About the path
If you're looking for something fun to do with friends and whānau, then check out this inner-city art trail. You'll discover Tāmaki Makaurau’s heritage stories, as reflected in some of our city's public artworks.
Catch the Inner Link Bus up town and begin the route from 445 Karangahape Road - from here the walk is all downhill. The route takes you along Karangahape Road (with a detour to Beresford Square), through St Kevin's Arcade and Myers Park (where you'll find public toilets), Aotea Square and Queen Street. The route finishes at iconic Queen's Wharf.
As you walk the trail, share your favourite artworks on Instagram and Twitter with the #PublicArtAKL hashtag.
Don't Dream it's Over, Janet Lilo, 2017
You can find these three striking neon artworks bring a fruity burst of colour and energy outside 445 and 378 Karangahape Road. They illustrate the street's melting pot of history, cultural heritage and community diversity.
Find out more about the artwork and its location.
Twist and Thief, Tanja McMillan and John Oz, 2015
These two works can be found on the corner of Beresford Square and Pitt Street, and Karangahape Road opposite St Kevins Arcade. Spot the surprise combination of Twist, a girl dancing with an elephant, and Thief, a boy tussling with a pig over a turnip on Karangahape Road.
Both sculptures celebrate the area's history as a farming district, then a shopping area in the early 1900s.
Find out more about Twist and Thief artworks.
Te Waharoa O Aotea, Selwyn Muru, 1990
Standing in Aotea Square, Queen Street. Te Waharoa o Aotea is the gateway to Aotea Square, welcoming visitors with symbols representing the spiritual forces of the sea, sky and land.
How many birds, fish and stars can you find?
Find out more about the artwork and its location.
Justice, Lisa Reihana, 2017
You will find this piece in Freyberg Place (O’Connell Street side of Ellen Melville Centre). Justice commemorates women’s advocate Ellen Melville, who had a 37-year legal career and was one of the country’s first female lawyers.
Why do you think the artist chose scales and what do they represent?
Find out more about the artwork and its location.
Kaitiaki II, 2009 and Te Waka Taumata o Horotiu (Resting Waka), 2008, Fred Graham
Located at 80 Queen Street, near the corner of Swanson Street. These works mark the original foreshore and former waka landing area before this area was reclaimed. They sit on the same site where the Ngāti Pāoa iwi kept canoes.
Can you imagine what this area would have looked like 150 years ago?
Find out more about the artwork and its location.
A Māori Figure in a Kaitaka Cloak, Molly Macalister, 1964-1966
Found on the corner Quay Street and Lower Queen Street. This was the first public artwork in Auckland to be commissioned from a female artist. The bronze warrior is wrapped in a full-length korowai cloak and holds a mere (hand club), a symbol of peace. It was seen as controversial at the time as many argued that the Māori warrior should be in a fighting pose.
The artwork greets visitors and new settlers arriving on passenger liners.
Find out more about the artwork and its location.
The Lighthouse, Michael Parekowhai, 2017
Located on Queens Wharf. The Lighthouse is a 1:1 replica of a 1950s New Zealand family home. Its interior features an installation of light and a sculpture entitled The English Channel. You can explore the artwork by looking through the windows and doors and climbing the exterior staircase.
Find out more about the artwork and its location.
