The biggest trouble with Urban Exploration is the legality. The most common question I'm asked (and yeah it does get old) "can you tell me some abandoned locations". So I thought out a list of the most common places I could think of that might scrap the barrel when it comes to legal and less likely to get you in trouble. In no particular order here is my top 10 of easy to possibly legal places to explore (not saying you wont get in any trouble, so this is all at your own risk) Good luck, and don't forget a torch and common sense.
1, North Head Tunnels: Auckland
Probably the most obvious especially if you live in Auckland or travel there regularly. Set up in the late 1800's North Head is worth the visit if not for the history to learn that this large defence complex was built to defend Auckland from a feared Russian attack (maybe choose a day when half the tourism sector wont be there) Drop by over to Mt Victoria too, it's even better at night. This location is on the North Shore, managed by DOC and is open to the public daily.
2, Whatipu/Bethells beach: Auckland
The first time I discovered the caves at Whatipu, we where staying at the gorgeous old historic Lodge (original homestead utilized for accommodation built in 1870). Upon the grounds there is also a large camp site (damn cheap I must say) and short distance to the beach aswell as the rather unique large sea caves which I was told in the 60's used to have a wooden dance floor and at the time this was the place to come and get your groove on. Many many years later, sand sadly has covered over it. Just a short walk past those few and you'll find the caves camp site managed by DOC. Probably only 10-15 minutes walk.
If your heading out to the beach and it's summer time and you're feeling inclined for caves and waves. Check out the sea caves at Bethells, pretty cool for first timers or kids. I like that you can walk over to Piha if you feel like a change of scenery.
3,Fort Ballance: Wellington- Shelly Bay Rd
Is a 1885 artillery battery, which was built with fears the Russians would attack. Fort Ballance is different to North Head with the exception it still remains in the heads of the Government and public access is "meant" to be sought from the Army. It is also a known graffiti/painting spot, so this would give some people mixed feelings for it's preservation, but after the short walk to the top you can appreciate why anyone would visit this place. The views on a fine day over the Bay are stunning .
4, Drains, Auckland- Anywhere
I'm not sure if encouraging people to go in drains really is the most intelligent thing to do, but nonetheless. if you don't try it.. The Australian urbex group Cave Clan have a quote "when it rains no drains". Just common sense really, perhaps don't go alone either. But drains can be alot of fun, always with a torch. People ask me, why the hell would you want to go down there? But its like a hidden set of tunnels, just never know where you'll come out. Alot of graffiti writers paint in drains, so if you come across drains like these, your probably safer exploring these ones as there probably explored regularly. My first drain and a well known in Auckland is near St Lukes, at the end of Norgrove ave.
5, Taonui Viaduct, Old Coach Rd Horopito
This has to be one of my favourite places due to just how dangerous looking it is. Completed in 1907 as apart of the North Island Main Trunk. It's about a 15-20 minute walk along a path to the Viaduct, which is now a historic gem. Climb it if your dear. You can park in a paddock on DOC land and enjoy the surroundings of the Tongariro National Park.
6, Horopito Motors, Horopito
Known infamously as "Smash Palace" due to the film. Horopito Motors is a collection of old vintage cars, the owner back in the day operated a garage and had a no scrapping policy. This is a popular place with photographers and I do see many photos from Horopito at festivals etc. If you're doing Taonui Viaduct the two together are worth the time. Entry is by donation.
7, Carlile House, Grey Lynn
Carlile House is just one of those places that should have never been allowed to waste away. Built in 1886. With such unique Italianate architecture for Auckland, which can especially be seen in the downstairs of the house. I could happily admire Carlile from the outside if it wasn't for the hideous power lines and the Tongan church next door. Carlile is owned by the Tongan church which they built in the 70's, and neglected the house. It is said, by approaching the church sometimes they may give permission. My tip would be not telling them your taking a camera.
1, North Head Tunnels: Auckland
Probably the most obvious especially if you live in Auckland or travel there regularly. Set up in the late 1800's North Head is worth the visit if not for the history to learn that this large defence complex was built to defend Auckland from a feared Russian attack (maybe choose a day when half the tourism sector wont be there) Drop by over to Mt Victoria too, it's even better at night. This location is on the North Shore, managed by DOC and is open to the public daily.
2, Whatipu/Bethells beach: Auckland
The first time I discovered the caves at Whatipu, we where staying at the gorgeous old historic Lodge (original homestead utilized for accommodation built in 1870). Upon the grounds there is also a large camp site (damn cheap I must say) and short distance to the beach aswell as the rather unique large sea caves which I was told in the 60's used to have a wooden dance floor and at the time this was the place to come and get your groove on. Many many years later, sand sadly has covered over it. Just a short walk past those few and you'll find the caves camp site managed by DOC. Probably only 10-15 minutes walk.
If your heading out to the beach and it's summer time and you're feeling inclined for caves and waves. Check out the sea caves at Bethells, pretty cool for first timers or kids. I like that you can walk over to Piha if you feel like a change of scenery.
3,Fort Ballance: Wellington- Shelly Bay Rd
Is a 1885 artillery battery, which was built with fears the Russians would attack. Fort Ballance is different to North Head with the exception it still remains in the heads of the Government and public access is "meant" to be sought from the Army. It is also a known graffiti/painting spot, so this would give some people mixed feelings for it's preservation, but after the short walk to the top you can appreciate why anyone would visit this place. The views on a fine day over the Bay are stunning .
4, Drains, Auckland- Anywhere
I'm not sure if encouraging people to go in drains really is the most intelligent thing to do, but nonetheless. if you don't try it.. The Australian urbex group Cave Clan have a quote "when it rains no drains". Just common sense really, perhaps don't go alone either. But drains can be alot of fun, always with a torch. People ask me, why the hell would you want to go down there? But its like a hidden set of tunnels, just never know where you'll come out. Alot of graffiti writers paint in drains, so if you come across drains like these, your probably safer exploring these ones as there probably explored regularly. My first drain and a well known in Auckland is near St Lukes, at the end of Norgrove ave.
5, Taonui Viaduct, Old Coach Rd Horopito
This has to be one of my favourite places due to just how dangerous looking it is. Completed in 1907 as apart of the North Island Main Trunk. It's about a 15-20 minute walk along a path to the Viaduct, which is now a historic gem. Climb it if your dear. You can park in a paddock on DOC land and enjoy the surroundings of the Tongariro National Park.
6, Horopito Motors, Horopito
Known infamously as "Smash Palace" due to the film. Horopito Motors is a collection of old vintage cars, the owner back in the day operated a garage and had a no scrapping policy. This is a popular place with photographers and I do see many photos from Horopito at festivals etc. If you're doing Taonui Viaduct the two together are worth the time. Entry is by donation.
7, Carlile House, Grey Lynn
Carlile House is just one of those places that should have never been allowed to waste away. Built in 1886. With such unique Italianate architecture for Auckland, which can especially be seen in the downstairs of the house. I could happily admire Carlile from the outside if it wasn't for the hideous power lines and the Tongan church next door. Carlile is owned by the Tongan church which they built in the 70's, and neglected the house. It is said, by approaching the church sometimes they may give permission. My tip would be not telling them your taking a camera.
8, Christchurch, Holy Grail of NZ
This might sound a little bit er harsh but it honestly is, theres so much to explore in Christchurch. I spent 4 days there in June and every single local I spoke to, had even explored there own city. It's never going to happen again in our life time. I really can't provide any tips as a few of us have been down there and had different experiences when it comes to security and locations. But from high rises to the old bus station and brothel (complete with whips and chains, don't ask) I think I almost saw it all. Early one morning after much to drink I was with the most eccentric 50 odd year old lady from the backpackers who kept sneaking my booze from the fridge when I'd go out, so in return I'd pinch her cooking when she'd be flirting with the younger guys. She took me to this theatre, only half remained. I wasn't that keen on Christchurch till my visit, now I'm looking forward to going back.
This might sound a little bit er harsh but it honestly is, theres so much to explore in Christchurch. I spent 4 days there in June and every single local I spoke to, had even explored there own city. It's never going to happen again in our life time. I really can't provide any tips as a few of us have been down there and had different experiences when it comes to security and locations. But from high rises to the old bus station and brothel (complete with whips and chains, don't ask) I think I almost saw it all. Early one morning after much to drink I was with the most eccentric 50 odd year old lady from the backpackers who kept sneaking my booze from the fridge when I'd go out, so in return I'd pinch her cooking when she'd be flirting with the younger guys. She took me to this theatre, only half remained. I wasn't that keen on Christchurch till my visit, now I'm looking forward to going back.
9,Cement Works, Wilson Rd Warkworth
Built around 1903, employing over 180 men during its operation. Sitting on grounds next to a water hole popular for swimming, the works closed 1928 not before leaving behind the impressive ruins. Pack lunch and sit by the lake or maybe venture closer, be weary people live on the surrounding property if they actually have anything to do besides bark at you, (some sort of long term camp site or of sort) The old ruins themselves have a worn down wire fence around them so don't trip.
10, Challenge House, Auckland
I wasn't sure about including Challenge house, because it's just one of those places that everyone in Auckland knows, but it's a luck of a draw whether it will be open or not. Brought by a investor in 2005 I believe, with intentions to build a Hotel but Stamford Plaza opposed consent so it sits earning property value. 3 buildings on one title, Link, Challenge and Yates house, Yates being the seed company which in the early 1900's ran there business from the building. Challenge house is well known for its graffiti and I've also spotted pictures of it in international magazines, not everyday you get a abandoned 5 storey building that large in the middle of the CBD. It's also been home to some dodgy characters over the years. I know before Wilson took the parking over again, homeless people where living downstairs and often see them take off as we'd arrive. I've never had any problems with hobos, just say hi and do my thing, although one guy did try to get $5 out of us so we could go into this abandoned house he lived in. Declined err politely.
So I hope this helps, because when people ask for locations, its abit like giving away my Urbex bible. You feel obliged to protect these places to a degree, because I have had owners email me before and vandals troll website for places, plus I enjoy doing this with people I know I can trust which is why we formed our group. The more you do this the more places you'll find and you can then share them with others etc.
Nathan
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