I checked out the opening of the Wynyard Quarter area today – taking Adele on her first ever bus ride in the process. It was actually pretty awesome, and it seemed like half of Auckland was there. The lifting bridge providing the connection between the area and the rest of the CBD worked well and was pretty impressive size-wise:
Once we got over the bridge there was tonnes going on – with the tram loop being a particularly popular attraction. I was tempted to go on the tram but the queue was a bit long – maybe we’ll come back another day to ride it.
Further along we came to Silo Park, which was pretty damn impressive actually. It was good to see the “Wind Tree” sculpture back on display:
The viewing structure you can see on the other side of the Wind Tree sculpture offered some great views over the whole Wynyard Quarter area. You can see how much redevelopment potential there is – it will be amazing to come back in 10 years time and see how much things have changed:
There were further good views to be had from the walkway that wraps around the new Events Centre building:
All up it’s a pretty cool area and there were an enormous number of people checking the place out. I hope that the momentum and popularity of the area can be maintained – I guess as anchor tenants like the ASB Headquarters and further residential buildings are developed the place will develop a critical mass that ensures its success.
But for today it was just nice seeing so many Aucklanders enjoying their city.
Processing...
Remind me again why the Event Centre is not party central. Shonkey’s party central wharf should not be the place to be.
Agree John, this area would be so much more fun as party cental, moving bridges, silos, trams, colour – its got a few things going for it!
I don’t think it will have trouble attracting people in, kids will want to go there because its fun. And adults can always leave the kids and go to the bars/restaurants nearby.
It is indeed a fantastic place and judging by the reasonably empty parking areas and the huge number of people there that public transport was a popular option on the day.
“I hope that the momentum and popularity of the area can be maintained”
Here’s to that.
Or they walked and cycled! Don’t forget the slow modes :).
@Stu – no fair – I gave up on PT and cycle everywhere, it’s faster than PT for almost all trips and more often than not faster than going by car – I think people really underestimate how fast cycling really is (I know I always used to).
We went for a look at around 3pm and there were huge numbers looking around, probably at least twice as many as in what you can see in your photos. Like you I was really pleased to see so many people enjoying their city.
The only down side was that when we went to head back to the bridge had broken down.
Bit gutted that I didn’t walk up any of the various tall structures and have a look from above. It looks cool. But I had fun at 9 am (not so many people around then – just VIPs in suits and very tired parents with incredibly energetic small children).
Was good to see you there Lucy. I cycled down – the area is brilliant for cycling around, well-placed new cycle racks, and did a recce over Te Wero bridge and back. I went on the first tram run – with Mike Lee at the controls, doing a pretty good job of it. The axis of promenade and planting, the playground, and the interesting events centre, cafes and other constructions make the area a real attraction for Auckland central.
It will be interesting to see how the pricing strategy for the tram pans out at $10 per adult all day and free for kids.
I know that this is a tourist venture, but there is little at the moment there to attract tourists beyond Jellicoe St.
I think there is a genuine chance that workers at Air New Zealand / Vodafone might want to catch the tram to Jellicoe or use it to get to / from the Karanga / Gateway Plaza. There needs to be a pass to allow people to do this. Perhaps the $10 ticket should last all week?
I understood the service doesn’t start till 9am – so how much use would that be to workers for commuting purposes? Unless I have my facts wrong.
Someone once mentioned that the tram in ChCh had a yearly option that was only 2-3 times the price of the daily pass – perhaps they’ll do the same here, in whch case $30 for a years use of the tram to get to Jellicoe Street is a good deal.
For Air NZ, Vodafone, Microsoft and other workers it would hardly be worth using the tram. It’s only about a five to ten minute walk from those buildings to Jellicoe Street and Karanga Plaza. I think the $10 fare is going to be seen as a major impediment by tourists and locals alike. Frankly a 50 cent or $1 flat single trip fare would be a far better proposition, particularly with the lack of attractions apart from those on or near Jellicoe Street. I suspect that the $10 fare was going to charged at the opening day until someone made a last minute decision that it would be impossible to collect due to the large numbers of people crowding the stops. None of the publicity material for the opening day mentioned that the trams would be free, and drivers had extensive stocks of commemorative tickets.
At the opening day I heard Bob Harvey mention that Waterfront Auckland was looking at extending the tram line to Britomart via Fanshawe Street, due to the inability of the new bridge to carry trams. Can you imagine what Auckland drivers would make of trams on Fsnshawe, Sturdee and Customs Street…. Hee hee hee!
I think charging international tourists 10$ for an old tram that goes nowhere very slowly is a bit stupid considering that they probably ride shiny fast trams everyday back home for an Euro.