Napier, South Africa VS Napier, New Zealand

The village of Napier in the Overberg region of South Africa has become known as a popular weekend getaway and gateway to the Cape Agulhas region. Wide open streets and big open plots with the occasional chicken or horse, adds to the countryside ambience of the town and lends to the ideal ‘escape from the hustle and bustle’ destination. But did you know that Napier has a sister town in New Zealand? We take a look at Napier vs Napier below:

Napier, South Africa

• Established in 1836
• Named after Governor of Cape Town, Sir George Thomas Napier
• Home to the Napier Dutch Reformed Church - declared a National Monument in 1978
• Once popular for its strawberry farming
• Notable landmarks: Largest sundial in South Africa built in 1965 | Ox Wagon Monument erected in 1988 | Feeshuis (festival house) declared Provincial Heritage Site in 1978
• Historical events: Main road named after Sarel Cilliers, survivor of Waldensian shipwreck

Napier, New Zealand

• Established in 1850s
• Named after Sir Charles Napier, a military leader during the "Battle of Meeanee" fought in the province of Sindh, India
• Home to St. John's Anglican Cathedral - first built in 1886, it is is a thoroughly modernist-style piece of church architecture
• Once home to one of New Zealand’s largest smoking tobacco plants
• Notable landmarks: National Aquarium of New Zealand | Marine Parade with Spirit of Napier monument | Otatara Pa Maori Fortified Village
• Historical events: 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake