Now is the perfect time to visit the 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.
Need to find some things to do downtown? Read more on Top 10 things to discover in downtown this summer.
Where do the children play?
Come down to Wynyard Quarter and enjoy some seaside views as you dine out at one of the many great restaurants in the neighbourhood.
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.
For fun ways for kids to play at Wynyard Quarter, make sure to read more via this article on OurAuckland.
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, find out more via this OurAuckland article.
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.
Waimahara continues to awe and inspire everyone who sees it, read more on OurAuckland.
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 and much more featured in this OurAuckland article.
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 by reading more on OurAuckland.
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.
If you want to find some greenery in the urban environment, check out this listicle of 10 parks to explore in Auckland’s city centre.
Ridgeline between harbours
Explore the many offerings at one of Auckland's most iconic roads in Karangahape Road.
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.
Visit OurAuckland to read about 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.
Otis Frizzell’s midtown mural gets a refresh, 40 years on, more information available on OurAuckland.