Winter Series: Stories in Stone: Auckland’s Early Lives
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Hosts
About
A relaxed 90-minute evening walk through central Auckland, exploring the historic Symonds Street Cemetery and the stories of some of the city’s earliest, most notable and most notorious residents, finishing with optional drinks at Paname Social. Perfect for first-timers and regulars alike.
🟢 The plan:
Join us this Wednesday for a fascinating evening walk through Auckland’s early history, from the waterfront to one of the city’s oldest cemeteries.
Starting outside the New Zealand Maritime Museum, we’ll make our way through the city via High Street and Albert Park before continuing towards Symonds Street Cemetery.
Once inside the cemetery, we’ll explore some of the stories that shaped early Auckland. These include Governor William Hobson, Emily Keeling, Baron Charles de Thierry, merchant David Nathan, judge and writer Frederick Maning, and entrepreneur Thomas Henderson.
Along the way, we’ll also hear about some of the cemetery’s darker chapters, from colonial justice and early conflict to mass graves associated with events such as the HMS Orpheus disaster. The site itself also holds much older Māori history, making this a walk through many different layers of Auckland’s past.
Our walk finishes back in the city at Paname Social, where you’re welcome to stay for a drink, something to eat and a chance to continue the conversation.
Duration: ~ 90 minutes including stops (approx. 6–8 km)
Pace/Difficulty: Easy & relaxed, around 1.0–1.5 on our 1–5 day-hike scale. There are some hills and uneven surfaces through the cemetery, but we stop regularly to keep the group together.
🟢 Schedule & Meeting Spot:
17:15 – Meet outside the cafe at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, Hobson Wharf
17:30 – Brief intro & start walking
19:00 – Walk finishes
19:00 – 20:00 – Drinks at Paname Social, 1/3 Lorne Street (Optional)
20:00 – Finish in the CBD
🟢 First-Timers:
New to the group? You’re very welcome!
Cost: $5 donation (cash on the day or bank transfer to 12-3430-0791504-00) to help cover group running costs.
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, clothing suitable for the weather, a light jacket/rain layer and water.
🟢 House Rules & Safety:
Please be punctual as we step off promptly at 17:30.
Take particular care where the route is close to or crosses roads, and on uneven ground within the cemetery.
Adults only (no children, pets, or non-registered guests).
No smoking during the walk.
Participants walk at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety.
We can't wait to go walking with you on Wednesday - Chris, Viv and the AGT Team.
www.aucklandglobaltrekkers.co.nz
Going
Register to see all event details
Where your group belongs
Winter Series: Stories in Stone: Auckland’s Early Lives
Location only visible to confirmed attendees
Hosts
About
A relaxed 90-minute evening walk through central Auckland, exploring the historic Symonds Street Cemetery and the stories of some of the city’s earliest, most notable and most notorious residents, finishing with optional drinks at Paname Social. Perfect for first-timers and regulars alike.
🟢 The plan:
Join us this Wednesday for a fascinating evening walk through Auckland’s early history, from the waterfront to one of the city’s oldest cemeteries.
Starting outside the New Zealand Maritime Museum, we’ll make our way through the city via High Street and Albert Park before continuing towards Symonds Street Cemetery.
Once inside the cemetery, we’ll explore some of the stories that shaped early Auckland. These include Governor William Hobson, Emily Keeling, Baron Charles de Thierry, merchant David Nathan, judge and writer Frederick Maning, and entrepreneur Thomas Henderson.
Along the way, we’ll also hear about some of the cemetery’s darker chapters, from colonial justice and early conflict to mass graves associated with events such as the HMS Orpheus disaster. The site itself also holds much older Māori history, making this a walk through many different layers of Auckland’s past.
Our walk finishes back in the city at Paname Social, where you’re welcome to stay for a drink, something to eat and a chance to continue the conversation.
Duration: ~ 90 minutes including stops (approx. 6–8 km)
Pace/Difficulty: Easy & relaxed, around 1.0–1.5 on our 1–5 day-hike scale. There are some hills and uneven surfaces through the cemetery, but we stop regularly to keep the group together.
🟢 Schedule & Meeting Spot:
17:15 – Meet outside the cafe at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, Hobson Wharf
17:30 – Brief intro & start walking
19:00 – Walk finishes
19:00 – 20:00 – Drinks at Paname Social, 1/3 Lorne Street (Optional)
20:00 – Finish in the CBD
🟢 First-Timers:
New to the group? You’re very welcome!
Cost: $5 donation (cash on the day or bank transfer to 12-3430-0791504-00) to help cover group running costs.
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, clothing suitable for the weather, a light jacket/rain layer and water.
🟢 House Rules & Safety:
Please be punctual as we step off promptly at 17:30.
Take particular care where the route is close to or crosses roads, and on uneven ground within the cemetery.
Adults only (no children, pets, or non-registered guests).
No smoking during the walk.
Participants walk at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety.
We can't wait to go walking with you on Wednesday - Chris, Viv and the AGT Team.
www.aucklandglobaltrekkers.co.nz
Going
Register to see all event details
Where your group belongs