Distance:
22 kms from Auckland City to Temple, and 15 minute drive from Temple to the Polish Museum
Date: 13/12/2020
Author: Damian Light
Enjoy a Sunday afternoon of East Asian and Eastern European culture and history
Intended for a Sunday, but can be shifted around to be a weekday. Note the Polish Museum is not open Monday or Saturday.
Situated next to the expansive Sir Barry Curtis Park, the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple provides a unique opportunity for a cultural experience that is both englighting and peaceful. Even to the uninitiated it’s hard to deny the tranquility of the space even when it’s full of people for one of the many public events and celebrations held throughout the year. Time your visit to enjoy Buddha’s birthday celebration, Chinese New Year or the Cherry Blossom Festival, observe the customs and join in where you feel comfortable. The resident monks and volunteers are always happy to provide information and advice to make you feel welcome. Another bonus of these celebrations is the wide range of food available in the courtyard market, with vegetarian and vegan options for practicing Buddhists. The events generally run both days on the weekend and are well publicised in advance.
Outside of these events, the temple still provides an opportunity to explore. You should set aside a few hours to enjoy the latest art exhibition (Tuesday - Sunday 10AM - 3PM) which often includes local artists and others with a personal connection to the temple. Refuel with a bite to eat in the onsite Teahouse Water Drop Vege Cafe with the mouthwatering range of vegetarian food available. There’s a bowl of pickled vegetables that has special meaning to the temple's founder - read the history while you reflect over tea or coffee.
Next we head up into Howick to visit the Polish Heritage Trust Museum, a short 8km drive up Chapel Drive. Alternatively use public transport - bus route 35 departs from the stop 500m from the temple entrance on the hour and half hour into Botany. Transfer to the 72c and get off at 131 Cook Street for a gentle 10 minute walk to 125 Elliot Street.
Established in 2004 and run by a charitable trust, the museum provides a window into the history and culture of Poland, with special focus on the Pahiatua Children who came to New Zealand after the Second World War. The collection includes a wide range of items donated by Poles from across the country, creating a rich story that comes alive with information from the knowledgeable staff. The museum is open from noon till 5pm on a Sunday and during the week 10am till 4pm (closed Monday and Saturday).
Our Tip:
Finish up by heading into Howick to grab something from one of our local restaurants. I recommend Daisy Chang, a local restaurant that’s become famous for its take on Asian street food.
Things to do nearby:
Break up the history and cultural experiences, with some retail therapy at one of the areas shopping centres, or dive deeper into the cultural pool with an art exhibition at Te Tuhi or Uxbridge Arts and Culture. Mountain Country (NZ Knit), round the corner from the Polish Museum, has an onsite outlet for high quality merino and possum knitwear.