www.heartofthecity.co.nz
Back when we were kids, Auckland turned its back on its waterfront. Now one of our favourite family outings, winter or summer, is Wynyard Quarter. There's always something to watch on the harbour - seaplanes, yacht races, ferries - while enjoying a coffee and more often than not a treat in a cone from Gelatiamo in the North Wharf restaurant strip. The kids love climbing the marooned channel markers and ship funnels, they spin on the kina in the sealife-themed playground and whoop on the slides of the Daldy Street Tanks. And we've learned to take a change of clothes for whoever ends up in the shallow pool under Michio Ihara's rehomed 'Wind Tree' sculpture. We all miss the trams, but they'll be back next year.
Sarah Ell, writer
While everyone knows and loves our better known arts precincts - the Art Gallery, the theatres around Aotea Square and The Civic - my favourite spot is the central library on Rutland St. I love nipping up to the exhibitions, or hanging around the seats on the shared plaza - always busy with creative types or skateboarders. There are filmy folks are heading downstairs to the Academy movie theatre and now, joy of joys, we cut through the lane at the back of St James Theatre to the newly refurbished foyer for a coffee while we watch the artist at work. The precinct is coming back to life.
Catherine Smith, editor
