Napier: The Art Deco Jewel of New Zealand

• HelloKia ora
  [kee-ah or-rah]
• GoodbyeHaere rā
  [high-ree rah]
• YesĀe
  [eye]
• NoKāo
  [kao]
• Please/You're welcomeTēnā koe
  [ten-ah koh-eh]
• Thank youNgā mihi
  [nah mee-hee]
• Excuse me/SorryWhakarongo mai
  [fah-kah-rong-oh my]
• How are you?Kei te pēhea koe?
  [keh ee teh pay-ha koh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Kei te pai. Ā koe?
  [keh ee teh pie. eye koh-eh]
• Do you speak English?Kōrerotia koe i te reo Pākehā?
  [kor-eh-roe-tee-ah koh-eh ee teh reh-oh pah-keh-ha]
• I don't understandKaore au e whakarongo
  [kao-reh ow eh fah-kah-rong-oh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe tiro atu au i te pānui, tēnā
  [meh tee-raw ah-oo ee teh pan-oo-ee, ten-ah]
• I don't eat meatKaore au e kai mīti
  [kao-reh ow eh kai mee-tee]
• Cheers!Ūā
  [oo-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe utu au, tēnā
  [meh oo-too ow, ten-ah]

• Help!Āwhina!
  [eye-fee-nah]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [high-ree ah-too]
• Call the Police!Karanga ki te Pirihimana!
  [kah-rung-ah kee teh pee-ree-hee-mah-nah]
• Call a doctor!Karanga ki te doctor!
  [kah-rung-ah kee teh dohk-tor]
• I'm lostI wareware ahau
  [ee wah-reh-wah-reh ah-how]
• I'm illE māuiui ana au
  [eh mah-wee-wee ah-nah ow]

• I'd like to buy...Me hoko au...
  [meh hoh-koh ow]
• I'm just lookingKei te titiro au
  [keh ee teh tee-tee-raw ow]
• How much is it?E hia te utu?
  [eh hee-ah teh oo-too]
• That's too expensiveHe rawa nui te utu
  [heh rah-wah noo-ee teh oo-too]
• Can you lower the price?Ka taea e koe te whakaiti i te utu?
  [kah teh-ah eh koh-eh teh fah-kai-tee ee teh oo-too]

• What time is it?Kei te aha te wā?
  [keh ee teh ah-hah teh wah]
• It's one o'clockKotahi karaka
  [koh-tah-hee kah-rah-kah]
• Half past (10)Tekau ma rima
  [teh-kow mah ree-mah]
• MorningAtarau
  [ah-tah-rah-oo]
• AfternoonAhiahi
  [ah-hee-ah-hee]
• EveningPō
  [poh]
• YesterdayTūrama
  [too-rah-mah]
• TodayTēnei rā
  [ten-ay rah]
• TomorrowĀpōpō
  [ah-poh-poh]
• 1Tahi
  [tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [toh-roo]
• 4Whā
  [fah]
• 5Rima
  [ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [oh-noh]
• 7Whitu
  [fee-too]
• 8Waru
  [wah-roo]
• 9Iwa
  [ee-wah]
• 10Tekau
  [teh-kow]

• Where's a/the...?Kei hea te...?
  [keh heh-ah teh]
• What's the address?He aha te wāhi?
  [heh ah-ha teh wah-hee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Taea e koe te whakaatu i ahau?
  [teh-ah eh koh-eh teh fah-kah-ah-too ee ah-how]
• When's the next (bus)?Āhea te (pahi) whakamua?
  [eye-heh teh pah-hee fah-kah-moo-ah]
• A ticket (to ....)He tiki (ki ....)
  [heh tee-kee kee]

The area now known as Napier was originally settled by the Māori people, specifically the Ngāti Kahungunu iwi. The region’s fertile land and access to the sea made it an ideal location for fishing and agriculture. The Māori name for Napier is Ahuriri, named after a prominent chief.

European settlers arrived in the early 19th century, with the first recorded European visitor being Captain James Cook in 1769. By the 1850s, European settlers began to establish themselves in the area, leading to the development of what would become the town of Napier. The town was named after Sir Charles Napier, a British army officer.

On February 3, 1931, Napier was struck by a devastating earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale. The earthquake caused significant damage and resulted in the loss of 256 lives. The disaster led to a massive rebuilding effort, during which Napier was transformed into a showcase of Art Deco architecture, making it a unique architectural landmark.

Following the 1931 earthquake, Napier was rebuilt in the Art Deco style, which was popular at the time. Architects incorporated elements of Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical styles into the designs. Today, Napier is internationally recognized for its stunning Art Deco architecture, attracting visitors from around the world.

The fertile lands surrounding Napier have made it an important center for agriculture and viticulture. The Hawke’s Bay region, where Napier is located, is one of New Zealand's premier wine-producing areas. The development of vineyards and wineries has significantly boosted the local economy and tourism.

Napier hosts several cultural events and festivals that celebrate its history and community. The annual Art Deco Festival, held every February, attracts tens of thousands of visitors who come to celebrate the town’s unique architectural heritage. The festival features parades, vintage car displays, and various performances.

Marine Parade is one of Napier’s most iconic destinations, featuring beautiful gardens, fountains, and recreational areas along the waterfront. It is also home to the National Aquarium of New Zealand, which showcases the country's diverse marine life and offers educational programs about conservation.

Napier is located on the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island. The nearest airport is Hawke's Bay Airport, situated just 10 minutes from the city center. Direct flights are available from major New Zealand cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. International travelers can connect via these cities. Alternatively, Napier is accessible by road via State Highway 2 and State Highway 50, providing scenic drives through the countryside.

Once in Napier, transportation options include taxis, ride-sharing services, and local buses. The city's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot or by bike, with many attractions within walking distance. For those looking to explore further afield, car rental services are available. The local bus service, GoBus, connects Napier to surrounding areas, including Hastings and Havelock North.

The official currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Napier, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals. Contactless payment methods, such as EFTPOS and Paywave, are commonly used in shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Napier is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is always wise to exercise standard precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Napier doesn't have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant. The Marine Parade area is popular with tourists and generally safe, but be cautious of pickpockets.

In case of emergency, dial 111 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Napier has several medical facilities, including the Hawke's Bay Hospital in nearby Hastings. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-emergency health advice, you can call Healthline at 0800 611 116.

Fashion: Do dress in layers as weather can be changeable. Smart casual attire is generally acceptable for most venues. Religion: Respect local customs and traditions, although Napier is not particularly religious. Public Transport: Do have your fare ready and be respectful to drivers and other passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: A friendly 'hello' or 'kia ora' is appreciated. Kiwis are generally informal. Eating & Drinking: Do try local wines and seafood. Don't tip excessively; tipping is not a common practice in New Zealand.

To experience Napier like a local, visit the Farmers' Market on Sundays in nearby Hastings for fresh produce and local crafts. Take a walk along Marine Parade to enjoy the seaside views and public art. For a unique experience, rent a bike and explore the Hawke's Bay Trails. Napier is famous for its Art Deco architecture, so consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the city's history and design. Finally, don't miss out on the local wine scene; a visit to one of the many wineries in the area is highly recommended.