One of Auckland’s best kept secrets, Greenwoods Corner, Epsom has transformed into a destination for heritage enthusiasts and local explorers, which can be experienced through a self-guided historical tour.
It’s a walking route guided by greenwoodscorner.stqry.app, a free mobile web app that helps you explore part of Epsom, featuring fourteen key historical sites in and around Greenwoods Corner.
Centered on Manukau Road, the Greenwoods Corner Epsom Historical Walk starts from the Epsom Methodist Church in Greenwoods Corner village and ends at the Epsom Tram Depot Office – now home to two restaurants, Gengis Khan and Chilli Peppers. The route can be picked up at any point on the path and can be travelled in any direction.
The historical walk focuses on the built history of the area. Discover the General Store from the 1900s, learn about the mayor of the early 20th century and how Cornwall Park came to exist. Along the way, you’ll pass one of the first service stations in Tāmaki Makaurau, visit a streetscape where you can traverse through 1920s footage and tune into a 1962 radio advertisement. Each site has location-specific period photographs and media to enjoy as part of the experience.
Scan here to travel back in time.
President of Greenwoods Corner Epsom Business Association, Dominique Bonn is excited to have this interactive tool showcasing one of Auckland’s gems.
“The aim of the walk is to celebrate our local history and encourage people of all ages to explore our local area through an accessible platform.” The historical walk is a cool collaboration between the Greenwoods Corner Epsom Business Association and the Epsom & Eden District Historical Society.
Eric Laurenson, President of the Epsom & Eden District Historical Society is pleased with the outcome of the joint initiative.
“The concept is a fantastic way to share and preserve our local history, particularly when people can experience it in their own time and at their own pace.”
The history of each stop on the walk is accessible either by scanning the QR code on plaques at each location, scrolling through each stop on the app or by clicking on the pins dropped along the app’s mapped route.
Head over to Greenwoods Corner to see if time travelling is for you.
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