The Play and Games of Settlers

Settlers came to NZ for many reasons - displacement, a better life, but also adventure.  Robinson Crusoe was on the bestseller list, panoramas of "Auckland" were being displayed in polluted London and for many moving to a pacific island sounded an exciting proposition. 

It may not have been quite what they imagined. In the early days there was not much going on and people able to make their own fun were at a distinct advantage. Play and games brought people together across cultures and generations. Cards, picnics and boatraces were only the start of it. Take a walk with local author Alex Bonham through central Auckland and find out what they got up to.