The Fountain
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Tom Parker Fountain

4.5
·51 reviews·Napier, New Zealand

A historic Art Deco fountain on Napier's Marine Parade, enchanting visitors with its lights and water shows at night.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Magical lights and water shows

CrowdMedium
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The Fountain

Tom Parker Fountain

Best Time

Evenings

Magical lights and water shows

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Art Deco fountain on Napier's Marine Parade, enchanting visitors with its lights and water shows at night.

4.5
(51 reviews)

"The Tom Parker Fountain is a must-see, especially at night when its lights and water features create a magical spectacle."

Vertical photo
TIP

✨ See it Lit Up!

The fountain is most impressive at night with its colored lights and water features.

🏛️ Historical Charm

Built in 1936, it's a beautiful piece of Napier's history.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nighttime Illumination

Nighttime Illumination

Marine Parade

Witness the fountain come alive with enchanting colored lights and dynamic water features after sunset.

Art Deco Design

Art Deco Design

Marine Parade

Admire the fountain's classic 1936 architecture, recently restored to its original heritage color palette.

Proximity to Pania of the Reef

Proximity to Pania of the Reef

Marine Parade

Conveniently located near the iconic Pania of the Reef statue, making it a perfect stop on a Marine Parade stroll.

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Planning Your Visit

Evening Enchantment

The Tom Parker Fountain truly shines after dark. Visitors rave about the colored lighting and water features that create a magical atmosphere. Plan your visit for the evening to witness its full splendor.

Historical Gem

Built in 1936, this fountain is a piece of Napier's history. Appreciate its art deco charm and the recent restoration efforts that have brought it back to its heritage colors.

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Magical lights and water shows
Crowd
Medium
When
Daytime
Why
Appreciate art deco details
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Slimfolds are banging! #viral #foryou #fyp #foryoupage #fountainpen #fypシ゚ #pentok #stationery #fountainpens #pens #parker #parkerpen #funny #review
@fountainpenguin
2.6K likes • 88.2K views

✨ See it Lit Up!

The fountain is most impressive at night with its colored lights and water features. Instagram

🏛️ Historical Charm

Built in 1936, it's a beautiful piece of Napier's history. Reddit

We’re working hard to get the Tom Parker Fountain back up and running. As well as fixing the pump and replacing electrics, we are installing a new lighting system and giving the fountain and pond a thorough clean and repaint. We are taking it back to its original heritage colour palette so when it reopens in December it’s going to look more like it did in December 1936 when it was first unveiled...
napiercitycouncil
49 likes • 24.9K views
The Tom Parker Fountain looks stunning on such a glorious day in Napier today. It should be perfect for the Marathon tomorrow. Take a stroll just opposite the hotel & see it for yourself. #tomparkerfountain #napiernz #boutiquehotel #napierhotel #waterfountain
artdecomasonichotel
9 likes • 169 views

🚶‍♀️ Marine Parade Stroll

Perfectly situated for a walk along Marine Parade, near Pania of the Reef. Instagram

🎨 Heritage Colors

Recently restored to its original heritage color palette. Instagram

Feeling enchanted 💚 Tom Parker Fountain - Marine Parade Decorative Lights, Napier #napier #hawkesbay #fountain #lights
upbeat_nz
14 likes • 301 views

Tips

from all over the internet

✨ See it Lit Up!

The fountain is most impressive at night with its colored lights and water features. Instagram

🏛️ Historical Charm

Built in 1936, it's a beautiful piece of Napier's history. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Marine Parade Stroll

Perfectly situated for a walk along Marine Parade, near Pania of the Reef. Instagram

🎨 Heritage Colors

Recently restored to its original heritage color palette. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(51 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Tom Parker Fountain, especially its stunning nighttime illumination with colorful lights and water features. Its historical significance and beautiful Art Deco design are also frequently mentioned positives. Some note its modest size but appreciate its charm and location on Marine Parade.

"Great fountain and is best to see at night with it all lit up"

Peter Armstrong

"Beautiful fountain much more impressive at night"

Neil Baldwin

"The Tom Parker Fountain is located near the Pania of the Reef statue at Napiers Marine Parade. It is one of the most spectacular water fountains in New Zealand.
In the evening, water features and colored lighting changes enchant the viewer.
The fountain was built in 1936."

Ru Wi

What People Like

Beautiful nighttime lights
Art Deco design
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Modest size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Tom Parker Fountain is located on Marine Parade in Napier, New Zealand. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available along the parade. It's also a pleasant walk if you're staying nearby or exploring the waterfront. Instagram

Yes, it's conveniently situated near the famous Pania of the Reef statue, making it easy to combine visits. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Tom Parker Fountain is a public attraction and is free to visit. Instagram

The fountain is accessible at all times as it's an outdoor public space. However, the lighting and water features are best enjoyed in the evening. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

For stunning photos, visit during the evening when the fountain is illuminated with colored lights. Daytime offers good opportunities to capture its art deco details. Instagram

The entire Marine Parade offers great vantage points. Consider framing it with the ocean or the nearby Pania of the Reef statue. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ History & Restoration

The fountain was originally built in 1936, making it a historic landmark in Napier. Reddit

Yes, recent restoration efforts have focused on fixing the pump, replacing electrics, and repainting the fountain to its original heritage color palette. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Tom Parker Fountain is a delightful stop for families exploring Napier's Marine Parade. While the fountain itself is a visual treat, its location near the Pania of the Reef statue offers additional points of interest for children. The open space along Marine Parade is great for a run-around, and the fountain's evening light show can be a magical experience for younger visitors. Pack some snacks and enjoy a relaxed family outing by the sea. Instagram

📸 Photographers

For photographers, the Tom Parker Fountain offers dual opportunities: capturing its Art Deco charm during the day and its vibrant, illuminated spectacle at night. The fountain's design, coupled with the coastal backdrop, provides a picturesque setting. Experiment with long exposures in the evening to capture the movement of the water and the glow of the lights. The proximity to Pania of the Reef also allows for creative compositions combining both landmarks. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Evening Visits

Many visitors and creators highlight the transformative experience of seeing the Tom Parker Fountain after dark. The fountain is equipped with a sophisticated lighting system that bathes the water and surrounding area in a spectrum of colors. This creates a truly enchanting atmosphere, making it a popular spot for evening strolls and photography. The interplay of light and water is often described as mesmerizing, offering a different, yet equally captivating, perspective compared to its daytime appearance. Instagram

This evening spectacle is a testament to the recent restoration efforts, which included installing a new lighting system. The council's work has ensured that the fountain is not just a historical monument but also a dynamic and engaging attraction for locals and tourists alike. It's a perfect way to end a day exploring Napier's waterfront. Instagram

A Glimpse into Napier's Past

The Tom Parker Fountain is more than just a beautiful water feature; it's a significant piece of Napier's architectural heritage. Built in 1936, it stands as a reminder of the city's Art Deco era, a style that defines much of Napier's rebuilt landscape after the devastating 1931 earthquake. The fountain's design, though modest in scale, is elegant and complements the surrounding Marine Parade. Reddit

The recent restoration project has been crucial in preserving this historical asset. By returning the fountain to its original heritage color palette and ensuring its operational integrity, the Napier City Council has honored its past while making it a vibrant part of the present. This attention to detail ensures that visitors can appreciate the fountain's historical context and aesthetic appeal. Instagram

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