Auckland’s Hidden Stories: A Walk through Time, from Volcanoes to the Viaduct

(58 reviews)

Auckland audio tour: Auckland’s Hidden Stories: A Walk through Time, from Volcanoes to the Viaduct

This is a 1.9mi walking tour

It takes an average of 120 mins to complete.

Auckland

New Zealand

$11.99

Access all 54 locations offline with the VoiceMap app

Buy for a Group

Reviews

About the Tour

Auckland is rich in Māori and European history, and this dynamic city has a wealth of stories that define it. On this walking tour, I’ll share tales of the pioneering people and events that shaped this vibrant waterfront metropolis. You’ll explore the heart of Auckland’s central business district, and learn about the city’s volcanic origins.

The tour begins at Khartoum Place, where you’ll find out how New Zealand made history as the first country to grant women the right to vote. As we wander through the stunning Albert Park, I’ll share the Māori legend of the god of earthquakes and volcanoes, and the dramatic story of how Auckland, or Tāmaki Makaurau, came to be.

As you make your way towards the sparkling Waitematā Harbour, you’ll pass the site of Auckland’s original foreshore, now home to the vibrant Britomart precinct. Our tour ends at the waterfront, where you’ll have a chance to visit the New Zealand Maritime Museum and see the iconic yacht that played a pivotal role in one of the world’s most famous sailing competitions, the America’s Cup challenge.

On this two hour tour, you’ll also have a chance to:

Marvel at striking public art installations, including the Pou Tou Te Rangi exhibit and Toi Tū Toi Ora sculpture
Learn about the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior ship, an act of international sabotage that left an indelible mark on the city
Stop to admire the Women’s Suffrage Memorial and explore the Auckland Art Gallery
Discover the architectural grandeur of the University of Auckland Clock Tower and Old Government House
Catch glimpses of iconic landmarks like the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, and Rangitoto volcano

I’m passionate about my hometown and can’t wait to share it with you. Whenever I visit a new place, I love discovering its people, culture and what makes it special, leaving me inspired to find out more.

That’s what this walk is designed to do for you: spark your curiosity and bring Auckland to life.

Tour Producer

Paula Scott

1 tour

Hello / Kia Ora

I’m Paula Scott, founder and guide behind Auckland Story. I’ve called Auckland home for more than 40 years, and I love it. I’ve spent many of those years immersed in the city’s history, culture, neighbourhoods and ever-changing food scene.

Through my small-group walking tours and audio experiences, I love sharing the stories that make Auckland unique — from its heritage and public art to the hidden details and local perspectives that visitors often miss. My aim is to help you feel oriented, comfortable, and genuinely connected to the city.

My guests frequently tell me that my tours provide a thoughtful and enjoyable introduction to Auckland, giving them the variety they seek, blending history, culture and practical recommendations for things to see, do and experience. I especially enjoy meeting travellers from around the world and helping them discover what makes this city unique.

If you’d like to learn more about my tours and find helpful tips for your visit, please visit:

https://aucklandstory.co.nz

Preview Location

Location 5

Albert Park history

Let’s stop here, near the statue of Sir George Grey.

George Grey, was a really significant character in NZ's history. He was Governor of NZ twice and then Premier, in the early days of European settlement. He was a bit of a trouble-shooter for the British empire, working in... Let’s stop here, near the statue of Sir George Grey.

George Grey, was a really significant character in NZ's history. He was Governor of NZ twice and then Premier, in the early days of European settlement. He was a bit of a trouble-shooter for the British empire, working in Australia and South Africa too. Intelligent and charismatic, he was fascinated by Māori culture, traditions and mythology, learning to speak Maori fluently.

To understand how Auckland came to be, first we need to travel back in time.

You may know that New Zealand was the last country in the world to be settled by humans. Maori arrived first, about 750 years ago, from East Polynesia in fleets of waka, or large canoes. We know that their ancestors came from Taiwan. because of DNA, language similarities and archeological relics. These ancestors were incredible explorers, venturing further than any other people of that time, using ocean currents, wind and stars to navigate.

The first European was a Dutch explorer, called Abel Tasman, but after a violant encounter with Maori, he didn't stop. It wasn’t until Captain Cook’s voyages from 1769 that New Zealand was mapped and opened to the world. Whalers, sealers, missionaries and adventurers all began to arrive. They traded extensively with Maori, exchanging items like muskets, blankets and tobacco for flax, food and shelter. Both peoples were intrigued by one another, from their technology to their beliefs. Trade and adventure fuelled the exchange of language and ideas and their lives began to mingle.

Warfare was common between Maori tribes. But muskets in the hands of some tribes and not others was deadly. Huge losses were suffered in the so-called 'Musket Wars'. Diseases brought by Europeans, like measles and flu, killed many too.

By the 1830s, the British government was being pressured to do something about the lawlessness here. Several Maori chiefs wrote to King William IV in England. They called on him for help in protecting both Maori and British interests. The King acknowledged their call and promised protection.

William Hobson was sent, with instructions to make a deal with the local people. Long story short, the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document was signed in 1840, between Maori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown. Hobson searched for a suitable location for the capital. Tamaki Makaurau, meaning Tamaki desired by many, was offered by the local Iwi, Ngati Whatua, and Auckland, named after Lord Auckland, who had never been here by the way, was born.

But, things didn't go smoothly after the treaty signing. Fierce battles ensued over land and sovereignty between the government and some Iwi. These battles lasted many years and became known as the New Zealand Wars. This site, became the Albert Barracks, housing hundreds of government soldiers, surrounded by a huge wall.

When the wars eventually ended, the barracks were replaced with a park, named after Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert. Look ahead to the right, can you see Queen Victoria's statue?

Coming back to Sir George Grey in front of you, on one hand, he is remembered as a protector of Māori rights and culture. He promoted policies considerate of Māori land ownership, education and welfare, and documented Maori oral histories. On the other hand, he played a big role in land confiscations and the expansion of British control. He believed in his vision for New Zealand and was determined to shape its future, at the expense of both Māori and colonial settlers at times.

Feel free to end the tour if you'd like to look around the park. These days it has one of the best collections of mature trees in Auckland, many of them donated by Sir George Grey. Just press resume when you want to restart the tour.

Otherwise, let's continue. Keep going on the same path, with the statue of Sir George Grey on your right. I'll meet you at the road ahead, Princes Street. Read More

View locations and route

How VoiceMap Works

Focus on your surroundings, not the screen

The VoiceMap app uses GPS to play audio automatically, at the right time and place, so you can focus on your surroundings, not the screen.

Follow a route with turn-by-turn-directions

VoiceMap tours follow a route from a fixed starting point. That lets us give turn-by-turn directions and use context to tell a better story.

Resume playback to go at your own pace

If you'd like to stop for a drink or go into a museum, end your tour then use the Resume feature to pick up exactly where you left off.

Listen as many times as you like

You can listen to your tours as often as you like using both the VoiceMap app and website.

Take virtual tours anywhere, like a podcast

Select Virtual mode in the VoiceMap app to listen to tours like a podcast - at home or in transit.

Buy for less on voicemap.me and sync

Once you've purchased a tour, it's added to your VoiceMap library. To access it in the app, just sign in using the same account.

Do tours without paying for data

Tours work offline, so you don't have to pay roaming fees. Just download them over WiFi before you get started.

Major Landmarks

Khartoum Place
Auckland Art Gallery
Albert Park
Sir George Grey Statue
University Of Auckland Clock Tower
Old Government House
Maclaurin Chapel
The Northern Club
Emily Place Reserve
Lord Freyberg Statue
Freyberg Square
High Street
Britomart Place
Takutai Square
Pou Tu te Rangi
Te Komititanga Square
Maori Chieftain Statue
Quay Street Waterfront
Ferry Building
Sky Tower
Viaduct Harbour
New Zealand Maritime Museum
Princes Wharf
Waitemata Harbour

View all

Getting There

Route Overview

VoiceMap tours follow a route from a set starting point. It’s how we give turn-by-turn directions and tell a story greater than the sum of its parts.

Start location
1 Khartoum Place, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Total distance

3km
Final location
137-147 Quay Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Distance back to start location

1km

Directions to Starting Point

The tour begins at Khartoum Place, very close to Auckland Art Gallery and Albert Park.

You can get around Auckland’s city centre on the red CityLink bus that is bright red and easy to spot. Pay on board with cash or an AT HOP card. More information here: https://www.helloauckland.co.nz/city-info/get-around/buses/citylink

There are a number of parking options close by, including Victoria Street carpark. You can also hire scooters, or Uber to get about.

Show Directions

Gift vouchers

Buy tours for friends and family who delight in discovery

Buy Now

Buy for a group

Get 15% to 50% off when you buy for a group

Buy Now

License this tour

Adapt this tour to use your brand and suit your guests

Find out more

Tips

Places to stop along the way

There are plenty of options for refreshments and rest throughout this walk, you'll pass lots of cafes, restaurants, bars and a couple of convenience stores.

Best time of day

This walk can be done on any day of the year. I suggest avoiding rush hour during week days if you can. It's typically busiest between 7.30am to 9am and 4.30pm to 6pm.

Precautions

Check the weather forecast for your walk, it can change very quickly in Auckland! An umbrella, raincoat or hat and sunscreen may be needed and a bottle of water is always handy. Comfortable walking shoes are a must!

Get The App

Download tours to use them offline

Listen hands-free with GPS playback

Get turn-by-turn directions

Scan the QR Code

“This app has become my go-to app for audio tours. I pretty much use it for every trip and it works wonderfully. I highly recommend VoiceMap for travelers to truly experience cities.”

App Store Review

“Great app. walk around at your own pace, stop where you want, move on or speed up when you want. Read the script before you go or during the commentary, speed it up or replay it. Repeat the tour whenever you like.”