Albert Park, Auckland
Tucked into the heart of downtown Auckland, Albert Park is a verdant refuge where history, beauty, and a whisper of mystery meet under leafy trees. Established in the late 19th century on the former site of the Albert Barracks, this park sits where M膩ori settlements and fortified villages once stood 鈥� making it one of the city鈥檚 most layered places.
Walk through and you鈥檒l see the formal garden layout with its north-south axis; the elegant bandstand, built in 1901, where people once gathered for brass bands under open skies; and the central cast-iron fountain from 1881 adorned with dolphins and cherubs that invites you to pause and listen to the trickle of water and wind in the fountain spray. The bronze statue of Queen Victoria, erected in 1899 for her Diamond Jubilee, watches over the lawns from its pedestal 鈥� still dignified, still quietly regal.
Beneath all this charm lies something unseen: a network of tunnels built in 1941 as air-raid shelters during WWII. Though they were filled in and sealed by 1946, entrances remain 鈥� blocked doorways, vents, and shafts that spark curiosity about what lies underfoot. Did you know there are roughly 3.5 kilometres of these tunnels, once maintained by council workers mostly unfit for military service, now part of Albert Park鈥檚 subterranean legend?
Today, students from the nearby University, shoppers, tourists and locals share this space 鈥� strolling paths edged by historic trees (look for the ombu and English oaks), sitting on benches near statues, or reading a book next to the fountain.
Walk through and you鈥檒l see the formal garden layout with its north-south axis; the elegant bandstand, built in 1901, where people once gathered for brass bands under open skies; and the central cast-iron fountain from 1881 adorned with dolphins and cherubs that invites you to pause and listen to the trickle of water and wind in the fountain spray. The bronze statue of Queen Victoria, erected in 1899 for her Diamond Jubilee, watches over the lawns from its pedestal 鈥� still dignified, still quietly regal.
Beneath all this charm lies something unseen: a network of tunnels built in 1941 as air-raid shelters during WWII. Though they were filled in and sealed by 1946, entrances remain 鈥� blocked doorways, vents, and shafts that spark curiosity about what lies underfoot. Did you know there are roughly 3.5 kilometres of these tunnels, once maintained by council workers mostly unfit for military service, now part of Albert Park鈥檚 subterranean legend?
Today, students from the nearby University, shoppers, tourists and locals share this space 鈥� strolling paths edged by historic trees (look for the ombu and English oaks), sitting on benches near statues, or reading a book next to the fountain.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Auckland. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Albert Park on Map
Sight Name: Albert Park
Sight Location: Auckland, New Zealand (See walking tours in Auckland)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Auckland, New Zealand (See walking tours in Auckland)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Auckland, New Zealand
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
The Ferry Building, an iconic waterfront edifice, is a fine example of Edwardian Baroque style. Built in 1912, it once... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Parnell Introduction Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Ponsonby Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
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