1 George Street, Napier Central, Napier 049145
www.newzealand.com/int/article/hawkes-bay-marine-parade-napier/
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Reviews
Beautiful Marine Parade stands on its own and some days you can’t beat it, although I’m in love with the new development plans set to take place this year. The long beach-side stretch will have a splash park, sculptures, new skating facility and area for outdoor concerts added to its already iconic features. The much-loved Marineland grandstand will remain and the area redeveloped into a world-class skating area for roller skating, skateboarding. Roller Derby and Inline Hockey.
It’s the region’s hotspot and the sparkling jewel in the crown of celebrated Napier city. Lined with Norfolk Pines, the colourful Tom Parker Fountain, sculptured gardens and iconic Art Deco architecture it’s a peaceful and reflective place to sit and a great place to play on the Rotary pathway, all back-dropped by the temperamental Pacific Ocean. Pack a picnic or grab a take-a-way from one of the nearby eating houses, your skate board, bike or dog and join the promenade. Start an Art deco tour from here – buy a self-guided tour brochure from the Art Deco Trust or make your own way around town.
Marine Parade was once a magnificent crowded swimming beach - that is until the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake lifted the ground nearly three metres resulting in a sharp drop off. It’s still not recommended for swimming when the big Pacific swells roll in, but for six summer weeks of the year the beach is manned by lifeguards from the Pacific Surf Life Saving Club, and is a true forgotten beauty on a calm sunny day with views across to Cape Kidnappers. If you need to warm up after a swim, the Ocean Spa sits just behind with three big heated pools and bubbling hot spas. Kids often take advantage of a paddle in the Tom Parker Fountain, built in 1936. Whether you are swimming or not, the area is a destination in itself. With the wide-paved Rotary pathway meandering through it’s the ultimate place to promenade in true Belle Epoque style back dropped with Napier’s famous Art Deco accessories or sit under the pohutakawa trees beachside or on the great lawn and admire the Soundshell, public gardens and The Colonnade Memorial.
