Sunday, February 5, 2023 

Napier 

It’s a beautiful day in Napier today. A bit windy, but it is known for being windy. Often cruise ships are not able to get into port due to the wind so we feel lucky that we are stopping here. It was fascinating to watch our captain turn our ship 180 degrees just inside the harbor and back into our berth. There was another cruise ship in already, also a container ship was being loaded, and a log ship was being loaded with logs. A busy little port. 

Napier is the 2^nd largest wine growing region in New Zealand with more than 70 vineyards. It is also known for its Art Deco buildings. Much of the town was destroyed in a massive earthquake and fire in 1931. Almost 250 people lost their lives. The city is also the largest wool center in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Russ is coming down with a cold, so he stayed behind while I headed out on our included tour “Art Deco Drive”. Again, the bus had every seat taken. We drove through the main part of the town (population around 65,000) then out into some residential districts, around the port area and back into the Central Business District. The driver offered to drop us off in town and directed us to where the free shuttle bus was located to return to the wharf. 

With the amount of hype on the Art Deco buildings I was anticipating something spectacular. A few of the buildings were worthy of a second look, but for the most part it was unspectacular. I wandered around a bit but could not find any trouble to get into.

 

We sailed shortly after 5:00. The wind had really picked up making it apparent why the captain had chosen to back into our berth earlier in the day. We’ll be in Wellington tomorrow.

Watching the tugboats work in any of these ports is fascinating. Some ports they are required by the harbor master, some they are offered. Our captain has told us if they are offered, he will always attach their line to our ship. The tugs are there to assist if needed and prevent accidents.

As an update to this post. Shortly after our visit, New Zealand was hit by another large storm. This little village was flooded by the rainwater.