Langham Hotel Announced As Founding Patron Of Karangahape Road Heritage Walk

(Auckland, 8 September 2005) --- The Langham Hotel, Auckland is pleased to announce their role as Founding Patron of the heritage walk of one of New Zealand’s most fascinating and diverse destinations: Karangahape Road.

The Karangahape Road Heritage Walk is a free guided tour and is the result of three years research by K’Road historian Edward Bennett who is also the tour guide. The walk starts at St Kevin’s Arcade, 179 K’Road and departs at 1pm every Sunday between 1 October – and 29 April 2006 (except public holidays and 4 Dec – 20 Jan). Free private group tours can also be arranged at separate times.

“We’re so pleased to see the resurgence of K’Road as it returns to being seen as a focal point of Auckland. The history behind this road really is fascinating and certainly rivals any other road in New Zealand,” says Langham Hotel, Auckland managing director John Dick.

“This really is a fantastic part of town to be based and we want to share the history, the culture and the art that gives K’Road its eclectic urbanity,” he continued.

Perhaps best remembered as a flourishing red-light district in the 60s and 70s, there’s a lot more history to K’Road.

It was the founding place of household names Hannahs, Hellensteins and Rendells. From 1848 – 1851 it was the home of colonial governor Sir George Grey (Sir George lived in Scoria House which is now St Kevin’s Arcade). K’Road was also the location of the Air Raid Central Command Centre for Auckland during World War II (George Courts Department Store). The Langham also proudly remembers the history of Partington’s windmill which once stood on the site of the Langham. The hotel has named their signature restaurant Partingtons at the Langham in its memory. The windmill was built in 1850 to mill flour and was used as a navigational device by ships.

Anyone interested in joining the free Karangahape Road Heritage Walk should call the K’Road Business Association on 09 377 5086.

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