3 August 2012
wynyard quarter’s first birthday
Our favourite waterfront destination gets into party mode this weekend to celebrate their 1st birthday.
It’s hard to believe that only a year ago Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter opened to the public, a shiny new space that has helped to rejuvenate our waterfront. To celebrate, Silo Park, North Wharf and Karanga Plaza will be putting on all sorts of festivities to celebrate their 1st birthday this Saturday.
For those of us that bounce out of bed rather than drag ourselves off it, the festivities begin early, with a dawn chorus at 7am on Saturday morning. Returning from their period of winter hibernation, a posse of food trucks will be in attendance and we anticipate many revellers will be enjoying fresh tacos from Mexi-Kai, chocolate dunked churros from Torro Churro and wood fired pizzas from Stumpy’s Pizza. Honestly, you can easily demolish a three or four course meal here just by walking from one food truck to the next.
One of the highlights of the weekend celebrations will be public access to the viewing platform at the top of the historic silo structures. Only accessible to the public for this weekend only, once you’ve scaled the metal staircase to reach the silo’s summit, you’ll be greeted by stunning harbour views. The daytime events finish off with the lantern ceremony at 5.30pm at the Tidal Steps at Karanga Plaza, where hundreds of lanterns will be set off onto the water as a sort of birthday candle equivalent for the Wynyard Quarter. We hope they sing happy birthday.
Come night time, Silo Cinemas will be screening the family blockbuster, The Incredibles, starting at 6pm. Popcorn, hot water bottles and mulled wine will all be available to help you get settled in. Be sure to get there early to secure a prime position on the grass, as Silo’s movie events always attract a decent crowd.
The cherry on top of the birthday festivities? Silo Park is creating a balloon forest to celebrate. Yes, that’s right, thousands of balloons will be blown up to make a balloon forest. Happy Birthday Wynyard Quarter!
Image credit: Images courtsey of Simon Devitt
