Wynyard area marks birthday
An award-winning waterfront destination once known for its tank farm and fish market will be celebrating two years since its makeover this weekend.
Wynyard Quarter was transformed into a mix of public spaces and restaurants in August 2011.
Developments include Silo Park, the North Wharf bars and eateries, Karanga Plaza, the heritage trams, the Wynyard Crossing Bridge and the new Viaduct Events Centre.
To celebrate its second year in operation Waterfront Auckland will be putting on free activities for the whole family this Saturday.
Alongside the activities there will be a chance to learn about plans for the next commercial and residential development stages for the area.
Over the next 20 years a further 15 hectares of Wynyard Quarter will be transformed into a harbour-side community with parks, apartments, shops and offices alongside the traditional marine and fishing industries.
Works are already under way to transform Daldy and Halsey streets as gateway roads into the area.
Throughout the day there will be games and activities fitting of a second birthday party and it will also mark the return of the roving piano.
Go to wynyard-quarter.co.nz for more information. Events are: 7am – Dawn Chorus
Join Auckland’s choral network for a sunrise sing-a-long in Karanga Plaza to welcome in a new day and a new year for Wynyard Quarter.
10am to 2pm – Workshops on the Wharf Dress up and have a go in the Brilliant Birthday Photo Booth or try your circus skills in the circus workshop.
10am to 4pm – Boat rides and displays Take a look inside some classic yachts on display in Silo Marina.
A number of local boats will be on display and available for rides across the waterfront.
11am to 2pm – Garden to Table open day Wynyard Quarter’s community garden project open its doors to the public where you can see their plans for the future and ‘‘dig for gold’’.
2pm to 5pm – Lanternmaking workshop The lantern-making workshop has become a tradition of Wynyard Quarter celebrations. Make and decorate your very own lantern, then launch it from the tidal steps at dusk.
2pm to 5pm – Life Buoythrowing competition How far can you throw a life buoy?
6pm – Silo Cinema – Up Bring a rug, your hot water bottle and someone to cuddle up with for the family-friendly movie Up which will be projected on to Silo 7.