Te hīkoi ki a raro, ki a waenganui, ki a runga hoki o te tāone Downtown, midtown, uptown walk

Downtown walk

See the starting point for this walk on Google maps.

Initially Fore Street (now Fort Street) ran along the beach. By 1870 the shoreline had been changed with the reclamation of Commercial Bay reaching as far as Customs Street East and the formation of Quay Street in the 1880s.

Auckland's newest land was close to crucial means of transport. Not only was it on the doorstep of the wharves but soon the new railway station would be at its hub and the heart of the country's largest commercial centre was just a stone throw away.

Begin on Queen Street under the glass canopy opposite the front entrance of the Britomart Transport Centre.

This walk will take approximately 1.5 hours

Midtown walk

See the starting point for this walk on Google maps

When Auckland became the capital of New Zealand in 1841 the government buildings and military barracks were established on the Princes Street ridge.

The route between the landing place and foreshore market place, known as Shortland Crescent, naturally developed as the commercial area. Service lanes grew to accommodate workmen and workshops in what are now High, O'Connell and Chancery Streets.

A rich and varied architectural history is evident including fine examples of Victorian, Edwardian, arts and crafts, Art Deco and modern buildings.

From the 1930s depression to the present there has been little new development, only ten new buildings have been built since 1939.

Begin this walk on the corner of Queen and Swanson streets at the historic Bank of New Zealand facade.

This walk will take approximately 1.5 hours

Uptown walk

See the starting point for this walk on Google maps.

Major civic amenities developed in this area between the 1880s and 1910s when the city's first purpose-built art gallery and library and the Town Hall were constructed. These functions have remained and expanded over time.

This upper part of the central city remains a vibrant focus for theatres and cinemas, civic administration, Auckland's main public library and the art gallery.

Start at the corner of Victoria Street and Queen Street.

This walk will take approximately 1.5 hours

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