Massey University—Albany Campus (533 Albany Highway)

The open lot across the road was once one of the earliest structures built for the Albany Campus of Massey University. The main campus in Palmerston North was searching for ways to expand and discovered that the University of Auckland was approaching capacity. As a result, it established a satellite campus on the North Shore in an area that was rapidly growing but still had much affordable land.

The first campus was built on this site on the Albany Highway just west of Ōtehā Stream. It consisted of 31 prefabricated structures installed between December 1992 and March 1993. Nearly 500 students enrolled in the campus’ first year. Over the next three years, permanent buildings were erected for the university. To the south, the Ōtehā Rohe Precinct was constructed in such a way to conform to the contours of the landscape and appear natural with the environment. At the top of the hill, large white Mediterranean-style structures were erected, featuring towers, cloisters, and terracotta clay roofs, making the entire East Precinct appear like an Italian hill town. Over 7,000 students enrol annually at Massey University’s Albany Campus.

Continue along Albany Highway. Stop at the trailhead just beyond Days Bridge.