Whistlestop tour: North Shore, city, waterfront and back again

Calling all North Shore seniors!

Now that the City Rail Link is open, your gold HOP card is your ticket to Auckland's shiny new transit network.

Once the morning rush has disappeared and the grandkids are happily learning at school, gather your crew and hit the road (and rail).

From North Shore to city centre and back, this easy round-trip takes in three stunning stations, re-energised station surrounds, leafy hideaways, beautiful art and waterfront views that are hard to beat.

Weekdays after 9am are the sweet spot. All you need is a sense of curiosity, your golden ticket to ride (free), comfy shoes and a well charged phone.

Your whistlestop tour awaits!

Step 1: coffee, cards, ready, let's go!

Start at Smales Farm (or your favourite NX station). Grab a coffee, flash your gold HOP card and board the Northern Express (NX2). Settle into a window seat and enjoy Auckland's best-value views from the bus as you cross the harbour bridge and arrive in Wellesley Street.

Step 2: a station with an art gallery vibe

Karanga-a-Hape Station.

From the new Wellesley Street bus interchange, pop into Te Waihorotiu Station and ride a train for one stop to Karanga-a-Hape Station.

This is no ordinary station stop. Look up and admire the spectacular mana whenua-led artworks in the entrances and station spaces. Scan QR codes and discover the stories behind the art.

Then emerge into Mercury Lane or Beresford Square and take our self-guided ten-stop walk in Karangahape Road.

Expect colour, characters, charisma, fascinating local history and hidden gems. Wander through iconic St Kevin's Arcade and into the green haven of Myers Park.

Step 3: stop and hear the birdsong

Take a breather in Myers Park, one of Auckland's most beautiful inner-city escapes. Stroll beneath mature trees, admire the gardens, hear the birds and discover public art tucked among the greenery.

Have you visited the interactive artwork Waimahara in Myers Park?

Don't miss Waimahara, Auckland's unique interactive artwork. It’s pure magic. Start singing the opening notes of a special waiata and, if you're on pitch, the installation sings back. Yes, really. It's one of those experiences that delights everyone.

Step 4: midtown's big glow-up

Time to explore Auckland's transformed midtown.

Feel the pulse of Aotea Square before taking our ten-stop walk in midtown. Find vibrant new spaces, tree-lined streets, terraced rain gardens (a nod to the volcanic history of this place), and beautiful heritage buildings alongside contemporary architecture.

Wāhine – Victoria Street West.

Keep an eye out for two new epic artworks in Victoria Street West. Wāhine brings a welcoming presence as people enter and exit the station, and Horotiu celebrates Te Waihorotiu the ancient stream flowing beneath the Queen Street valley.  

Step 5: from midtown to the waterfront

Head down into Te Waihorotiu Station through the Victoria Street West entrance. Before you get ready to board, take a moment to soak up the station's stunning design and artwork. QR codes reveal the rich te ao Māori stories built into the spaces.

Then jump on a train for a quick ride to Waitematā Station. As you exit, look up and see a century-old glass dome. Look down and see this historic building’s foundations encased in glass, telling their extraordinary story. In a complex feat of engineering, this building’s weight was transferred to its new foundations when the City Rail Link was being built, and an emblem of Auckland’s past meticulously restored.

From here, it's all about waterfront magic. Follow our ten-stop walk in downtown and enjoy harbour views, public art, leafy streets and fascinating landmarks. Find a sunny bench, grab an ice cream and watch ferries glide across the sea.

Step 6: homeward bound

Don't forget to take advantage of your Gold Card when using any of the public transport options that connect you to the entire Auckland region.