Napier Sights and Landmarks Guide, New Zealand

Napier is full of great sights to see and things to do.  One of the scenic places that you have to visit is Lake Tutira.  This lake is set in the middle of a big country park with a popular wildlife refuge where you can have picnics or go camping.  This lake is memorable for its bird life and weeping willows, and in 1929, it was declared a bird sanctuary at the urge of William Herbert Guthrie-Smith, a Scottish ornithologist, author, and farmer who once farmed the neighboring Tutira Station.  The bird life at Lake Tutira includes, black swans, scaup, black shags, white-throated shags, grey ducks, pukeko, kingfishers, swallows, fantails, and New Zealand wood pigeons.

The Art Deco architecture of Napier came during the rebuilding of the city after a massive 7.9 earthquake destroyed the city on February 3rd of 1931.  The rebuilding began immediately, and a lot of it was finished within only 2 years.  The new buildings reflect the architectural styles of the period.  Louis Hay, the local architect and admirer of Frank Lloyd Wright, took his chance to shine.  The motifs of Māori were added to give Napier a unique character.  The best way you can enjoy the cityscape is by having a self-guided walk, where you get a map of the city from the information center.

Mission Estate Winery is the oldest winery in New Zealand, having been founded in 1851.  It is housed in an elegant and restored seminary building that has sweeping views of the city.  Mission Estate Winery offers a complete wine experience all year around.  Visitors will get the opportunity to try the vineyard selection, jewel stone, and reserve wines.  There are tours 2 times a day for anyone who is interested in its history.  They also have a restaurant, Mission Restaurant, where you can enjoy lunch or dinner every day of the week.

Trelinnoe Park is a garden of landscape and one of the finest woodland gardens in New Zealand that features spectacular scenery over 12 hectares.  During the spring, visitors can enjoy rhododendrons, azaleas, and the new foliage.  Towering trees, flowering, and perennials on sweeping lawns can be viewed during the summer.  In autumn, you can see the spectacular color of the season on a vast tree selection.  The wonderful sight of early bulbs, camellias, and magnolias can be seen during the winter.  They also have the Trelinnoe Café open from September to May, and they even have accommodations available for backpackers.