We fly into Napier Airport late morning and are met by our driver who will be our chaffeaur for the next few days. We then make our way into the city for a vintage car tour of Napier. While been driven through Napier in style, we listen to some fascinating commentary. We learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city, hear stories of the people that led the rebuild, and discover the Art Deco style. Enroute we stop at the majestic Napier Municipal Theatre – a unique experience available through Art Deco Trust only, where we get to have a look inside the beautiful interior. Then on to Ahuriri where we visit one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand, the National Tobacco Company building. 

After our tour of the city, we check-in to our motel - our home for the next few days.  

With some exciting days ahead of us we dine inhouse tonight and get to know each other a little better before the festivities really begin.

(Lunch, Dinner).

This morning we join in the pomp and circumstance of this special Whakatuwheratanga Opening Ceremony hosted by Ahuriri Whanau and Mayor of Napier Kirsten Wise, accompanied by the Deco Bay Brass Band. The commencement of the ceremony will see the laying of the Festival Mauri Stone, which carries the essence of the Festival from year-to-year. Following the blessing of the Mauri Stone there will be speeches and songs of welcome.

After the ceremony, we embark on a Art Deco Homes Tour. On this festival exclusive tour, you will see some of Napier’s unique Art Deco era homes. These homes have been opened up by local residents for visitors to see how an Art Deco home was designed for families at the time. This 2-hour coach tour will include visits to four homes in Marewa, the Art Deco suburb.

After our homes tour, take your time to wander the shops and enjoy lunch at your leisure. We escape back to our motel mid-afternoon for some R&R or maybe a swim in the pool.

In the early evening we drive into Hastings for dinner and to enjoy the Warbirds over Hastings Exhibition. Look up and watch the skies for an impressive spectacle as the Warbirds fly over the centre of Hastings for the first time ever. 

(Breakfast, Dinner).

Why not start your Deco Day with celebratory ‘French bubbles’ at the County? Revel in the delights of a gourmet brunch matched with exceptional service and Art Deco fun and frivolity in charming surroundings.

After brunch,  we make our way back to the motel for a day of relaxation. With the Opening Cermony and shenanagins kicking off tonight we want to conserve as much energy as possible. 

Later in the afternoon, prepare yourselves and put on your Art Deco finery. We depart the motel at 4:30pm for the iconic Masonic Hotel Art Deco Hotel for some bubbles and an early dinner. Once satisfied, we join the Mayor, sponsors and dignitaries as they open the Art Deco Festival Napier. This is followed with a concert that brings together some of New Zealand’s finest vocalists 

to perform. Backed by the amazing Hawke’s Bay Jazz Club Big Band and singing songs from the era, this is going to be a special night in the 

Napier Soundshell. 

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

After a leisurly start to the day, we celebrate the Art Deco era by visiting the dedicated Festival Exhibition of Deco inspired artworks at Creative Arts Napier. View paintings, floral displays and sculpture created exclusively for this curated collection by well-known contemporary New Zealand artists. This new event to the Festival programme promises to be one you will not want to miss. Top local and national artists have been invited to showcase their skills for this unique exhibition giving an insight into their interpretation of Art Deco. All works are for sale.

After our visit to the exhibition we make our way out to the Mangapapa Hotel. Why was the Jazz age just so jazzy after all? At Mangapapa Hotel you will pay tribute to the lost generation of American artists who during the 1920s found their voice again in Paris and created a new style and way of thinking that would give birth to modernism in America. Your afternoon will start with a glass of French bubbles and canapés on the lawn while you listen to music of the era. You will then be taken through a 3 course, 1920s French inspired lunch with a modern twist. Lunch will be paired with French wines and café or thé with your dessert while you are taken back into the world of Hemmingway and Fitzgerald.

After an exciting day we reside back at the motel in the late afternoon and dine inhouse. 

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

This morning we visit the annual Soap Box Derby competition. Be ready for children and parents to race their homemade carts in front of thousands who come to watch and cheer them on. 

Then enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon in the sunshine at one of the Festival’s cornerstone events. Be our VIP special guest during the Gatsby Picnic. Join us for a delicious lunch, along with complimentary Mission Estate Winery table wine and relax in the Art Deco themed Napier War Memorial Centre, as you soak up the atmosphere and enjoy all the music on offer.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Wow what an amazing few days we have had celebrating the annual Art Deco Festival. Today we pack our bags and make our way home again. 

We hope you have had a great time away with the team at Seemore Tours, where you eat more,  do more, see more and have more fun! 

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).