Albert Park Auckland CBD

Albert Park 

Albert Park is one of Auckland’s most important parks. Its central location in the heart of the CBD, together with its long history and distinctive character, have earned it a special place in the hearts of Aucklanders and made it an important destination for visitors.

The hill was created around 60,000 years ago from the ash of a volcano whose crater was approximately at the intersection of Victoria Street East, Bowen Avenue, and Kitchener Street.

After the European colonisation the hill became a defensive post against Maori attacks. The army base was located there between 1840 and 1850. It comprised of a stone wall surrounding over 9ha of land including part of the current University land. Fighting never reached the barracks.

After the army left the hill reverted to the City Improvement Commission who designated it as a public park and designed the roads and paths.

The commission was strapped for funds and little development was done until the Auckland City Council tookmover the site in 1879. A competition was held to design the layout, the winning entry was by James Slater.

By 1880 the old barracks had been removed, paths and gardens laid down and the fountain built. During World War II the old ornamental cannons were buried and air raid shelters built under the hill.