Napier.

We had booked breakfast in the cabin at 7 am but it arrived at 6.30 so a bit of a rude awakening to the day in Napier. Down to the theatre for our 8.15 coach to that we have booked. Lovely tour through Hawkes Bay and suburbs. Many art Deco homes which I love but not a fan of the flat rooves. Our guide was very interesting and Napier had well and truly rebuilt itself after the 3rd of February 1931 earthquake.

After the coach trip we were then given a guided walking tour through the town centre. So many lovely buildings. Loved the pressed tin ceilings of many of the shop front verandahs.

February of each year they have a vintage festival in remembrance of the earthquake. Lots of old cars, a parade and everyone in vintage clothes. Wish I was here to see it.

Back at the Art Deco vintage centre we watch a very informative movie about pre earthquake Napier and then the devastation the earth quake caused. Julie and I did go a little bit crazy in the shop. All the staff were wearing vintage outfits and loked simply elegant! We were told about a good place to eat so head to Mr D's and have a lovely avocado dukkha on sour dog and coffee. Julie managed to also fit in a huge donut that she injected jam in to!

Time to waddle down the street and do some more credit card damage. VJR and JG have scored a little something in my shopping quest. We then head to the beach front. Lovely gardens. Not a grain of sand in sight, just black shale.

Time to head back to the ship. Thankfully the lounges aren't full and we get a seat at Crooners bar where an Irish coffee and London Lemonade recharge my batteries. We then go for a walk around the deck. I head back to the cabin and sit out on the balcony to enjoy listening to a trio playing jazz. All the old vintage cars we had seen driving around the city have lined themselves up along the wharf by the ship. They play for about an hour and then it is time for the ship to set sail. While I am sitting on the balcony, Julie comes back to the cabin and next thing I know, she is talking to a couple on the next balcony to us and it is a fellow and his wife I worked with at Holden Hill!

Time for dinner and I have the wild mushroom puff and Fettucine Alfredo, plus the obligatory Sauvignon Blanc.... or 3!

We then go to the Fusion bar yo hear a comedian but neither of us thought he was very funny at all. I'm ready for an early night so time for bed. Has been a lovely day in Napier and hope that Wellington tomorrow is as good but the weather isn't likely to be a kind to us.