The northern edge of Auckland’s metropolis is home to a busy university campus and some of the biggest mega-stores in the country. It wasn’t long ago when dairy farmers and strawberry growers called Albany home – calm countryside still skirts around the suburb. In the 1990s, affordable terraced housing, a new campus for Massey University and the opening of Westfield Albany initiated major suburban expansion.
Heading to or from Matakana or Northland? Pop over for a shop at Albany’s major shopping centres, Westfeld and Albany Mega Store, a two-for-one retail mecca with clothes, sports gear, jewellery, décor, furniture and electronics all within a few long blocks of each other. While in the area, munch on some popcorn while enjoying a flick at Event Cinemas, the largest multiplex cinema on the North Shore.
Into sports? Kick it up a notch at Game Over, an indoor entertainment complex with go-karting, laser tag, arcade games and mini golf. Cheer on your favourite sports team or enjoy a concert at North Harbour Stadium, a 25000-seat arena that hosts rugby union, rugby league, football and outdoor events. Next door, swim laps or splash around with the family at Albany Stadium pool.
For something more serene, take a tranquil river walk around the loop track at the Fernhill Escarpment. This bush walk traverses among some seriously old totara trees, with some likely pre-dating when Māori first arrived in Aotearoa. Did you know Albany has its own waterfall? Take a pleasant, easy stroll through Gills Scenic Reserve to find bush, well-paved tracks and a beautiful little waterfall to cool off at.
Albany is a quick drive to several North Shore beaches, with Browns Bay and Mairangi only 10 minutes away. A tad further north, Long Bay Regional Park is a must. Living up to its name, Long Bay boasts a kilometre-long beach with grass and shady trees along the way. Beachside picnic, anyone?
Getting there Te huarahi ki reira
Albany is a 20-minute drive from downtown via State Highway 1.
Local tip He tīwhiri mō te rohe
t’s easy to drive past Kell Park and miss a little green haven just behind the Albany Village Library. Spot ducks and geese, take an easy stroll or let the kids burn off some energy at the playground.
