Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Napier, New Zealand

 Napier, New Zealand    March 14, 2025



After taking in the visitor center, 
we walked the Marine Walkway along Hawke's Bay.


It was a gorgeous day and lots of folks were stretching their legs.




Healthy palm trees lined the streets and city park on the Northern Island of New Zealand, attesting to mild winters.






Hundreds of butterflies were flittering from flower to flower.




A wonderful stage for performances
On the waterfront in Hawk's Bay.

We enjoyed walking the streets. The shops had many unique items on display and the art deco buildings were something to behold.



Napier citizens rebuilt the town using the Art Deco design after the area was destroyed from a destructive earthquake in 1931.


The town is considered one of the foremost
existing examples of Art Deco designs in the world. What a colorfully unique place.







Chic shops were established below the art deco second floors. 


At the end of the main street was a lovely park. I really enjoyed the blooming lilly pads.






Kiwi humor...."Husband Parking Area" for shopping wives.



Painted walls kept with the 30's theme.
Fascinating vintage cars of the 30's offered opportunities for visitor to get a tour of  the town in unique ways.


   Wouldn't trade this vintage model for the world.


Citizens shared their talents on the street.





This shop was full of cool pieces and antiquities that were true to the art deco era. 


Upon arriving back at the ship this local band gave us a send off with jazzy 1930's tunes.
What a treat!


The citizens were spectacularly dressed to the era and loved showing off their cars. What a grand finale visit to a very special NZ town.






The sail away sunset was spectacular!



















Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington, North Island, New Zealand  March 13, 2025

Wellington is the national capitol of New Zealand.

 SURPRISE!!!Port of Wellington

We woke to an announcement from the Westerdam Captain. "The ship did not arrive in Picton this morning because of high winds." It had actually turned around and went to Lyttlelton near Christchurch to take a sick passenger. With high seas it had continued  on to Wellington. Because we were scheduled to go to Picton, we were rewarded with an extra day in Wellington. SWEET!

                         Wellington Beach


That water color is unbelievable.


The Beehive, Government Administrative Building 


I love the old architecture in this city.



Our first day we walked the city and waterfront.

We cut through a cool alley and found...

this  sign along the way. Wellington has a lot of reclaimed shoreline because this sign was quite a distance from the water.



We found the Cuba area...Cuba in New Zealand.


Some cool art







   A Mari boat....ready for the fall races                                   next week.



Modern Wellington







Victory University Law School






Love this statue....the little dog is exuberantly mid air.





The second day of our Wellington stay, Larry and I rode the tram to the top of the mountain.





The tram passed through this tunnel of lights.


The views from the top showed the city at its best.




The tram styles changed over the years.




We enjoyed the older trams in the museum at the top of the hill.




After visiting the museum, we walked through the Botanical Gardens.


The rose garden was exquisite.










I really love the unusual fern trees in New Zealand.

Lichen

                   Tropical trees and plants







A great coffee shop with some lovely art

These are the green parrots that we are hoping to spot at Author's Pass in a couple of weeks.



We had two fantastic days in Wellington. Life can't get any better than this.