February is the perfect time to escape the snow in the U.S. and revel in summer down in New Zealand. And for a unique cultural activity, head to Napier City (about 200 miles from Wellington), home to one of the country's biggest annual events.
The Tremains Art Deco Weekend will take over the countryside and ocean landscapes of Napier from February 19 to 22. This is the perfect city for such a festival: Dubbed the 'Art Deco Capital of the World,' Napier City was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1931 with the highest concentration of stripped classical, Spanish mission and Art Deco architecture of any other city in the world.
The annual event brings visitors back in time to an era of glitz and glam with more than 200 events ranging from outdoor concerts to fashion shows and vintage car parades. New to this year's festival will be a "Death by Chocolate" afternoon tea experience with a selection of Silky Oak-crafted chocolate treats and a solemn cup of tea or coffee at Dunstall's Memorial Chapel. For those wanting a full 'Art Deco' experience, they can book their stay at Napier's iconic Art Deco Masonic Hotel.
Highlights Include:
- More than 200 events over the weekend, including outdoor concerts, vintage car parades, trains and planes, fashion shows and more
- Strolling down the distinct streets of the Art Deco period with fellow festival-goers in era-appropriate attire
- Sailing and learning Maori history pre-1931 on the once-in-a-lifetime Te Matau a Maori waka for $115 (NZD)*
- Sampling Hawkes Bay wine and cuisine with the New Zealand Wine Discovery tour, or visiting New Zealand's only wine museum at Church Road Winery.
To purchase tickets to TREMAINS Art Deco Weekend, visit www.iticket.co.nz/go-to/art-deco-weekend-2015.
*Tickets subject to availability, bookings are essential.