Patricia Stone, Owner and Founder of Global Adventures, sailed Australia and New Zealand on Volendam and updated us with posts throughout her cruise. Enjoy!

When the ms Volendam docked in Hawke’s Bay, we received a warm welcome by the Napier people! To our surprise, almost everyone was adorned in 1920s dress attire, like they had stepped out of The Great Gatsby novel.  There was even a band playing 1920s tunes and vintage cars lined up dockside. After a short shuttle ride into town, we were given a walking map to take in all the Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture and old buildings along the main streets of Napier. We learned that most of this town was rebuilt in the 1930s due to the devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake that destroyed most of the buildings in 1931. However, this unfortunate disaster opened up new opportunities for Napier to become a charming town and the Art Deco capital of the World, with year-round Mediterranean climate with long hot summers and mildly sunny winters.

Hawke’s Bay has a vigrant and flourishing artistic and cultural life with museums, galleries and artists’ studios. Renowned as a premium food and wine producing area, you often see fruit and vegetable stands selling apricots, corn, apples and more across the countryside. Hawke’s Bay is experiencing a surge in wine production with wineries and tasting rooms in unique settings like the contemporary Elephant Hill on the ocean’s edge with stunning views of Cape Kidnapper, contrasted against older estates like Mission Estate Winery.

For amazing views, head to Te Mata Peak  which overlooks Hawke’s Bay and the Tukituki River Valley. You can also rent a bicycle and tour Napier’s Marine Parade on the Rotary Pathway, a dedicated walking and cycling six-mile path that follows the coastline. Either way, take in the fresh air and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Cape Kidnappers.

To read this post on the Global Adventures site, click HERE.