Art Deco Buildings

In the Hawkes Bay cities of Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North, many of the 1930s buildings tell a dramatic story. A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Hawke's Bay on February 3, 1931. It claimed the lives of almost 250 people, wrecked structures, and caused the coastline to recede indefinitely.

In the 1920s, the Art Deco aesthetic style was popular all over the world, but it was only in the 1930s that it became popular in New Zealand. Many of the buildings in Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North were reconstructed in the style. Taking an Art Deco tour, whether guided or self-directed, is now a major feature of visiting Napier.

Hastings has an exceptional collection of Art Deco, Spanish Mission, and Stripped Classical architecture, whereas Napier City is known as the Art Deco Capital of the World, with the highest concentration of art deco buildings anywhere on the planet. Discover the finest examples of Art Deco architecture worldwide by taking a tour in a vintage automobile or joining a guided walk. On the list of most attractive historical sites in New Zealand, Napier is the fourth most historical site beautiful.

Location: Napier