Overview
Calling all problem-solvers and maze-lovers: a new interactive sensory experience had landed in Auckland. Odyssey Sensory Maze isn't just somewhere to get lost; it's a multi-million dollar immersive experience spanning 19 different rooms and is sure to challenge even the most component puzzle experts.
The original maze was destroyed in 2023 due to damage caused by Auckland's Anniversary floods. However, Odysseum co-founder David Parker-Smith said the destruction was a blessing in disguise. "We have taken the opportunity to completely reimagine and rebuild the venue from the ground up," he said.
Using projection mapping, the 80-strong team of expert set designers have been able to create a space that will make maze-goers feel like they've entered a different dimension as they make their way from room to room. The creation of the spaces and design elements of the maze were done by a team of set designers who were available to work due to the Actors and Writers strikes in the US.
"They were given almost complete autonomy to create a series of rooms that have phenomenal attention to detail and realism — the result was beyond what we could have ever hoped for," Parker-Smith said. "Odyssey is a true sensory journey. While trying to find your way out you will experience darker challenging spaces and quirky obstacle illusions, crazy lighting effects, scents, weird sounds and strange sensations that will leave you with an experience that you will never forget!"
The maze's 19 rooms will take guests on an epic adventure, from flying a spaceship, dodging moving lava, carefully stepping through a glow worm cave and exploring an Egyptian pyramid. For those who don't mind a bit of horror, enter the doom room — a space specifically designed to terrify its occupants.
The Odyssey team want every visitor to experience the new maze and have made an effort to create an accessible attraction for Kiwis and tourists living with physical disabilities or who may be neurodivergent.
The Odyssey Sensory maze can be found on the lower level of Sky World Entertainment Centre, at 297 Queen Street, Auckland. The maze is open from 10am–9pm on Sunday–Thursday and 10am–10pm on Friday —Saturday. To book a spot, head to the maze's website.