The town of Napier is the major town in the Hawkes Bay area, a flat agriculturally rich region halfway down the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. Only three roads go into the area, from the north, east and south, virtually cutting it off from the rest of the country. The surrounding mountain ranges (which can be walked and camped over during the summer and sometimes skied on during the winter) keep Hawkes Bay in a climate almost all of its own, being by far the hottest place in New Zealand during the summer. This provides excellent growing conditions for the region's many orchards and vineyards. The town of Napier itself is dominated by the Bluff Hill, which sits on the north edge of the town by the sea and overlooks the surrounding towns and villages.

This was the view from the outside the Bluewater Motel restaurant.

Flax in bloom. Seen from Otatara Pa

Kiwi Fruit farm and windbreaks viewed from the Maori Fortification.

Brian with his daughter and grandchildren Jordie, Lucinda, and Evie

Blue Gum Eucalyptus