Napier is the second-largest wine-growing
region in New Zealand, the Hawke’s Bay area boasts more than 70 vineyards. The
first ones were introduced by French missionaries in the mid-19th century. This
scenic bay area is also home to Napier, an impressive cityscape of art deco
architecture often compared to Miami Beach for its artsy splendor. Built after
much of the city was destroyed during a 1931 earthquake, the stunning “main
street” design and art deco flair combine to create a city unlike any other in
the world. The National Aquarium, one of the finest in New Zealand, can be
found in Napier. The city also holds claim as the largest wool center in the
Southern Hemisphere.
With all this
being said, we did not make it in to the dock. The captain said that with the
winds, if we did make it in, we would probably not be able to make it out. The
seas are pretty rough out there, but the ship is very smooth, just some back
and forth. So, and unexpected sea day.
Steve had read
that there was a cyclone south of us and on the other side of New Zealand, so
we may be getting some of this weather from that. Yesterday we had a couple
that we know from Cruise Critic almost miss the ship. The ship had already
given their passports to the port agent to give to them. At that time, it was
not really a big thing as it was only a four-hour drive for them to get to
Napier, but after missing this port, it would have turned into a big thing.
They got stuck in traffic and road construction. We would have pulled in the
gangway in five minutes, so they were lucky.
We are passing
by the Napier on our side of the ship, so these are as much of Napier that we saw.
The commercial port here is where we would have docked.
These are some
of the views we had of Napier as we sailed by.
We had a pilot
on board as we originally were going to dock. So, they had to pick him up. Here
are some pictures of the pilot boat and them picking up the pilot.
Tomorrow we
will be in Wellington, NZ. They have added back our trivia and our bridge for
today, so I have a full afternoon. Take care.
