Along for the ride: Napier, New Zealand

After debarking the ferry in Wellington, we drive north towards Hawks Bay and soon find ourselves back in the land of Kiwis and cows.

Kiwi crossing ahead

More happy Kiwi cows

That evening we stay at the small Eketahuna Motor Camp. The owners are very welcoming and seem get special joy out of meeting their visitors as well as hosting community events. Since they charge much below the going rate, they attract many young travelers on a budget. For example we meet a group of six Brazilian engineering students taking a break from their graduate studies in Australia as well as a threesome from Sweden.

The couple maintains a beautiful walking trail along the Makakahi River. The husband likes to tell visitors that wild Kiwis live along this trail. Indeed they do, but they are so reclusive that they are rarely seen. Just the same, he's not beyond pulling people's legs by pointing out much more common birds and calling them Kiwis.

Order of the Boar arrives

to set up for jousting.

Owner tells Jill about hiking trail

In the late afternoon, several people start arriving in cars with their dogs. They are from the Order of the Boar, a jousting group in New Zealand, and are setting up for an event taking place this weekend. Yes, you read that right - jousting as in the medieval sport of knights in full armor riding horses and trying to knock their opponent off with a lance. Apparently jousting's big in New Zealand. We just shake our heads in amazement. Who knew?

The next morning, we resume our drive to Napier. At coffee break, we make a short detour to the small town of Ongaonga. Since this town doesn't get many visitors, the locals are even more friendly than usual. We meet a retired gentleman who tells us about the whole history of this farming community and how they are converting an old industrial building across the street into a local museum. He encourages us to check it out even though it needs considerable work before it's ready for prime time. In fact, the building is clock-a-block full of old machinery etc. (think American Pickers dream) all covered with protective layers of dust. We get a kick out of an old telephone as well as petting the friendly ponies in the pasture next door.

Ongaonga General Store

Peter phoning home

Very sweet pony

We reach Napier early afternoon with plenty of time to explore this interesting town. Napier is well known for it's classical art deco architecture, which was created as the town rebuilt after the devastating 1931 Hawk's Bay earthquake. After setting up at the Napier Beach Holiday Park, we head downtown and discover crews of workmen erecting large Christmas decorations. With the warm and sunny weather, they seem out of place, but then again to our Northern Hemisphere senseabilies much of New Zealand is disorienting.

Downtown Napier

Two story holiday decoration just set in place

Towering Christmas tree

Art deco buildings with shops on first floor

Classic newspaper tht Clark Kent could walk out of

Detail on Masonic Building

Another classic building

We wander down to Art Deco Centre store operated by the Art Deco Trust to pick up a self-guided walking guide. They also offer a variety of guided tours. To get a good overview we start at the waterfront's promenade along Marine Parade street.

Napier's waterfront promenade

As we walk back up through the main part of town, we notice how much it is geared towards the many tourists Napier attracts.

A walking tour

Love this little Vespa

These would be great in our garden

It's not just the architecture that attractions tourists, but also the vintage cars.

This lady was cruising town

Wonderful old Dodge

Never knew of Dodge's Jewish origins

We decide to explore the Masonic Hotel in the beautifully restored Masonic Building.

Entrance to Masonic Hotel

Light at registration

Bar worthy of being a scene for the Maltese Falcon

Of course wherever tourists gather, it's easy to find loads of bars and refreshment stands. We stop at the upscale Bistronomy for happy hour. While there a local barfly, who is greeted by the whole staff, stops and chats us up probably hoping we'll invite him to join us for a drink. When we don't he wanders away empty handed and muttering to himself.

Sign for the Dram and Cock Whiskey Bar

Bistronomy

Mas caffeine anyone?

After a few glasses of wine, we are back on the street again. It's soon apparent the guys are up to mischief.

Peter tries the canon on for size

while Mark tickles a flapper

As it's Thanksgiving Day for us and since turkey's not a common menu item in New Zealand, we take the advice of the folks at our Holiday Park to celebrate at the local Thai Chef (a New Zealand chain). Although it's a far cry from the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, we thoroughly enjoy our meal.