Hawke's Bay Chambers, Napier

Hawke鈥檚 Bay Chambers is a striking example of Napier鈥檚 post-earthquake Art Deco revival, located on the prominent corner of Browning and Hastings Streets. Completed in 1932, the building was designed by architects Finch & Westerholm following the catastrophic 1931 Hawke鈥檚 Bay earthquake, which devastated much of the city. The building was commissioned by the Hawke鈥檚 Bay law firm Sainsbury Logan & Williams, one of New Zealand鈥檚 oldest legal practices, which still operates from the premises today.

Its design represents a blend of Stripped Classical and Italian Renaissance influences, evident in its harmonious and streamlined Art Deco. The fa莽ade鈥檚 refined detailing鈥攊ncluding Italian-inspired ornamentation, Louisiana-style metalwork, and a Spanish Mission鈥搃nspired tiled parapet鈥攁ll contribute visual richness without overshadowing the building鈥檚 clean, modern order. Notable Art Deco features include a sleek terrazzo鈥憈iled entrance and an elegant cupola with delicate lead lighting.

Inside, the building has undergone sympathetic renovations while retaining much of its original layout and charm. Timber joinery, terrazzo flooring, and high ceilings preserve the period character. The structure鈥檚 corner placement also allows natural light to flood interior rooms, contributing to its enduring appeal for professional use. Although access may be limited due to its function as office space, the exterior is a key stop on heritage walks through the city鈥檚 Art Deco district.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Hawke's Bay Chambers
Sight Location: Napier, New Zealand (See walking tours in Napier)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Napier Art Deco Architecture Walk

Walking Tours in Napier, New Zealand

Create Your Own Walk in Napier

Creating your own self-guided walk in Napier is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Napier Introduction Walking Tour

Napier sits on the eastern edge of New Zealand鈥檚 North Island, where the Pacific rolls in and the streets look like they gracefully ride the waves. Long before colonial maps, this was Ahuriri to the M膩ori, the island鈥檚 first inhabitants. In the 1800s it took the name Napier, after British soldier Sir Charles Napier, and grew into a thriving port and farming hub. Victorian and Edwardian... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

Napier Art Deco Architecture Walk

Napier鈥檚 Art Deco architecture is the city鈥檚 most defining feature, drawing visitors from around the world to admire its vibrant facades and geometric elegance. After the devastating 1931 earthquake flattened much of the city, Napier was rapidly rebuilt in the architectural style of the day鈥擜rt Deco. The result is a remarkably cohesive urban landscape filled with zigzags, sunbursts,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles

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