Road trip to Napier

New Zealand is probably the best place in the world for road trips - covered with opulent and green landscapes, entirely surrounded by gorgeous coastlines and beaches, with fairly good weather offering plenty of indoor and outdoor activities in the cities. What more could you want!

Last weekend was my first road trip and vacation in 5 months that I’ve lived in New Zealand. Work load has just been so big I haven’t had a chance until now to take time off. Since it was also the labour weekend it was the perfect time for a small 3 day trip. Me, Amy, Nikita, Ray and Chris drove down from Wellington to Napier all the way along the East Coast of the North Island and also further on to Mahia Peninsula.

Here are the best captures to describe our trip…

Road trip begins and Mahia Peninsula

You wouldn’t believe until you see it, but New Zealand is covered with farm lands one after another and they are so huge you can’t even see the farm houses from the road, just for sheeps and cows. The landscape in reality is like taken out of a postcard. It’s like a green velvet carpet layed all over the land with tiny white spots...the sheep:))


At the Paua Farm in Nuhaka

The Paua (known as Abalone) is only found in the sea around New Zealand. There is no other shell in the world that has the colour like Paua varying from greens & pinks to purples & blues and even some with gold or crimson tonings. Paua grows very slowly, so it takes several years for the farms before they can actually sell them. Paua is used for various decorations, mostly jewellery.

On the Napier beach and Art Deco Style

Napier city is very small and peaceful. Right next to the Pacific Ocean and enhanced by palm trees you can enjoy nice walks on the beach at sunsets, feeling almost tropical (well at least compared to windy and rainy Wellington:). The city was completely destroyed in 1931 after a massive earthquake and had to be rebuilt. It's pretty amazing how the city has since then been remained entirely in Art Deco style. As you walk on the streets you can feel and picture the 1930s...the cars, the clothing and the Jazz music we've all seen in movies.

At the Marineland

They have the most adorable seals and sealions, little penguins and dolphines.

Tasting wines in the vineyards

Napier is surrounded with plenty of vineyards...enjoy walks in the gardens, taste wines, eat in a restaurant and listen to Jazz. It's heaven for wine lovers.

In the Chocolate Factory and Strawberry Patch

On our way home at the Tui Brewery

On our way back to Wellington we stopped over at the world famous Tui Brewery. They are known for their humorous advertising campaigns reflecting typical Kiwi sarcasm.

For more photos of the trip click here