High Street has been in existence since 1841, and from the time it was dug out it’s been a place where things started; O’Connell Street was Auckland’s first red-light district. Today is the beginning of the Auckland Heritage Festival, which coincides with Auckland’s 171^st birthday on 18^th September and First Light on 30^th September, and ends on 2^nd October. There are tons of events for everyone, including some great heritage happenings in the High Street district:

A Toast To Heritage
Civic Trust Auckland presentation about heritage pubs, followed by self-guided pub-crawl.
-Queen’s Ferry Hotel, Vulcan Lane
-Sun 18 Sept, 4pm

Allan Matson
High Street based protector and champion of Auckland’s architectural heritage presents an illustrated talk.
- Ellen Melville Hall, Freyberg Place
- Wed 21 Sept/Sat 1 Oct, 12.30pm

Auckland Walks – Art and Architecture of the City Walks
-Explore four heritage buildings and learn about the dynamic between the galleries and the art displayed within them.
- Wed 21/Sat 24/Wed 28 Sept, 1pm
- Fri 30 Sept, 4.30pm (part of First Light)
- Meet at Harbour Information, Pier One, Downtown Ferry Terminal

For more information and more events, pick up a festival booklet at Unity Books or check out www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/heritagefestival. And next time you’re walking around the district – look up!