From opening word to closing lines; daybreak to nightfall; first event to last, the events at Auckland Writers Festival bookend a world of stories each day.

But we know festival-goers’ journeys don’t start and end at the Aotea Centre’s doors.

From filing through the city on early Festival mornings with the fizz of anticipation for what’s ahead; to the satisfied journey home at the end of each day, filled with new ideas, stories and connections, the Festival sets in motion a beautiful reverberation of words and fresh perspectives throughout the city.

To celebrate the city of stories that Tāmaki becomes during AWF, award-winning designer Marcus McShane is weaving his bike-bound projector through the city’s streets and alleyways, casting on to its architecture Festival writers’ words that capture the beauty of daybreak and nightfall, each Festival day.

*This is a cycle-led projection route around the inner city that can be followed at walking pace. The full route will last about 1 hour, and attendees are welcome to join for its entirety, or drop in/out. Projection locations can be seen on the map below.

6.45am and 5.10pm each day of the public programme starting in Aotea Square looping clockwise through the Heart of The City. Supported by Heart of the City.

Where To Wander For Words:

writer's fest map

Also at Auckland Writers Festival

Park for $2.50 per hour at the Downtown car park to a maximum of $15.50 on evenings and weekends. Find out more

Last updated: 16 March 2025