Karangahape Road

Overview

Karangahape Road — universally known as 'K Road' — is Auckland's most bohemian and culturally diverse strip. Running along a ridge above the city centre, it buzzes with independent shops, street art, live music venues, and a thriving LGBTQ+ scene.

Highlights

• Street Art: Murals and graffiti cover walls and laneways throughout the strip.
• Independent Shops: Vintage stores, second-hand bookshops, and Pacific Island fabric shops create an eclectic mix.
• Nightlife: K Road is Auckland's alternative nightlife hub with live music bars and clubs.

History

Karangahape is a te reo Māori name meaning 'winding ridge of human activity'. The road has been a commercial strip since the 1870s and has always attracted Auckland's counter-cultural communities. A major revival has accelerated since the opening of the Karangahape station on the City Rail Link.

Visitor Tips

• Duration: 1–1.5 hours for a daytime wander; the strip transforms after dark.
• St Kevin's Arcade: This art-deco arcade is a highlight, with cafés, galleries, and a dramatic stairway to Myers Park.
• Getting there: Walking distance from the CBD; the new CRL station provides direct rail access.