It’s no secret that Auckland, as with the rest of New Zealand, as with the rest of the world; is in a cost of living crisis. With the rise of basic needs like groceries, petrol and accommodation, there is also a rise in abandoned proprieties left to descent into dilapidation.

With this increase in abandoned buildings there is also a rising number of Urban Explorers. Urban Explorers are people that find abandoned buildings and document them. Often it is slightly dangerous or private property so the properties are kept secret, and many keep their identities anonymous. These explorers usually take images and abide by the rule of ‘leave only footprints take only photos’. There are also many online groups – across all social media platforms – where these explorers come together and share images, stories, meet new explore buddies and hint at locations.

Speaking to one such anonymous Urban Explorer, Sans Pareil was told:

“I love finding abandoned buildings and places. There is something eerie, beautiful and interesting about these places that are ever-so-slowly returning to nature. I also love getting to see what people leave behind. it’s like a time capsule.”