Napier Log

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Or Hawke's Bay Gazette?
Yesterday, after Mary spent the morning finding out about Kiwis, we set off along the Thermal Explorer Highway in our little tank (20 miles to the gallon going downhill, I think) from Rotorua. It was a weird experience seeing columns of steam rising up from time to time on each side of the road as we drove along. Like trying to escape from a massive eruption just before it happens! Still, we found time to explore Wairakei and the Huka Falls (- how does the water manage to look so blue?). At Wairakei, we had lunch surrounded by free-range chickens, turkeys and alpacas before venturing out into the steamy hinterland. The chickens were so free range that they leapt on to the table and started eating our leftovers as soon as we left the table.

Eventually, we escaped the Volcano country - only to find ourselves in the Earthquake country instead! We can relax though. There's been five series of tremors over the past few years, so not much chance of a Big One over the next few days, hopefully. Napier was not so lucky on 3rd Feb 1931 though, when a big earthquake devasted the area. The town was rebuilt in Art Deco style and now claims to be the Art Deco capital of the world. This weekend, as every year, enthusiasts will turn up in vintage cars and 1930s fashions to celebrate.

We spent the day looking at the town and swimming in the town Lido. To-morrow, we-re off to Wellington with the daunting prospect of a 7:30 start on Thursday. (I'll explain later - I'm running out of time!)

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Photos

The cauldrons of Hell
This is as close as we want to get to the place

Napier
Napier

The boatride to Hell
A bit choppy to-day

Our First Alpaca
Guarding the coffee shop

Free Range
Gerroff

The road to Napier
No earthquake, please while we cross

Comments

[ellie]

Hello from India. Hope you are well and enjoying your travels. Perhaps pop across to the Andaman Islands on your way home - you won't regret it...