Napier, New Zealand

Well, we’re blown away by New Zealand altogether.  Napier is yet another beautiful town, Art Deco in design this time. Apparently, it’s Art Deco because of an earthquake but we’re not entirely sure why!  Obviously, everything looks better bathed in sunshine but everything is clean here, friendly staff EVERYWHERE whether that’s on the bus, in a coffee shop or clothing store.

We did nothing but have a saunter round the town, picked up a few souvenirs, have a few beers, met a few friends … it made us laugh that there was a petrol pump logo on the side of the glass 🙂

It must be a thing here, with the Art Deco vibe, that you can get a private tour of Napier in a vintage car.

As we were getting off the ship this morning, Captain Kennedy was waiting to greet us. He’s getting off in Auckland as I’ve mentioned, but having spoken to my son and his partner this morning, I just wanted to make sure that Joe and the Captain weren’t the same person! Especially as Joe was also a sea captain! If Joe had his glasses on and wasn’t stood with the handsome young man that is my son 🙂

We made it back to the ship and were welcomed by the row of vintage cars and a three-piece jazz band.

Anyway, as a parting gift from Napier …

a. on the shuttle bus somebody asked me if I wanted to sit down! I think broken noses heal fairly quickly don’t they? 🙂

b. we were serenaded back on board by a jazz trio; New Zealand certainly knows how to welcome guests and make sure they have a good time! We’re sat on our balcony overlooking the quayside, with a gin and tonic, listening to the jazz band … you wouldn’t get that on King George Dock!!

Sea day tomorrow and then Auckland.

Another wash day looms though 🙁