A free morning walking tour of downtown from Queens Wharf through Vulcan Lane, Albert Park, Auckland University of Technology and ending back at the Maori Statue by the Wharf provided a unique overview of Auckland’s development. I talked to the guide over lunch before visiting the I-Site shack, Australia’s countrywide tourist center to figure out tour and transportation options. Then I headed back to the university to see more of the campus, accidentally discovering a Wharenui (traditional Maori house) and other fascinating building architecture. On my way back to Aotea Square, I passed by the beautifully lit Auckland Art Gallery, which was closed for a private event, and observed the nearby Women’s Suffrage mural (for the third time in the same day) declaring New Zealand as the first to adopt this policy. Aotea Square was alight with festivities and people, but I spent a lot of time reading the history boards posted all around.

Tip:
Although not always the best use of time, it is worthwhile to observe the same communal area multiple times throughout the day to see the ebb and flow of daily life. If staying in a busy location, going out, grabbing food nearby and returning from exploring may be sufficient, but the true centers of foot traffic can transform throughout the day, playing multiple functions.

A Tower overlooking Auckland University of Technology

Published by BE

I write about my travel and money experiences. View all posts by BE