What to see and do in Napier on Art Deco Weekend

* A trip down memory lane

A fascinating story, with afternoon tea, revealing the secrets of 1930s undergarments. Sat, Feb 15, 3pm. Cost $15.

* Aero deco

Flying display featuring the Catalina Flying Boat, Tiger Moths, Devons, DC3 and the world-famous Warbirds. Fri, Feb 14, 8pm to 8.30pm, Marine Parade.

Sat and Sun, Feb 15-16, morning and afternoon displays, Hawkes Bay Airport. Cost $10 adults, children under 12 free.

* And they all wore hats

Morning tea and stories of a moment in time that changed the lives of Hawkes Bay people forever. Sat, Feb 15, 10.15am. Tickets $15.

* Automobilia

Art Deco Vintage Car Rally. Sat, Feb 15, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Free.

* Bathing belles

A torrent of togs. Prizes for the best 1930s Belle, Bloke and Babe and the craziest outfit. Sat, Feb 15, 3.30pm. Free.

* Beguiling bungalows

Tour of the creations of Napier architect Louis Hay (1881-1948). Includes Vigor Brown House (1916), Dolbell House (1918), Allen House (1921) and Mornington (1921). Sun, Feb 16, 9am to 12 noon. Tickets $45.

* Bicycle bliss

Visit Port Ahuriri, the National Tobacco Company Building, Art Deco Marewa and Nelson Park. Sat, Feb 15, 9.15am. Tickets $15 (own bike) $35 (hired bike).

* Big sounds

Catch the hits from the 30s in a two-hour concert at the Sound Shell. Dress up and mingle. Fri, Feb 14, 8.30pm. Free.

* Biplane buzz

Experience the ultimate thrill of the 20s. Leather helmet, goggles and jacket supplied. Thu 13 to Sun, 16 Feb. Flights available 10am to 4pm. Tickets $90.

* Bluff Hill hike

Napier's Bluff Hill is a compendium of house styles from the 1860s to the present day, with spectacular views. You'll need to be reasonably fit for this three-hour walk led by an Art Deco Weekend guide. Sun, Feb 16, 9am. Tickets $20.

* Cafe crawl

Trip the light fantastic at the Twilight Toe Tap as you stroll between three of Napier's top deco dining locations on this hosted progressive dinner. Deco dress obligatory. Sat, Feb 15, 7pm. Tickets $55.

* Costumes and coiffure competition

Dress up and be in to win prizes. Sat, Feb 15, 1.30pm. Free.

* Deco dawdle tour

Explore Napier's unique historic areas by shuttle. Stops at Ahuriri and Marewa. Sat, Feb 15, 10.30am and 1.30pm; Sun, Feb 16, 10.30am. Tickets $15.

* Gatsby picnic

Join the throng of elegantly attired ladies and gents as they picnic in style. Get a group together and dress to a theme. Sun, Feb 16, 2.30pm to 5.15pm. Free.

* Once were wild ones

See the flying helmets and goggles brigade on vintage motorcycles. Sat, Feb 15, noon to 1pm. Free.

* Promenade walk

Walk the "Brighton of the South Seas". See the elegant buildings of old Napier and learn about Napier's art deco front garden built on the rubble of the great catastrophe of 1931. Fri, Feb 14 and Sat, Feb 15, 9.30am.Tickets $15, includes morning tea.

* Saturday night at the Shell

With the Royal NZ Navy Band. Dance or just sit back and relax on the lawn under the stars. Sat, Feb 15, 9.30pm till midnight. Free.

* Soapbox derby

Relive your childhood and watch home-made carts whizz down Tennyson St. Splendid fun for all the family and a big hit at previous Art Deco Weekends. Sun, Feb 16, 10.30am. Free.

* Soft-shoe shuffle ball

Foxtrot and quickstep to the sounds of the big bands of the 30s. Formal dress compulsory. Supper from 11pm, then swing till 2am. Sat, Feb 15, from 10pm. Tickets $50.

* Speakeasy

The arrival of Prohibition signalled the birth of the speakeasy, an illicit club serving illegally-brewed alcohol to those who knew the password. Fri, Feb 14 and Sat, Feb 15, 10.30pm to 1am. Cost $20.

* Swing and a prayer

Clap your hands, lift your voice and feel a lump in your throat at our traditional wind-up to the events of the weekend. Sun, Feb 16, 5.30pm. Free.

* Town and country house tour

Tour of Hawkes Bay houses of the early 20th century through Havelock North, Hastings and Maraekakaho, includes lunch. Sat, Feb 15, 9am. Tickets $90.

* Twilight toe-tap - street jazz

Foxtrot on the footpath, quickstep on the cobbles, tango on the tarmac. Sat, Feb 15, 6.30pm to 10pm. Free.

* Veronica Bell parade

The Royal NZ Navy Band will install the Veronica Bell with full military ceremony on Sun, Feb 16, at 12.30pm and at 5pm parade it to the Cathedral for Swing and a prayer. Free.

Phone: 06 835 0022

Email: weekend@artdeconapier.com

Art Deco Napier