News release walk – 1
Friday, 9 September 2005

Walk your way into history

Aucklanders have the opportunity to get some exercise and learn something about the history of their city with the publication of two new heritage walk brochures.

Supported by the Heart of the City organisation, the two self-guided walking trail maps are published by Auckland City as part of the city’s Heritage Week from September 12 to 18.

One brochure features heritage walks through Auckland city’s downtown, midtown and uptown areas while the other traces Auckland’s original shoreline.

Auckland HOT City is also supporting Heritage Week opening and closing events in Aotea Square and The Viaduct as well as projects to light up two historic city buildings at night.

“This is a great opportunity to get some exercise and learn something about your city,” says HOT City marketing manager Liz Smith.

“Most of Auckland city’s present foreshore is reclaimed land and it makes a fascinating walk to trace the original shoreline. And if you take the town walk you will learn about some of the early architectural and historical features of the city.

“All the trails are very interesting – and they are a great way to enjoy the balmy spring weather and get some exercise,” Liz says.

The original shoreline trail extends from Point Erin in the west through the city and around to Judges Bay by the Parnell Baths in the east. It takes about three hours.

“The brochure has some wonderful illustrations and walkers learn about cultural and historical associations. It’s a great way to experience the changes that have happened as Auckland City has developed,” Liz says.

Each of the city walks takes about an hour-and-a-half and features include the waterfront area, original foreshore of the city, early commercial buildings, historical and architectural developments.

Free heritage walk brochures are available during Heritage Week from the Auckland City Library or online at www.hotcity.co.nz/heritage.

Illuminated
The ornate Blackett’s Building on the corner of Queen and Shortland Streets and the Lewis Eady Building at 192 Queen Street light up after dark thanks to HOT City and a number of supporters.

Built in 1879 as head office for South British Insurance, the ornate Victorian Italianate style of the Blackett’s Building reflected the growing economic optimism of the time.

The first two floors of the Lewis Eady building were originally an 1870s music theatre called the Hippodrome. The building was extended for Lewis Eady in 1927 to include a recording studio and chamber music auditorium and apartments were added in 2000.

Others who have helped make the lighting project feasible include Premier Consultants Ltd, United Gooder, Kenderdine/PLS, Eye Lighting, Auckland City Central Area Planning, Auckland City Heritage Planning and New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

Auckland’s Heritage Week opens on Monday September 12 with free HOT City-supported old time music and entertainment at lunch time in Aotea Square.

The week concludes on Sunday September 18 with another free event at the Viaduct. Between 11am and 2pm Auckland City in association with HOT City presents Founding Day celebrations with jazz bands, strolling entertainment, horse and car rides and historical vehicle displays.

ENDS

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