Day 9 - Friday - Napier

Friday, we docked in Napier.  The ship had cruised through the night, and we arrived at 8:00 am.  I was up early and got my coffee, Frosted Flakes and bagel on the Lido deck.  The day was beautiful and sunny and would stay that way, with temperatures in the mid- to upper 70s. 

We disembarked the Noordam around 11:00 am and we're greeted at the base of the gangplank by a dapper gentleman in a straw boater standing next to a beautifully restored MG TD.  He bore a striking resemblance to my friend Bill "Lindy Bill" Millan.  

Napier was substantially destroyed by an earthquake in 1931.  The town was rebuilt in the prevalent style of the day - Art Deco.  A lot of the downtown buildings have an Art Deco look to them.  

And, it seems, there is a group in town that likes to drive cars from the era and dress up in period dress.  When we returned to the ship we were greeted by a group of 12 or so who had arrived in 8 restored cars.  The group included a band consisting of bass, clarinet, cornet and one or two other instruments I don't seem to recall at the moment. 

Back to arrival.  We took the bus into town and got off at the I-Site, the New Zealand government sponsored information Center. Directly across the street was Napier Bike Rental. 

We'd decided to see the city on two wheels, so we proceeded to rent two 18 speed hybrid bikes and set off on the bike path along the shore. 

 Napier is a very Bike friendly city.  There are bike paths literally everywhere. We rode along the shore for a distance and entered an area with multiple restaurants with spacious decks and views of the harbor.  Our goal was Mission Estates Winery, reputed to be the oldest winery in New Zealand. After becoming lost and totally flummoxed, we eventually found our way there, with the help of a woman on a road bike, a guy at a car wash, and two very nice guys in a plumbing truck.

The route took us out past marshland and past a large farm with 100 or so sheep in the pasture (New Zealand is famous for sheep, right?). I even saw a truck that identified its owner as a "wool buyer."

At any rate, we made it to the winery. I was lagging behind and my out-of-condition was showing. I had to walk up the final hill to get there.  The winery is magnificent.  Given the name I'd assume it is a large former Mission. We were able to snag a table outside, and ordered a glass of Pinot Gris and Rosé, respectively, and then dined on fish and chips accompanied by a salad. 

The winery was incredible.

Having gotten lost not once but several times on the way, time was a problem, we called the bike shop and they dispatched a van to fetch us back downtown.  After returning the bikes, Barbara saw a snazzy New Zealand Bike jersey, and had to have it.  It looks great, and she'll be the envy of her bicycle riding friend's back home.  

Speaking of home, reports are it was 27 degrees there today and snowing, then turning to rain. I'll take the weather in the Southern Hemisphere this time of year.  

We strolled about some, taking in the Art Deco architecture, and I bought myself a straw pork pie hat (at least I think that's the style).  Then back to the ship to relax a while and finally to stroll the ship where we caught a blues act in the BB King Lounge and the tail end of an act by a comedian/impersonator in the Vista Ballroom. 

All in all a very good and satisfying day. 

Next up - Wellington, the Capital City of New Zealand, also dubbed "Windy Wellington.
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