Dial up the style at the Napier Art Deco Festival

After a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 1931 which decimated Napier, the hardy Hawke’s Bay folk set about rebuilding the small city. The result is a perfect time capsule of period architecture. 

Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical buildings abound, in a city that’s internationally renowned for its unique collection of architectural style. 

While you can visit year-round to appreciate curlicue cornices and ziggurat lines, why not get into the spirit – brogues and all – at the annual Art Deco Festival. The festival returns after a Covid-enforced hiatus, and will run from 16-19 February 2023.

Each year the region dials up the glamour with hundreds of fabulous events – from period cars and picnics to dancing and dining. There’s music galore, fireworks and an aerobatics display of not insignificant plumage.