Reset your summer with a stroll through our city centre. With ever-changing streetscapes, award-winning spaces, re-imagined laneways and a new harbour pool, you’ll find it has a fresh new vibe.
Make a day of it and discover what’s new since you were here last.
Feel the sea breathe
Grab an ice cream and discover ten awe-inspiring things on Auckland’s waterfront. Some have been here for more than a century. Others have seen only a few summers.
Inspiring the protection of our harbour, a heritage kiosk at the western end of Te Wānanga is now a cultural and marine education space. Make sure Te Wharekura is on your must-visit list. Read more here.
Top 10 things to discover in downtown this summer
Where do the children play?
Let your kids’ imaginations run wild with endless ways to play at Wynyard Quarter. From public art to parks, murals, basketball and fountains, there are multiple ways to keep the kids busy in this special part of the city centre. And don’t miss Karanga Plaza’s harbour pool and new artwork Waka Moana in leafy Daldy Street. Read more here.
8 fun ways for kids to play at Wynyard Quarter
Laneways beckon
Buckle up the bike helmets and scoot along Queen Street’s Waihorotiu path. Duck away into a labyrinth of laneways – some new, some ageing gracefully, all fascinating.
Channelling Melbourne, our dreamy laneways are set for summer.
Art that sings
Much-acclaimed, interactive artwork Waimahara in Myers Park has won awards this year. Get ready to sing your heart out! Signage and QR codes in the park will guide you to sing a special waiata into the sensor on the boardwalk. The artwork will listen and respond, accompanying you with an awe-inspiring display of light and sound.
It's a spell-binding experience - sing with new artwork Waimahara
Urban charm
Weave a path from Te Komititanga - the square at the waterfront end of Queen Street - and find Galway Street is humming with people. Get a sneak peek of the new Waitematā Plaza (opening in February 2026.) And once you’ve let yourself be captivated by the area’s urban charms, the smoothed edges of the street will lead you to one of Auckland’s hospitality gems: Britomart and Takutai Square.
Discover what’s new where Queen Street meets the sea
Outdoor gallery
A once reflective, quiet urban backyard used mainly by residents, has become a living art experience. Since Joe Sheehan's artwork Lost & Found – a series of eight intricately carved boulders with special lighting – was installed in midtown's upper Federal Street, people passing through have been surprised and wowed by this extraordinary work of art.
Touch the satin-smooth surfaces of Joe Sheehan’s Lost & Found
City centre parks
Our green spaces are great picnic spots. Re-discover Albert Park, award-winning Amey Daldy Park and much-loved city centre oasis Myers Park, among others.
10 parks to explore in Auckland’s city centre
Ridgeline between harbours
Enjoy the thrill and uniqueness of our charismatic Karangahape Road. The old narrow footpaths were once jam-packed. Now there’s room to experience the layers of Karangahape, where every detail tells a story.
10 delightful moments to experience in Karangahape Road this summer
Hidden gems
The city centre is full of surprises. In an alleyway off Durham Street West, unfazed by the urban sounds punctuating the silence, sits an Otis Frizzell mural created 40 years ago and refreshed this year. Read more about midtown’s hidden gems here.
