Napier, the Art Deco City

In 1931, an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale struck Napier and its surrounding region. The vast majority of buildings in the commercial centre were destroyed, but the national disaster resulted in Napier becoming one of the purest Art Deco cities in the world. 

Rebuilding began almost immediately, and much of it was completed in two years. New buildings reflected the architectural style of the times - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco. 

Art Deco was fashionable in the 1920s. The architectural style is characterised by the skyscraper shape, sunbursts and fountains, and geometric shapes.

In post-earthquake Napier, Art Deco was both a safe and economical choice. The new concrete buildings were more resistant to earthquakes and fire, materials were cheap, and the stucco relief ornaments typical of Art Deco offered a less costly form of decoration.

Local architect Louis Hay, an admirer of the great Frank Lloyd Wright, had his chance to shine. Maori motifs were employed to give the city a unique New Zealand character - for example, the ASB bank on the corner of Hastings and Emerson Streets features Maori koru and zigzags.

Napier's city centre has the feeling of a time capsule - the seamless line of 1930s architecture is quite extraordinary. 

See the 1930s Art Deco Buildings

Nostalgia lives on in Napier

An Art Deco Trust was established in 1985 to promote and preserve what is now recognised as a world-class collection of Art Deco architecture.

The trust offers a variety of activities such as guided historical walks and vintage car tours. 

The annual highlight is the Art Deco Weekend held in February when the town turns back the clock and dresses in its deco finest.

Vintage vehicles and planes, picnics and jazz concerts, parades and dancing in the street, good food and wine are some of more than 100 events that help celebrate Napier's unique heritage.

Experience the annual Art Deco Weekend parade in February

See Napier on a selection of itineraries which include a city sights tour, showcasing an impressive collection of Art Deco buildings, followed by some free time to explore the city’s fascinating architecture.