Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Museum Theatre Gallery; 06-835 7781;
www.mtghawkesbay.com
;
1 Tennyson St; adult/child $15/free;
10am-6pm)
The beating cultural heart of Napier is the newly renovated MTG. It's a
gleaming-white museum-theatre-gallery space by the water, bringing together live per-
formances, film screenings and regularly changing gallery and museum displays with
touring and local exhibitions.
National Tobacco Company Building
(cnr Bridge & Ossian Sts, Ahuriri)
Around the shore at Ahuriri, the National Tobacco Company
Building is arguably the region's deco masterpiece, combining art-deco forms with the
natural motifs of art nouveau. Roses, raupo (bulrushes) and grapevines frame the eleg-
antly curved entrance. During business hours, pull on the leaf-shaped brass door handles
and enter the first two rooms.
ARCHITECTURE
Marine Parade
Napier's elegant seaside avenue is lined with huge Norfolk Island pines, and dotted with
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,
a minigolf course, skate park, sound shell, swim centre and aquarium. Near
the north end of the parade is the
Tom Parker Fountain
STREET
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, best viewed at night
MAP
when it's lavishly lit. Next to it is the
Pania of the Reef
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sculpture, with her
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dubious boobs.
National Aquarium of New Zealand
MAP
AQUARIUM
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(
www.nationalaquarium.co.nz
;
546 Marine Pde; adult/child/family $20/10/54; 9am-5pm, feedings 10am & 2pm)
Inside this modern complex with its stingray-inspired roof are piranhas, terrapins, eels,
kiwi, tuatara and a whole lotta fish. Snorkellers can swim with sharks ($80), or sign up for
a Little Penguin Close Encounter ($60).
Bluff Hill Lookout
(Lighthouse Rd; 24hr)
The convoluted route to the top of Bluff Hill (102m) goes up and
down like an elevator on speed (best to drive), but rewards with expansive views across
the port. Bring a picnic or some fish and chips.
LOOKOUT
