Napier was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 (http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/historic-earthquakes/page-6, page-7, and page-8). There are about a dozen informational kiosks scattered throughout downtown – each has details and photos about how the earthquake affected that specific area. The town was rebuilt in the then popular Art Deco style. In fact, they have an Art Deco Centre that serves as an origin for walking tours (you can even take a driving tour in a vintage restored auto). It's like stepping back in time!