Auckland Park, located northwest of Johannesburg’s central business district, is a bustling neighbourhood with gentrified homes. Given the abundance of gorgeous architecture in this area, it is not surprising that Auckland Park, one of the few suburbs this close to Johannesburg’s downtown, has survived the exodus of Jo’burgers to the northern suburbs.
Some of the earliest inhabitants of the city lived in Auckland Park, and while admiring some of the homes there along Chislehurst Avenue may not be one of the tourist sites promoted by local travel guides, it is still well worth the detour.
At the turn of the century, Auckland Park was figuratively “in the country” in comparison to the metropolis. The Victorian elite that had settled in South Africa would have had weekend residences here. Additionally, they had a horse racing track where the University of Johannesburg (formerly RAU) is now and a boating lake where the Country Club is now.
John Landau, a New Zealander who designed the neighbourhood, gave it the name Auckland Park because he recognized many similarities between it and his home country. Richmond, Twickenham, Ditton, Kingston, and other places along the Thames are all referenced in street names. Today, Auckland Park is a true melting pot of cultures and countries, and its residents lead active lives. The SABC, whose monolithic building is located on Henley and Artillery Road and has many employees who live nearby, is another notable landmark in the neighbourhood.
Around the corner from Auckland Park, bohemian and extremely stylish Melville is a great place to spend your evenings, if not your lunchtime activities. There is tremendous excitement in this charming neighbourhood within the city of Johannesburg, where dining establishments, quirky shops, and sidewalks crowded with tables are the rule.
Auckland Park Map
Map of Auckland Park’s neighbourhoods and landmarks at street level and in detail. Given the abundance of gorgeous architecture in this area, it is not surprising that Auckland Park, one of the few suburbs this close to Johannesburg’s downtown, has survived the exodus of Jo’burgers to the northern suburbs.
History Of Auckland Park
John Landau, a New Zealander who designed the neighbourhood, gave it that name in 1896 after noticing parallels between it and his home city of Auckland. It was a portion of the historic Witwatersrand farm known as Braamfontein when it was founded in 1888 after the land was acquired from Petrus Lindeque. The Auckland Park Hotel would be launched by Landau.
Richmond, Twickenham, Ditton, and Kingston are just a few of the places along the Thames that have inspired the neighbourhood’s street names. Given that Auckland Park was still seen as being “in the country” in comparison to the city centre, several of the earliest inhabitants of Johannesburg chose to live there. Victorian gentry who had settled in South Africa would have had vacation residences nearby. Where the Country Club Johannesburg is now, the original site featured a boating lake and a horse racing track, which are now occupied by the University of Johannesburg (previously RAU).
The Auckland Park Real Estate Company constructed the Country Club Johannesburg on the site of the former hotel, and Mayor W. Kidger Tucker officially opened it on December 22, 1906. The lake of the Country Club Johannesburg is fed by the Braamfontein Spruit.
Things To Do In Auckland Park
Guided tour of the SABC
Visitors, both those who are visiting for the first time and those who return for additional visits, will find a wealth of intriguing locations within the SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) campus. Visitors are permitted access to the majority of the company’s operational regions, providing them with an overview of its operations. These include the Radio Studios, where you can watch your favourite presenters in action, the Media Library, where there are roughly 60,000 Compact Discs stored, and the Technical Museum, where visitors can find out more about how radio and television were introduced to South Africa, and a Mock Studio, where they can practice presenting in a mock studio setting.
Additionally, guests have access to the Television Production Studio, where pre-recorded dramas, game shows, and South Africa’s most popular soap operas are produced, the Décor Bay, where production sets are kept, and the News Studio, where guests can see how the News Division operates from a behind-the-scenes perspective.
Visit The Lindfield Victorian House Museum
The Lindfield Victorian House Museum is a living institution; Katharine Love, the owner, resides there and is responsible for managing day-to-day operations. The museum gives visitors the chance to figuratively travel back in time and take in the opulence of the Victorian era.
The home has been lovingly decorated to reflect how a Victorian family would have used it. In addition to discussing the contents of the rooms, which contain hundreds of interesting things, Katharine also imparts her extensive knowledge of Victorian views and practices. A wide and fascinating collection of books, including several encyclopaedias from the time, may be found in the libraries (both adult and children’s). A letter opener with a gorgeous crystal in the handle is on display in the main library; nevertheless, if you look very closely, the letter opener has an astonishing surprise inside; be sure to ask about that!
The dining area is magnificent in the style of the time and has fascinating artefacts on exhibit, such as an automatic egg cooker with a setting for soft or hard-boiled eggs that can be used without power! Be careful to inquire as to the purpose of the green felt/baize-lined door obstructing your path as you proceed down the long hallway leading to the kitchen. The icebox, stove, pots and pans, and other appliances of the day are all present in the kitchen.
Visiting the museum is one of the best things to do In Auckland Park
Best Accommodation Option In Auckland Park
Grand View B&B
Grand View provides four rooms with two double beds and private bathrooms, three rooms with one queen bed and private bathrooms, as well as a poolside studio cottage with two queen beds and private bathrooms. Contemporary design is used throughout the bathrooms. The building is surrounded by huge windows and skylights that provide enough of light.
Each apartment has a balcony that provides stunning views from every angle. Flat-screen TVs with satellite channels are provided in the rooms (DStv). Modern security technology has been placed on the site, offering 24-hour protection.
Take a plunge in our pool, relax, and take in the city vista from Joburg’s highest point. In case you want to mingle with other visitors, we also provide a communal sitting space with a television for your use.
All of our guests have free access to the tea and coffee-making facilities in the dining room. Up to seven cars can park on the property with plenty of room to spare; covered parking is also available.
Melvilla Guesthouse
Between Melville and Ackland Park in Johannesburg, Melvilla Guesthouse provides Bed & Breakfast and self-catering lodging. Local stores, eateries, the city centre, important transportation hubs, and a variety of things to do are all within close proximity of this location. Breakfast is served each morning in the dining area. Dinner is available on request and we cater to vegetarian and Halaal requests.
Laundry services are available on request and secure parking is provided. Outside there is a lovely conservatory area with tables and chairs a couch and a fireplace. Each room contains free Wi-Fi, a hairdryer and a TV.