, most of the country was beef and sheep country.

We stopped where we could at a couple of places to see if any interesting old buildings were sufficiently photogenic to make a good photo. Some were; others weren’t. 

The only real town of any size along our three hour drive was Wairoa (roughly mid way between Gisborne and Napier). We stopped at the local bakery to buy a coffee and a ham roll for lunch and then drove over to the war memorial park to eat them.

Another good place to stop was at Lake Tutira. It was filled with the sounds of a school group who were staying in the campground. There were some nice views across the lake.

This duck came along and checked us out. For some reason. I thought of the Duck Song that I used to sing with my grand daughters when they were young. It just appeals to my sense of humor. Duck Song Link.

Late in our drive, the Highway drew near to the coast at Hawke Bay.It is named for Sir Edward Hawke, First Lord of the British Admiralty from 1766 to 1771. The body of water is called Hawke Bay, while the region is called Hawke’s Bay. The confusing difference stems from the various authorities and histories behind the official names.

Napier is  known as the “Art Deco Capital of the World.” It was rebuilt in the then contemporary 1930s style of architecture following a devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake on February 3, 1931. It completely destroyed the city’s commercial center. Rebuilding was rapid – taking just a few years. The city now features a unique and concentrated collection of Art Deco, Stripped Classical, and Spanish Mission architecture, often incorporating traditional Māori motifs.

When we planned this trip months ago, we had no idea that this weekend would be the annual art deco festival. It’s just as well that we had pre-booked our accommodation. The city is alive with activities. Many people have taken the opportunity to dress up in 1930s fashions and styles similar to the Charleston era. They were very happy for me to photograph them. It’s just like one big adults dress-up party.

Apart from the presentation of movies of the day and bands perorming jazz music, there is also a parade of old cars. The ones that we have seen are in excellent condition and have been dearly loved by their owners.

 We are looking forward to doing a self-guided walking tour tomorrow to see more.