Schmap Auckland Historical Background

Auckland - Historical Background
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Auckland Home
Schmap Auckland guide and map

Long, long ago, Maui, a mischievous demigod, went fishing one day with his brothers deep in the southern ocean. Using his grandmother's jawbone for a hook, he caught a huge fish and hauled it out of the sea. His brothers were jealous and fought over the fish for tasty pieces. The fish became the North Island of New Zealand, and the landforms were created by their actions, the sea flowing into the gaps left by the hungry brothers. The resulting narrow Auckland isthmus was surrounded by water, between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea.

The Great Migration

The iwi, or tribes, of the Auckland area descend from those who arrived in the original waka (canoes) from Hawaii about 800 years ago. They brought with them the dog and native rat and food plants such as taro, gourd, yam and kumara. Their descendents include Tainui, Hauraki and Kawerau iwi, and Ngati Whatua from the north, considered to be the official tangata whenua, (people of the land), of Auckland today.

Volcanic and Violent Eruptions

Auckland is built on an active field of 48 volcanoes, dating back 150,000 years. The youngest, Rangitoto, blew up just 600 years ago, and stands like a guardian over the city. The isthmus, Tamaki Makaurau, was fertile with plant, tree, fish and bird life and blessed with a mild climate. Early coastal settlements show evidence of fishing and seasonal food gathering. Later, large-scale agriculture was practised and archaeological sites frequently show seashell middens and terraces for housing or gardens. There are still many tapu (sacred) places, associated with important events, ancestors and graves of these early inhabitants. The volcanic cones offer the greatest evidence of old Maori settlements and were probably developed as fortified pa during the 17th century, when intertribal conflict increased. The volcanoes remain the most distinctive feature of Auckland's landscape and, like most landforms, had great symbolic and spiritual importance to the Maori.

Exploration, Colonization and War

Early European visitors included Captain Cook, missionary Samuel Marsden, British naval boats seeking timber for masts and spars, and whalers and sealers provisioning their ships. They brought iron tools, alcohol and tobacco, serious diseases and, most significantly, muskets! As well as Christianity, the missionaries introduced farm animals, the plough, fruit trees, cereal and vegetable crops. Traditional Maori ways of life were changed forever.

In 1840 many local chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi with Britain. There have been problems in defining its true meaning ever since and land disputes have therefore ensued. However, it is an important document, embodying the ideal that "We are One People".

Auckland became the capital of the new colony in 1840 on land purchased from Ngati Whatua. Farming developed along with copper mining and timber, and Maori communities participated widely in agriculture and trade. Relations between them and European settlers were friendly during the 1840s-50s, although military settlements at Onehunga, Otahuhu, Panmure, Howick and Albert Barracks in the city were built then. The Land Wars of the 1860s decimated the South Auckland tribes, and much of their land and that of Tainui was confiscated.

The Capital of Commerce

In 1865 the country's capital was transferred to Wellington. Auckland grew to become New Zealand's main industrial centre and port over the next 30 years. From 1870 immigration from Britain increased, and gum digging, brick making, flour milling, brewing and boat building were added to the local trades. The introduction of refrigeration in the late 1880s had a major impact on the entire country. Now it was possible to transport fresh food to Britain and much produce passed through the port of Auckland.

Through the 1880s Auckland had 8,000 inhabitants and 20,000 people lived on the isthmus. Many large buildings were built, such as the Customhouse, City Library and Art Gallery. Fortifications at Takapuna, Bastion Point, North Head and Mt Victoria were built to defend the city in case of attack.

A "Sophisticated Cosmopolitan Centre"

By the 1890s Auckland was described as a "sophisticated cosmopolitan centre". Venues such as the Domain were developed for sport, and new leisure activities included steamer excursions to beaches like Devonport and the Gulf Islands, horse racing, walking, cycling and brass band concerts. After the hard early pioneering days, people could now discover and enjoy the attractions of the Auckland region.

During the early 1900s, the Ferry Building, the Post Office, the Town Hall and the Parnell Baths were all examples of new building thought suitable for a sophisticated and civilised city. Grafton Bridge was built and internationally acclaimed as the first reinforced concrete arch in the Southern Hemisphere. The Maori population, however, was decreasing. It was assumed they would die out!

Global Entanglements and Affairs

The War Memorial Museum honours the thousands of young New Zealanders killed and wounded in the First World War and other wars. During the Second World War, large coastal gun batteries, such as those along Tamaki Drive, were installed around the city.

Auckland's population reached 630,000 by 1970, due to both urban migration and immigration--mostly from Britain and Holland in the 1950s and the Pacific Islands in the 1960s. Motorways were begun in the 50s and the Harbour Bridge opened in 1959, drawing the North Shore into the growing metropolis.

Auckland has seen its share of debate and political action, from Flower Power and anti-Vietnam War rallies to Peace Squadron anti-nuclear flotillas on the Waitemata Harbour and enormous protests against the 1981 Springbok Tour. Bastion Point was the focus of a long Ngati Whatua occupation in the 1980s and national attempts to resolve Maori land issues continue today. In 1985 French secret agents sank the Greenpeace boat Rainbow Warrior in the harbour.

A Multicultural Hub

Auckland's population reached one million in 1996. Waves of new immigrants have recently made Auckland their home and more and more people try to cram onto the narrow isthmus. From the different languages spoken in the street, and the variety of ethnic food now available, you would never guess Auckland to be a small place, right down-under in the South Pacific. Tourism is vital, and an exciting variety of activities and experiences await visitors to this vibrant, multi-cultural city.

Be sure to stay a while!

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Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki

Comprehensive art collection

Corner Wellesley and Kitchener Streets
Auckland 1001
+64 9 307 7700 / +64 9 302 1096 (Infoline) / +64 9 307 7728 (Education service)
http://www.aucklandartgallery....
gallery@aucklandartgallery.govt.nz

The Gallery contains the largest and most comprehensive collection of New Zealand and international art in the country. First opened in 1888, this Victorian building is in French Chateau style. The city rotates displays of its own collections (14th century to the present) as well as showing international exhibitions. Free guided tours run at 2p daily. There is also a research library, a shop and café. Admission: Permanent exhibitions are free. A cover charge applies to special exhibitions.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki photo by Sally Britnell

Photo: Sally Britnell

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki photo by Terence Neoh

Photo: Terence Neoh

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki photo by juliadiezdaux

Photo: juliadiezdaux

Auckland Domain

Main reserve in city Park Road
(Across Grafton Bridge)
Auckland 1001
+64 9 379 2020 (Tourist Information)
http://www.aucklandcity.govt.n... Just a short walk east from the city centre, Auckland Domain is New Zealand's oldest municipal park. Founded in 1840 by Governor Hobson, the Domain features the Auckland War Memorial Museum, an outdoor fernery and botanic Wintergardens, a band rotunda (watch for free concerts on summer weekends), sculptures, lawn bowls, kiosk and more. The Domain is the location of the huge concerts such as Coca Cola Christmas in the Park when 300,000 people jam in for a night of music and fireworks.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Auckland Harbour Bridge

Great Span Westhaven Drive
Auckland 1001
Completed in 1959, the Harbour Bridge serves as a link between central Auckland and the booming North Shore and beyond. To date the only way to savour the views is to be stuck on the bridge during rush hour traffic.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Auckland Town Hall

A wedge with edge Queen Street
Aotea Square
Auckland 1001
+64 9 307 5060
http://www.the-edge.co.nz/auck...
info@the-edge.co.nz Officially opened in 1911, this Italian renaissance revival-style building not only serves as the Council Chamber and city mayoral offices, it has two performance venues, the Great Hall and the Concert Chamber, as well as several function spaces. The wedge-shaped building underwent a NZD32.8 million restoration in 1997 to maintain its heritage features and Edwardian elegance. The Great Hall is regarded as one of the finest concert halls (acoustically) in the world, and has hosted circus acts, formal government dinners, weddings, music awards and rock concerts. It seats 1700 people, while the Concert Chamber caters for up to 400 people.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Auckland War Memorial Museum

National treasures at war museum The Domain
Auckland 1001
+64 (0)9 306 7067
http://www.aucklandMuseum.com The steps of this museum offer splendid views over the Cenotaph forecourt to the Domain, the city and Waitemata Harbour beyond. The museum houses New Zealand's largest collection of Maori and Pacific Island taonga (treasures); fantastic interactive discovery centres for children young and old; and the "Scars on the Heart" exhibition of New Zealand war history. A 20-minute Maori cultural performance featuring songs, poi dances, stick games, a weaponry display and haka takes place at 11am, noon and 1.30pm daily. There is an excellent gift and book shop and a café within the building.

Admission by donation: NZD5 suggested.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Bastion Point

Look out over the Gulf Tamaki Drive
Auckland 1005
+64 9 367 6009 (Tourist Information) Bastion Point offers fine views out over the Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour as well as central Auckland. A popular destination for kite fliers, Bastion Point lives up to its name and has the remains of WWII-era lookout bunkers and gun emplacements. Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Gardens, dedicated to the Labour Party legend and prime minister of the 1930's, consist of a beautifully kept garden and reflecting pool, and a delightful art deco memorial and obelisk. Access is from Tamaki Drive. The car park is closed after dark.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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DFS Galleria, Customhouse

Designer duty-free and souvenir shopping Corner Customs and Albert Streets
Auckland 1001
+64 9 308 0700
http://www.dfsgalleria.com/Gal... DFS is housed in the city's old Customhouse building, designed by architect Thomas Mahoney in the French Renaissance style and built in 1889. Now it has the best international products the world has to offer, mainly for the duty free shopper. Four floors of famous brand names such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Christian Dior, Prada, Hermes, Oroton, Adidas, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Tiffany, and Ralph Lauren make for overwhelming shopping! New Zealand products include woollen clothing, honey, kiwi fruit products, art and gifts, not forgetting All Black football garments. A foreign exchange is on the third floor, open 1p-10p daily.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Grafton Bridge

Historic landmark Grafton
Auckland 1001
+64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) Grafton Bridge spans Grafton Gully, joining Karangahape Road on the city side and Park Road en route to the Domain and Auckland Hospital on the other. The old picturesque Victorian cemetery lies below, as well as a stretch of motorway. Walk across for a great view of the city and harbour. Designed and built between 1908 and 1910 by the Ferro Cement Company of Australia, the main arch was then the largest reinforced concrete arch in the Southern Hemisphere, and is internationally recognised as an historic structure.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Historic Ferry Building

Quayside landmark 99 Quay Street
Auckland 1001
+64 9 979 7060 (Tourist Information)
http://www.historic.org.nz/Reg... The Ferry Building, in Edwardian Baroque style, was first opened in 1912 on land reclaimed from the harbour. Construction is of sandstone and brick with a Coromandel granite base. In recent years it has been elegantly refurbished for retail, restaurant (Harbourside and Cin Cin can be found here) and office use, but still maintains its original function as the terminal for ferries to the North Shore and the Hauraki Gulf islands. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Mount Victoria

View of harbour Kerr Street
Devonport
Auckland 1309
+64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) Mount Victoria, at 87 metres, is a 10-15 minute walk from the Devonport ferry terminal. Maori fortifications can still be seen--Takarunga, "the hill above", was an important Maori Pa or fortress site. French navigator Dumont D'Urville recognised the strategic importance of the scoria cone and climbed to the top in 1827. Later it was the site of a signal station for shipping. Today Mount Victoria rewards visitors with a splendid view of the harbour and city as well as well-tended gardens and trees.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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North Head

Lookout over Gulf Devonport
Auckland 1250
+64 9 379 6476 (Department of Conservation Visitor Centre ) North Head is important strategically, as it stands at the entrance to the inner harbour and looks out over the Hauraki Gulf. It is covered with military remains dating from pre-European times to the World War II era. Tunnels link many of the gun emplacements built during World War II. A few big guns still remain. Allow a couple of hours to walk from the Devonport ferry landing to the top of North Head and enjoy the panoramic vista.

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North Shore

Across the Harbour Bridge lies North Shore City and kilometres of superb beaches. Seaside suburbs with relaxed shopping centres and restaurants wind their way north, with a major highlight being the historic maritime village of Devonport, accessible by ferry from the Ferry Building. To view some expensive real estate, walk along Takapuna Beach and continue on to Milford Beach along the sea wall at low tide. Beyond the confines of the city lie the 47 islands of the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, including Rangitoto, Motutapu and Waiheke Island, which attracts many visitors to its idyllic bays and beaches, galleries, vineyards and restaurants, and the annual Montana Waiheke Island of Jazz Festival.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Parnell Baths

Be in the swim Judges Bay Road
Parnell
Auckland 1001
+64 9 373 3561 Parnell open-air pool is an institution on the Auckland waterfront. Tucked at the base of Parnell's hills, just on the lagoon by the Waitemata Harbour, the views are splendid. The pool is a popular destination due to its Olympic size, easy access and low cost. The water is clean and salty! Parnell is a popular training pool, as well as good clean fun for a broad range of people appreciating a pleasant outdoor swim whilst taking in a view of Auckland's splendid scenery.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Rangitoto Island

Highest volcanic cone in Auckland Hauraki Gulf
Auckland 1020
+64 9 379 6476 (Department of Conservation Visitor Centre) At 260m, Rangitoto is Auckland's largest and youngest volcano. It last erupted 600 years ago and is covered in regenerating bush, (including some extensive Pohutukawa forests), and barren lava flows. Views from the summit are exquisite on a clear day, with vistas to Kawau Island to the north and Great Barrier and Little Barrier to the north-east. Access is provided by Fullers Ferry services, and a 45-minute walk up the well-maintained track to the summit. A tractor and trailer, booked in conjunction with the ferry, also goes to the summit.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Tamaki Drive

Follow the coastline Tamaki Drive
Auckland 1005
http://www.aucklandcity.govt.n... Tamaki Drive, a pohutukawa-lined waterfront esplanade, runs from the busy container wharves of downtown Auckland to St Heliers Bay, 10 kilometres to the east. It is a popular recreational area--half of the wide footpath is dedicated to cyclists and Rollerbladers. The drive winds in and out of beautiful bays and past numerous cafes and restaurants. The views of the harbour and Rangitoto Island are magnificent.

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