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
performances, film screenings and regularly changing gallery and museum displays with
touring and local exhibitions.
National Tobacco
Company Building
ARCHITECTURE
(cnr Bridge & Ossian Sts, Ahuriri)
Around the shore at Ahuriri, the National Tobacco Com-
pany 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 el-
egantly curved entrance. During business hours, pull on the leaf-shaped brass door
handles and enter the first two rooms.
Marine Parade
STREET
Napier's elegant seaside avenue is lined with huge Norfolk Island pines, and dotted with
motels and charming timber villas. Along its length are parks, quirky
sunken gardens
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
, a minigolf course, skate park, sound shell, swim centre
and aquarium. Near the north end of the parade is the
Tom Parker Fountain
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
, best viewed at night when it's lavishly lit. Next to it is
GOOGLE MAP
sculpture, with her dubious boobs.
National Aquarium
of New Zealand
AQUARIUM
(
www.nationalaquarium.co.nz
; 546 Marine Pde; adult/child/family $20/10/54; 9am-5pm, feed-
ings 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
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.
