High Street & Vulcan Lane, Auckland - Napier is New Zealand’s Art Deco capital and has the second largest Art Deco population in the world. In this photo we see one of the many coulourful alleyways that fill this beautiful city.
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High Street & Vulcan Lane Auckland

5
·2 reviews·Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland's vibrant CBD streets, blending historic charm with modern retail and dining. Explore unique shops and enjoy a lively atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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High Street & Vulcan Lane, Auckland - Napier is New Zealand’s Art Deco capital and has the second largest Art Deco population in the world. In this photo we see one of the many coulourful alleyways that fill this beautiful city.

High Street & Vulcan Lane Auckland

Best Time

Weekends

Vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Auckland's vibrant CBD streets, blending historic charm with modern retail and dining. Explore unique shops and enjoy a lively atmosphere.

5
(2 reviews)

"Vulcan Lane is a classic pub spot with great local beer selections, perfect for soaking in the city's vibrancy. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Embrace Pedestrian Zones

Many wish High Street was fully pedestrianized like Vulcan Lane. Enjoy the car-free areas!

🍻 Discover Local Pubs

Vulcan Lane has classic pubs with great local beer selections. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vulcan Lane's Historic Charm

Vulcan Lane's Historic Charm

Vulcan Lane

A charming pedestrian street with a rich history, perfect for soaking in the city's vibrancy.

Reddit
High Street Boutiques

High Street Boutiques

High Street

Explore a diverse range of shops, from fashion to records, offering a unique retail therapy experience.

Reddit
Local Brews on Vulcan Lane

Local Brews on Vulcan Lane

Vulcan Lane

Enjoy a local beer at a classic pub, soaking in the sun and city buzz.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Pedestrian Vibe

Vulcan Lane was pedestrianized in the late 60s, and many locals wish High Street would follow suit for a more vibrant atmosphere. Consider visiting during peak pedestrian hours to fully experience the area's energy. Reddit

Shop Local & Discover Gems

High Street and Vulcan Lane offer a mix of retailers, from established brands to unique local finds. Keep an eye out for record stores and boutiques for a more curated shopping experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Less crowded shopping
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Recommendations for a few days in the city?

🚶‍♀️ Embrace Pedestrian Zones

Many wish High Street was fully pedestrianized like Vulcan Lane. Enjoy the car-free areas! Reddit+1

🍻 Discover Local Pubs

Vulcan Lane has classic pubs with great local beer selections. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Reddit

reddit.com

Vulcan Lane, Auckland, New Zealand, 1968 (photographer unknown).

reddit.com

High Street Improvements

🛍️ Hunt for Unique Finds

Explore beyond the main chains for record stores and independent boutiques. Reddit

☕️ Cafe Hopping

Check out cafes on Exchange Lane and High Street for your caffeine fix. Reddit

reddit.com

High Street

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Embrace Pedestrian Zones

Many wish High Street was fully pedestrianized like Vulcan Lane. Enjoy the car-free areas! Reddit+1

🍻 Discover Local Pubs

Vulcan Lane has classic pubs with great local beer selections. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Reddit

🛍️ Hunt for Unique Finds

Explore beyond the main chains for record stores and independent boutiques. Reddit

☕️ Cafe Hopping

Check out cafes on Exchange Lane and High Street for your caffeine fix. Reddit

What Travellers Say

5
(2 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find High Street and Vulcan Lane to be charming areas with a good mix of shops and cafes. The historic pedestrianized Vulcan Lane is a particular highlight, offering a pleasant atmosphere for exploring. While some shops are standard, the potential for unique finds and the vibrant street life are appreciated. Reddit+1

"Very nice store, lots of options available."

Prince Narang

""

jack lock

What People Like

Historic Vulcan Lane
Unique shop finds
Vibrant atmosphere

What People Dislike

Car traffic on High Street

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

These streets are located in Auckland's CBD, easily accessible by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop nearby, and it's a short walk from Britomart Transport Centre. If driving, be aware of parking availability and costs in the city center. Reddit

Yes, there are several parking buildings in the vicinity, such as the Victoria Street Car Park and Downtown Car Park. However, parking in the CBD can be expensive. Reddit

Absolutely! They are centrally located and walkable from many other CBD attractions like the Viaduct Harbour, Sky Tower, and Britomart. Reddit

Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Didi are readily available in Auckland and can drop you off close to High Street and Vulcan Lane. Reddit

Walking is the best way to explore High Street and Vulcan Lane, allowing you to discover hidden gems and soak in the atmosphere. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, High Street and Vulcan Lane are public streets and do not require tickets for entry. You can explore them freely. Reddit

As public streets, they are accessible 24/7. However, individual shops and cafes will have their own operating hours, typically from morning to late afternoon or evening. Reddit

There are no entrance fees to walk around High Street and Vulcan Lane. Any costs would be for purchases made at the shops or dining establishments. Reddit

Vulcan Lane has been a pedestrian-only thoroughfare since the late 1960s, contributing to its unique atmosphere. Reddit

While not a primary market location, the area can host pop-up events or be part of larger city festivals. Checking local event listings is recommended. Reddit

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

You'll find a mix of fashion boutiques, record stores, gift shops, and some larger retail chains. It's a great place to discover unique items. Reddit

There are numerous cafes and restaurants offering various cuisines. Look for popular spots on High Street and the surrounding lanes for diverse dining options. Reddit

Yes, several cafes are highly recommended, including those on Exchange Lane and High Street, known for their quality coffee. Reddit

Prices vary widely. You can find budget-friendly options at pubs and cafes, while boutique shopping can range from mid-range to high-end. Reddit

While not the primary focus, keep an eye out for record stores that often carry used vinyl, and occasionally vintage clothing boutiques can be found. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the historic architecture of Vulcan Lane, the vibrant street life, and the unique shopfronts. The pedestrianized nature of Vulcan Lane makes for great street photography. Reddit

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can offer beautiful light. Weekends provide more street activity, while weekdays are quieter for cleaner shots. Reddit

The distinctive signage and the overall streetscape of Vulcan Lane are iconic. High Street offers a more modern urban photography backdrop. Reddit

It's generally polite to ask permission before taking photos inside private businesses. Some may have restrictions. Reddit

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for street scenes. A wide-angle lens can capture the full streetscapes, and a prime lens is good for low-light cafe shots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

High Street and Vulcan Lane can be a pleasant outing for families, especially on weekends when the atmosphere is lively. The pedestrian-friendly nature of Vulcan Lane makes it safer for children to walk around. Reddit While there aren't specific 'kid attractions,' the variety of shops can offer some entertainment, and finding a casual cafe for a snack is easy. Reddit Consider visiting during less crowded weekday afternoons for a more relaxed experience with younger children. Reddit

🍻 Beer Enthusiasts

For those who appreciate a good brew, Vulcan Lane is a must-visit. Vultures Lane, a classic pub on Vulcan Lane, is frequently recommended for its extensive selection of local beers on tap. Reddit The pub offers a great spot to sample different craft brews and soak in the city's vibe, especially when sitting outside on a sunny day. Reddit It's an ideal destination for a relaxed afternoon or evening exploring Auckland's craft beer scene. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Pedestrianization Debate

Vulcan Lane has been a pedestrian-only street since the late 1960s, a move that was petitioned by retailers and embraced by the council. Reddit This has contributed to its enduring charm and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to streets with vehicle traffic. Many locals advocate for High Street to adopt a similar pedestrian-friendly approach, with suggestions ranging from partial pedestrianization during certain hours to full-time car-free access. Reddit The ongoing discussions highlight a desire for more vibrant, people-centric urban spaces in Auckland's CBD. Reddit

The benefits of pedestrianization often cited include increased foot traffic for businesses, improved safety, and a more pleasant environment for shoppers and diners. The idea of building a roof over the entire street has even been proposed, showcasing the community's commitment to reimagining urban retail experiences. Reddit The sentiment is that removing cars would significantly enhance the area's appeal and economic vitality. Reddit

A Shopper's Paradise: Beyond the Chains

High Street and Vulcan Lane offer a diverse retail landscape, moving beyond generic shopping experiences. While some well-known brands are present, the real draw for many is the opportunity to discover independent boutiques and specialty stores. Reddit Record stores, in particular, are a highlight for music enthusiasts, offering a curated selection of new and used vinyl. Reddit This focus on unique offerings makes the area a destination for those seeking something different from typical mall shopping.

Exploring the lanes can lead to unexpected finds, from fashion to gifts. The historical context of Vulcan Lane, with its transformation into a pedestrian zone, adds to the charm of browsing its shops. Reddit Visitors often recommend taking the time to wander and explore, as the best discoveries are often off the beaten path. Reddit

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