Napier is an important port city in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. It has a population of 57,000. It famed for its Art Deco style having been extensively rebuilt after the disastrous earthquake and following fire in 1931. Undoubtedly, New Zealands most unusual city, arrival in Napier marks the end of the Pacific Coast Highway at least for those travelling in a southerly direction. It is a fascinating city, benefiting from a good coastal location. After the entry of Japan into the Second World War the New Zealand government considered it likely that New Zealand might be invaded. In 1942, Hawkes Bay coastal defences were strengthened with a 6 inch gun battery placed atop Bluff Hill and concrete strong points, commonly known as Pill Boxes were built along beaches. A good example of a Pill Box is to be found at the Beacons Reserve four kilometres north of the entrance to the Inner Harbour. It is a popular retirement town and tourist resort and has one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the country, a statue on Marine Parade called Pania of the Reef. In October 2005 the statue was stolen, but it was recovered a week later, largely unharmed. The range of industries in Napier and its environs include the electronics industry, the surrounding area wool trade and the manufacture of fertilizer and wine. On 9 September 2005 British American Tobacco announced it would close the iconic Rothmans factory, due to diminished demand. Production will be moved to Australia. The famous art deco style factory has been producing up to 2.2 billion cigarettes a year for the New Zealand and Pacific Island markets. Attractions in Napier are the Marine Parade with its Norfolk pines, Marine land with performing seals and dolphins, The Kiwi House with live kiwis in a natural habitat and swimming pools. Napier has numerous walkways linking neighbourhoods and offering the chance to walk in pleasant, quiet surroundings away from the bustle and traffic of city life. The walk routes range over hillside, seaside and riverside locations. Most scenic and historically interesting walks are highlighted. Some of the walks are circular, many are one way, some link up with others. By using a more detailed street map you may choose an alternative way back. The town enjoys some of the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand, its warm, relatively dry climate the result of its location on the east coast.
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