Aotea Square

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Design features

Following the recent redevelopment of Aotea Square (2008-2010), Aotea Square has been transformed into the perfect venue for people to connect, engage and celebrate the best of Auckland's arts and entertainment.

For more information about events coming up in the Square check out the council's events page or The Edge website.

Here are some of the key features of Aotea Square’s award winning design.

Staging

Aotea Square is a vibrant venue for a wide range of outdoor events - formal and informal, large and small. The main paved area has been widened and levelled ensuring large crowds can gather comfortably for big concerts and events.

The Square also offers many staging options. Temporary stages can be erected at various locations and audiences can get clear views from both the paved and grassed areas.

More inviting entrances

The Queen Street entrance has been redesigned with fewer steps into the paved area making it easier to access.

The walkway alongside the Auckland Town Hall has also been widened for pedestrians and is a great space for small, informal events. The steps can also be used as seating.

Places to relax and enjoy

The grassed areas include shading by native trees making them perfect for lunchtime picnics and other activities.

If you don't fancy sitting on the grass, long benches and other seating including the surrounding steps are perfect for leisurely visits.  

As part of the redevelopment, the front of the  Aotea Centre has been upgraded and now includes the BOX Café and Bar – the ideal place to enjoy a drink or tapas before taking in a movie or show.

Keeping it green

Trees are a key feature of Aotea Square. A total of 63 native trees that reflect the New Zealand environment, Auckland's heritage, and are well suited to growing the conditions have been introduced.

These include a range of ten species: nikau, kowhai, pohutukawa, puriri, kauri, kohekohe, karaka, putaputaweta, taraire and totara.

Lighting

The Square's lighting includes LED lights built into the Square's banner poles and in-ground lighting around the trees. These create great ambience for events.

The banner pole lights can change colour and illumination depending on the need, also housing audio speakers for events and can act as banner arms to advertise events.

Two new glass canopies cover the Civic and Bledisloe carpark stairwells. When lit these look like glowing glass boxes with a graphic pattern created by the light transmitted through the glass.

The front of the Aotea Centre is adorned with a new glass and aluminium canopy with feature lighting, sound system and sun awnings.

Updated July 2011