From Britomart to Aotea Square, take an historical journey through the Auckland CBD's most iconic music venue sites, past and present.

The history of Auckland’s live music scene is spread throughout the central city, extending back to the variety shows of the early 1900s through to the jazz and rock of the '50s and '60s coffee lounges, and on to the emergence of punk, R&B, and dance music. 

Uncover some legendary stories in a one-hour walking tour through the city centre. This is a special opportunity to delve deeper into the history, iconic moments, and lasting legacies of some truly magical music venues. 

The free tour takes place every Saturday in May kicking off from Sat 8 May and starts at Auckland Unlimited's See. Do. Auckland shop at Britomart Station. We encourage audiences to sign up to a tour in advance and reserve their spot. Sign up to your chosen tour on the Tickets & Times page.

You'll be shown around the busy 1960's nightlife district that formerly existed around modern-day Britomart; you'll wander and weave up the side streets and along Queen Street to Aotea Square, seeing familiar buildings in a new light and reimagining those that once were.

About tour guide Gareth Shute  

Gareth Shute is a music historian and the award-winning author of four books on NZ music and the arts, including 2005's Montana Book Award  winner, Hip Hop Music in Aotearoa.  He writes regularly for the NZ music history website, Audioculture, which has supported the creation of this music trail. 

Take a self-guided tour

Can't make it to one of the tours or want to discover more? No worries! Download the app at the Apple Store or Google Play and select  'Historical Music Venues Trail' for a self-guided tour of some of Auckland's most beloved music venues.

 

Auckland Live is very grateful to Gareth Shute and Audioculture for their involvement in this project. 
Photo credit: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1269-E161-0029