Art Deco

The journey from Taupo to Napier was an interesting one. The first part of the journey was on very straight roads through forestry, then it became more wild and the roads more curvy and the hills developed into some great shapes. There was a pull off for a viewpoint so we pulled off with no idea what we'd find. It turned out to be the Waipunga Falls, a marvellous cascade. Soon after we stopped for coffee at Tarawera (no lake at this one). The coffee stop used to be the Tarawera Hotel and it was the first change of horses on the way from Napier to Taupo, a journey of three days. There were loads of interesting photos and stories about the early travellers on the road, all fascinating to read and evidence of how much smaller the world has become.

On this day, exactly 85 years ago, an earthquake laid waste to Napier, it seems. Rebuilt in the style of the time, it's become the art deco town. We're a bit early for the great celebrations in a couple of weeks but it's rather splendid nonetheless.

I'd better get ready to take Lady Marian out for supper or the earthquake might be repeated. Did I say that the weather's gorgeous again?

David