Gear-up for a moveable festival of free music and joyriding out west!
The sunny days of summer are excuse enough to get on your bike, explore new routes and go adventuring on wheels. On Saturday, February 15th from 11am to 4pm, the Henderson Music Trail aims to enhance your joyride with a FREE moveable feast of performances, taking place at three pop-up stages and surprise locations along a 2-kilometre path that connects some of Henderson’s beautiful and historical trails and creative spaces.
The trail is just the right length for younger cyclists and their parents, with lots of interesting stops along the way. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate Bike Month and check out one of Auckland’s most unique, artistic suburbs.
What you’ll discover on the day
- Starting at Corban Estate Arts Centre, head to The Barrel Store stage to catch performances from Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Aspiring Musicians, or join in on a cycling-themed art workshop, hosted by the Kakano Youth Arts Collective.
- Follow the trail over to Cranwell Park for the next pop-up stage featuring performances from Flower Stream, Huia, Saxobros, Hopetoun Brown and Good Space. If you need to cool down, consider a quick dip in the pools at West Wave!
- Look out for signs along the path directing you to the rotunda at Falls Park by The Alderman (f.k.a The Falls Hotel) and check out an eclectic mix of performances from Guggenmusic, Kra Koto Kra, and more. As a super special treat, The Bicycle Chap will have his Heritage Bike Display set up at The Alderman, where you can see a truly unique collection of bikes that exhibits the history of cycling.
Along the way you’ll also find special spots with roving musicians, local community groups, lawn games, picnic spots and other surprises.
Food and rest stops
What’s a bike ride without a bit of refuelling? You’ll find some great spots to grab a bite, including The Alderman and The Coffee Studio at Corban Estate Arts Centre, and a couple of food trucks. There are also plenty of places to enjoy a picnic around Falls Park, so pack your own lunch if you prefer.
Presenting partner Eke Panuku Development Auckland is dedicated to transforming and revitalising Henderson town centre into a flourishing urban eco-centre – a town centre that harnesses sustainability. Families and the environment are the focus for the redevelopment of Henderson.
Presenting Partner Interesting Things is a placemaking and events company that has put on a wide range of special events throughout Auckland, including the celebrated cycling and music festival Future Future in 2024.
The Henderson Music Trail uses creativity to create new connections, spark local engagement and encourage environmentally friendly practices.
The route
Consider arriving from out west via the Opanuku or Oratia Stream Shared Path, which is part of the award-winning Twin Streams network of walk and cycleways. It follows the stream and weaves through lush native bush, and you can reference this amazing map , created by the Project Twin Streams initiative, to spot art pieces along the way. This trail was developed by the former Waitakere City Council with a focus on environmental conservation and floodwater management.
Coming from other directions the North Western Cycleway brings you to West Auckland and connects to the event via the Te Wai O Pareira/ Henderson Creek – alongside this important part of Henderson’s navigational history you can learn about the interesting tale of Swan’s Arch as you pass by the remnants of an extraordinary life. Use the Cycling/Walking mode on AT’s Journey Planner to see the best way to get from your home base.