Napier New Zealand - Cruise Ship Destination

Having been to New Zealand numerous times by plane and cruise ship, and even toured around both islands by car and bus, this is the first time we have been to Napier. 

The ship docked at the Napier Cruise Ship Terminal, which is part of the Napier Container Terminal. It is a working terminal so a courtesy bus was provided to take passengers into the old town centre.

Napier is located at Hawkes Bay, on the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island. It is famous for it Art Deco architecture and wineries. 

The bus takes passengers to the information centre located on the waterfront, about 1.5 km away. As it is a working port, one can not walk from the ship to town.

From there, the town centre is across the road. The day we were there the crossing was manned by volunteers to assist with crossing the road, although the road did not seem very busy. We spent the day walking around the town first, then back to the bus via the waterfront.

Originally known as Ahuriri, Napier was established by the government in 1855 and is Hawks Bay oldest town, named after Sir Charles Napier, a British military commander. The Maoris living in the area are believed to be one of the first Maori Tribes to come in contact with European Settlers. Captain (then Lieutenant) James Cook and the crew of Endeavour were the first Europeans to sight the area in 1769. He named it Hawkes Bay after Sir Edward Hawke, the First Lord of the Admiralty. By the 1830's the only visitors to the area were whalers, missionaries and traders. The Treaty of Waitangi was brought to Hawke's Bay in June 1840 to collect signatures. In December 1843 a grant of 10 acres of land was given to William Williams and William Colenso from the local people to establish a mission. Further land deeds were purchased from the Ahuriri Maori people and on 22 February 1855 the settlement was declared a Customs House Port of Entry and the name Napier for the area was used.

The town has a lot of murals and one lane off Emerson St has murals on both sides of the lane.

The earthquake of 1931 devastated Napier, and led to the rebuilding of the town in the Art Deco style of architecture, which Napier is known for. At least 256 people perished in the earthquake. It was lovely to walk around admiring the lovely buildings.

There are statues and plaques along the streets that indicate the history and the architecture of the town. 

There were many cafes and bars open and craft shops along Emerson Street and surrounding streets. At the end is Clive Square, where there was a bush poet reciting New Zealand poetry.  

We were surprised to hear a carillon play while we were walking in the park. Lovely. 

After walking around parts of town we walked along the waterfront back to the bus. Along Marine Parade are a row of six Victorian houses known as the Six Sisters. Constructed early in the 1900's and survived the 1931 earthquake. Designed by Robert Lamb when he lived in Napier, between 1879 and 1895, and were built shortly after his death in 1895.

We then walked along the waterfront back to the information centre and the transfer bus.

There are information boards and plaques along the waterfront describing the history, both Maori, naval and European. 

 

Back at the ship there were these big 'bag/box' type things attached to the ship. We haven't seen these before. They are Automated Vacuum Moorings.

The vintage cars that were at the port in the morning had increased in number and there were also many more people dressed in 1920's costumes. There was a band playing. Really well done Napier, a fabulous port that I look forward to visiting again. 

What to see and do in Napier.

1. The Art Deco Architecture (do a organised walk or walk the streets yourself.
2. Visit a winery.
3. Walk along marine parade.
4. Cycle some bike trails.
5. Cape Kidnappers gannet colony.
6. Napier Aquarium
7. Do a Hawkes Bay cruise. 
8. Do an organised bus tour. 

Port Chalmers - Cruise Destination Port for Dunedin

Port Chalmers is located on the northern side of Otago Harbour, and is the cruise port destination for Dunedin, 14 km south-west of Port Chalmers. 

This is the last stop before sailing through the Sounds.

The Cruise ships dock at a working port.

Passengers and crew can exit via a walkway to a large 'welcome' building.

This is where one can walk directly into town, or catch excursion or public transport to Dunedin. 

Port Chalmers is a mix of historic buildings, cafes, arts and craft markets and shops as well as interesting galleries and shops.

In July 1844 the area, originally known as Potakere - meaning hills, and later Koputai, was sold by the Maori people to the Otago Association New Zealand Company. The Otago deed was signed by 25 Maori chiefs. Captain Wing of the ship Deborah, and Frederick Tuckett were the first to  select land in order to establish a Scottish settlement. By December 1844 other, mostly Scottish settlers, came and settled there. The town was surveyed in 1846 by Charles Kettle and a town board was set up. 

By April 1848 many ships were arriving with settlers, and the first church service took place. 

Port Chalmers is named after one of the founders and the leader of the Free Church of Scotland, Thomas Chalmers who died in 1847.

By the mid 1870's many shipping companies were using the port, and the dredging the entrance to the harbour made the port a deep water port, to rival the port of Lyttelton. Port Chalmers and Dunedin were first connected by road (1860's) and then rail (1873).

One famous visitor to Port Chalmers was Mary Mackillop, Australia's first Saint - Saint Mary of the Cross. Mary and 3 sisters of St Joseph arrived on 15th January 1898, and lived in Port Chalmers for several months establishing a school and convent in 1898. A portrait "St Mary Mackillop at Port Chalmers" by Margaret-Ann Howard, is on display at St Mary Star of the Sea church, 34 Magnetic Street, Port Chalmers. The wooden frame is believed to have come from the rented house where Mary and the 3 sisters of St Joseph lived in 1898.

What to See and Do in Port Chalmers:

There are buses that will take you into Dunedin for a price and there are many tours one can do from Dunedin. If, like us, you have been to Dunedin many times it is lovely to walk around Port Chalmers. This was our third time to Port Chalmers, and we still have more to see there.

Port Chalmers Maritime Museum

Located to the right as one leaves the port building, the Maritime Museum is housed in the old Post Office that was opened in 1877 and is a heritage listed building. Built on a beach where the first immigrant settlers landed in 1840's. We were fortunate to visit the museum before the new renovations, and I think it had more character then. The new extension, although lovely, doesn't have the same sense of history, but more a display area. Extended to the side with a large glass wall displaying memorabilia, and extended up with a view over the port. The entrance is now via the glass building and not the old post office entry. Entry is by donation.

Iona Church

Located part way up Mount Street, Iona church in some form has been on this site since 1852. It is the most beautiful church with rabbit warren type maze of rooms and a large pipe organ that we were lucky enough to hear one trip. The church is only open a few hours when cruise ships come in. 

The first building was of wooden construction with a square tower that seated 150 people. The foundation stone for the second building was laid in 1871, and designed to seat 300 people. By 1875 a gallery was added to accommodate more people.

By 1882 a larger building was needed. The foundation stone for the present building was laid 23 November 1882, and the church was opened a year later to seat over 600 people.

It is a beautiful Gothic building made with local stone. A second building, known as Johnson Hall was added, and then a third building to connect to it  

The 165ft spire was fitted with a clock in 1885.

The first pipe organ was installed in 1907 and moved in 1930 to Sawyers Bay church. The next pipe organ was installed about 1928. A beautiful church one should visit if it is open.

Port Chalmers Old Cemetery 

3 Church Street. Worth a visit if you are into cemeteries. It is only a short walk up some steps from Iona Church, and full of history.

Flagstaff Lookout

If you like walking, walk down Grey Street and left into Scotia Street, and left again into Constitution Street up the hill to Flagstaff Lookout. A great view of the port and the ship from the top. It's only 650-700m, but it is mostly up hill. 

Arts and Craft Markets

The markets are usually open on cruise days.

Last cruise they were conveniently located across the road for from the port in the library building - there is also free wifi in the building.

So many other interesting things to see in Port Chalmers.

Don't forget to watch the wonderful passing scenery while sailing out of Otago Harbour - you may see sea-lions.