Napier and Rotorua attractions

Press, 13 April 1984, Page 12

Napier and Rotorua attractions

Napier, sometimes called the “Capital of the Sunrise Coast,” virtually had two starts in life.

The first was as a trading post, 140 years or more ago, when the first seasonal whalers traded there in the 1830 s, and the second when earthquake and fire razed the city in 1931. Napier’s early history is coupled with the time of British rule in India, in the mid-1850s — hence the name of Sir Charles Napier, the conqueror of Scinde, being adopted as the city’s name, and the street names reflecting various battles.

The town became the seat of provincial government for Hawke’s Bay but, hemmed in by sea and salt marshes, growth of reclamation was slow until 1931.

On February 3, 1931, at 10.47 a.m., a violent earthquake destroyed the city, lifted the harbour floor some two metres and drained the marshes, swamps, lagoons and inner harbour. The citizens rebuilt their city and expanded on to a new 4047 hectares. Industry, houses, wool stores — even the airport — now stand on what was once the sea floor. Walking along Marine Parade, reflect that underneath lies most of the wreckage of old Napier — for that is where it was buried.

Napier, blessed with a “Mediterranean” type climate, is located on the shores of the Pacific — there is nothing between Napier and Chile — and has the rich, green fanning hinterland of the Ruahine and Kaweka mountains.

This climate and background is also coupled with virile development of commercial and holiday facilities. Starting from the southern end of the Marine Parade, Napier’s places of interest include:

Hawke’s Bay Aquarium: The new, modern aquarium is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The

Oceanarium alone holds some 450,000 litres of filtered seawater and has a fascinating display of large and small fish, and marine life found off the coast. It is open seven days, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., extended summer hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Boating, lake and train rides: For the young and the old, boats that can not capsize, and an enjoyable train trip. Open all school holidays and weekends; public holidays, January to Easter, 10 a.m. to 9.30 p.m., subject to weather during holidays. Marineland of New Zealand: Sea World attractions include dolphins, sealions, penguins, seals, otters, gan-

nets and marine birds. Open seven days a week, 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.; normal show times, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Roller skating rink: Open every day for those with own skates. Sessions Wednesday and Saturday evenings, Sunday afternoons, weather permitting. Putt Putt Golf: No need to have a bag full of golf clubs. Open every day to Easter 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting. Lilliput Village and model railway: The village and railway, which took 25 years to build, have been visited by more than 100,000 people.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors find some of the world’s finest sightseeing in the thermal wonderland of Rotorua. Geysers of all sizes, crystal springs of hot mineral waters, glittering silica terraces, brightly coloured craters, bubbling mud and hissing fumaroles make Rotorua a world-famous tourist attraction. Yet, the thermal displays are only one of dozens of attractions in this district which also includes beautiful lakes, and forests, placid trout pools and colourful springs. You can walk and rest in lovely public gardens, or

enjoy bathing in warm, invigorating mineral waters. Lakes and streams abound with big fighting trout. Predominantly rainbow trout in Rotorua’s 11 fishable lakes and several streams is among the best to be found in New Zealand. Guides are available and supply everything from passenger cars to boats and launches, rods and tackle; and even issue licences by the day, week or season.

The best known lakes are Rotorua, Tarawera and Okataina, where most stream mouths and streams are reserved for fly fishing only. Only Lake Rotorua is open to fishing all year round; the rest are open from October 1 to June 30, the streams from December.

The Rotorua Anglers’ Association publishes an excellent booklet titled “Trout Fishing Maps and Information” of every lake and river in the Rotorua district, and how to fish them. Drive-U-Self boats are available for hourly or daily hire at Lake Okataina Lodge, and at the wharf at the Rotorua lake front.

Much of the Maori art and culture has been preserved and the visitor will have ample opportunity to see, participate in and enjoy it whilst in Rotorua. At the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, Whakarewarewa, young Maori men and women are trained in the ancient hand crafts of their ancestors.

Here, the visitor will see the intricate wood carving and weaving skills being passed on by Maori elders. A pre-European style fortified village has been constructed and your guide will not only explain the meanings of the various carvings but also the social structure of the village itself.