Aotea Square, Auckland
Aotea Square is Auckland鈥檚 central outdoor stage where art, architecture, and community converge in full view. Opened in 1979 by Sir Dove-Myer Robinson, it鈥檚 become the meeting ground for everything from spontaneous street performances to large-scale concerts. But lately, the Square has been undergoing a serious glow-up. A major $80 million upgrade is underway, including carpark roof repairs, facade improvements to Aotea Centre, and streetscaping that will level out and widen paved areas so people can roam more comfortably.
One of the most notable artworks here is Waharoa by Selwyn Muru, an expressive gateway in wood and copper, welcoming visitors to the Square. It celebrated its 30+ years under the open sky in 1990, then was relocated slightly in 2010 to better fit its surroundings. Some carvings from the top arch have been temporarily removed for restoration and are scheduled to be reinstated once the work is complete.
During warmer months, Aotea Square pulses with life. In Feb 2024, 鈥濻ummer in the Square鈥� brought music, dancing, food trucks, DJs, and huge puppet installations.
In winter, it transforms into 鈥濫lemental Hub鈥� with an ice-rink, ice slide, and pop-up dining and entertainment.
Did you know? The Square can host up to 20,000 people during major events, and it continues to serve as Auckland鈥檚 central gathering place for concerts, festivals, and community celebrations.
It鈥檚 one of those places where Auckland鈥檚 energy radiates and you feel very much part of the crowd.
One of the most notable artworks here is Waharoa by Selwyn Muru, an expressive gateway in wood and copper, welcoming visitors to the Square. It celebrated its 30+ years under the open sky in 1990, then was relocated slightly in 2010 to better fit its surroundings. Some carvings from the top arch have been temporarily removed for restoration and are scheduled to be reinstated once the work is complete.
During warmer months, Aotea Square pulses with life. In Feb 2024, 鈥濻ummer in the Square鈥� brought music, dancing, food trucks, DJs, and huge puppet installations.
In winter, it transforms into 鈥濫lemental Hub鈥� with an ice-rink, ice slide, and pop-up dining and entertainment.
Did you know? The Square can host up to 20,000 people during major events, and it continues to serve as Auckland鈥檚 central gathering place for concerts, festivals, and community celebrations.
It鈥檚 one of those places where Auckland鈥檚 energy radiates and you feel very much part of the crowd.
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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Aotea Square on Map
Sight Name: Aotea Square
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
Create Your Own Walk in Auckland
Creating your own self-guided walk in Auckland is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Auckland Historical Buildings Tour
Auckland, New Zealand may not be known as a historical city, but it does contain some historical buildings all right. These old structures, dating back to the 19th century, reflect the diverse heritage and architectural evolution of the city and are cherished as landmarks.
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
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
Ponsonby Walking Tour
Ponsonby is one of Auckland鈥檚 most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its lively atmosphere, stylish boutiques, and buzzing caf茅 culture. Just minutes from the city center, this historic suburb blends old-world charm with modern flair, featuring beautifully restored Victorian villas alongside contemporary shops, art galleries, and design studios. It鈥檚 a favorite destination for those seeking... view more
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
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
Auckland Introduction Walking Tour
Perched between harbours, volcanoes, and sea lanes, Auckland 鈥� known in M膩ori as T膩maki Makaurau (鈥瀌esired by many鈥�) 鈥� has a story that鈥檚 equal parts ancestral land, colonial ambition, and modern melting pot. Long before European settlers ever arrived, the region鈥檚 volcanic cones and fertile isthmus were home to M膩ori tribes (especially Ng膩ti Wh膩tua and Waiohua). These original... view more
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
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