Aotea Square
Aotea Square is a large outdoor space where you will find the Festival Garden and the Digital Stage, at 4,500 square metres, the Square is the largest open-air space in the inner city pokapū tāone of Auckland. Aotea Square is in the heart of the Aotea Arts Quarter and is one of Auckland city’s most important public spaces.
The main paved area of the Square is the Marae Ātea. This term translates to mean a courtyard or public forum, and the name given to the open area in front of the wharenui on a marae; a place where formal welcomes to visitors take place and issues are debated. The marae ātea is the domain of Tūmatauenga, the atua (god) of war and people, and therefore the appropriate place to raise contentious issues. It’s a symbolic reference to Aotea Square’s long history as a site of public protest and civic gatherings.
Trees, predominately native species, are a key feature of the site offering shade while not interrupting the views of what’s happening in the Square. Terraced, grassed areas have been introduced along with granite paving and steps. Long benches and clustered seats provide seating throughout the Square, making it a great place to relax on a sunny day.
Contacts
Adjacent to Auckland Town Hall
301 - 317 Queen Street
Varies depending on each day's activities.
