Posted in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau, Travel Aotearoa New Zealand

Our Matariki Meander Through the City

Image• Posted on by Janet

Mānawatia a Matariki!

We had a lovely sunny winter’s day on the Thursday before Matariki, so we decided to head into the city for a walk. It was too nice to stay home! Even at our bus stop we had a great view of Western Springs park and lake. You can’t beat fresh air and sunshine to lift your spirits.

A sunny winter day in Western Springs park with lush green grass and trees casting shadows.
A picturesque view of Western Springs Park on a sunny winter’s day, from the bus stop.

We usually take the bus over Rainbow Bridge and get off at Karangahape Road. First stop was Fort Greene Café for coffee and one of their twisted cardamom buns – a real treat. Then we wandered down to St Kevin’s Arcade and walked through Myers Park, which leads into Queen Street.

A clear and sunny view of a city street in Auckland, showcasing modern and historic buildings alongside palm trees and a bright blue sky.
A vibrant street view of Rainbow Bridge.
A display of red shoes and accessories in a shop window, featuring high heels, boots, handbags, and decorative items.
A sunny path lined with tall palm trees and greenery in a park setting, with a clear blue sky overhead.
View of a tall palm tree in a park with a backdrop of modern buildings against a clear blue sky.
Interior view of a passageway leading to Myers Park, featuring various eateries and a busy atmosphere.
Interior view of a café showcasing colorful glass pendant lights hanging from a decorative ceiling.
Art installation with flowing translucent elements under a bridge, surrounded by greenery and people observing.
Waimahara by artist Graham Tipene, an interactive Māori artwork in Myers Park.

I wanted to see the last window display at Smith & Caughey’s. The store has now closed, which is sad – it’s been a big part of Auckland for a long time. I took some photos to remember it by.

The intricate chandelier no longer hangs.
A nostalgic display featuring a vintage clock, old books, and a teapot, reflecting the history of Smith & Caughey’s.

Queen Street

Down Queen Street we couldn’t resist taking a few fun photos in front of the Matariki decorations – especially the big sun (Tamanui-te-Rā).
👉 RĀ- Matariki display – Heart of the City

A view of a historical building with palm trees in front, contrasting against a modern high-rise in an urban street setting.
A charming historic building stands in contrast to the modern skyscrapers of Auckland, the city’s rich architectural heritage.
A colorful yellow art installation made of triangular shapes displayed outdoors in a city setting, with a palm tree and buildings in the background.
Vibrant yellow sculpture of RĀ amid Matariki decorations on Queen Street, Auckland.

We’ve learned that Tūrama, the popular Matariki light display, is coming back to Queen Street from 11 July to 20 August this year. These large-scale lighting pieces were first set up last Matariki and really added something special to the city.
👉 More about Tūrama – Auckland Council

A vibrant street view of Queen Street featuring Matariki decorations, showcasing an ornate arch with indigenous designs and artwork, surrounded by shops and greenery.
Matariki decorations on Queen Street, celebrating the festive season.

From there, we walked around Chancery and saw lots of office workers enjoying their lunch break in the sun. It was nice to see people out and about.

A sunny urban scene featuring a staircase surrounded by palm trees, with people sitting and relaxing on the steps in front of a modern building.
People enjoying a sunny day on the steps.

We also took a detour down Durham Lane to have a look at the Bluestone Store – a lovely old building from 1861. It’s tucked away behind Queen Street and has a real old Auckland feel.

Close-up view of a bluestone kerb with green moss and grass growing along the edge, contrasting with asphalt and concrete surfaces.
Bluestone kerbing lining a city street, more of Auckland’s historical architecture.
A brick building in an urban setting, featuring a sign that reads 'TATTOO' on the top floor and large black windows on the ground floor, surrounded by modern high-rise buildings.
Historic bluestone building with arched door and windows, set against modern buildings in a narrow street.
The historic Bluestone Store, a charming building from 1861, nestled in Durham Lane, old Auckland architecture.

You can still spot bits of bluestone around the city, especially in the kerbing. Auckland used to have plenty of it, but supplies of local volcanic basalt have run out. Some is now imported from China. Hopefully, the council will reuse any old local stock they’ve still got.

Lunch was at Melba, just up from Vulcan Lane – cosy, great food, and a warm atmosphere. After that we walked down Queen Street to Britomart and caught the train home.

Historic building with a clock tower and ornate architecture, illuminated by sunlight against a cloudy sky.
Auckland Ferry Building in the fading light.

A few thoughts:

  • You can have a great day out without going far.
  • You can work on getting your step count up.
  • Matariki decorations really brightened up the city.
  • It’s worth stopping to look at our old buildings while they’re still around.

Thanks for reading. Just a casual walk, some good food, and a few photos to share.

– ♡ Janet.

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This blog is my creative scrapbook and journal—a Kiwi’s take on food, travel, and life’s little moments.