Queen Street, Auckland Overview

Queen Street has been the host of many parades and marches and is the site of many political and cultural events. As a result, it is one of the most highly visited areas in New Zealand. Most banks, department stores, and restaurants have a franchise on Queen Street, which is known as the main retail precinct of the city.

Queen Street is the beating heart of Auckland's central business district and is famous throughout New Zealand as its commercial hub. Queen Street begins at Queen's Wharf, next to the Britomart Transport Centre, and continues towards Karangahape Road. Named after Queen Victoria, the street is known across the country and has a reputation for being a prime real-estate locality in New Zealand. Interestingly, it even occupies the most expensive blocs of real estate of the Kiwi version of the popular board game Monopoly.

Things to Do

Queens Street is a place where one can indulge in shopping as much as one wants. Be it going to Sterling Sports to get some sports gear, or popping into Christian Dior to get yourself some new perfume. You can also visit The Civic Theatre, one of the few remaining Atmospheric Theatres in the world, which was built in 1929. You can take one of the Great Auckland Walking tours if you wish to fill in on some details about the grand city.

Places to Visit

The Auckland Ferry Building was built in 1911 and then renovated extensively in 1986. The Endeans Building on the corner of Queen Street and Quay Street stands as one of the oldest buildings still standing on Queen Street. The brick and sandstone builiding, and its Edwardian Baroque style of architecture were emblematic of New Zealand's government buildings. Queen Street also serves as the head office for many multinational corporations as well.

History

Construction began on Queen Street as wooden buildings were erected first in 1841. Construction followed the path that was laid out by the Waihorotiu Stream and planning was overseen by surveyor Felton Mathew. The Waihorotiu Stream, also known as the Queen Street River, made the area surrounding the initial roadworks swampy and led to a variety of problems. Canals were constructed and the stream was covered over. The commercial side of Auckland began moving to Queen Street after a fire reduced most buildings to rubble in 1858. Fires continually proved to be a menace in the Queen Street area, which led to the formation of Auckland Volunteer Fire Service. Queen Street was a street of many firsts for New Zealand during the early 20th century. The country's first motor car was seen here, and it was also its first asphalt road. Soon after, the first electric tramcar made its way to Queen Street as well.

How To Reach Queen Street Auckland

Queen Street is located in the centre of New Zealand’s most famous business hub. This street is well connected to almost all major streets around the area thanks to a vast number of intersections. Public transport such as buses is also available to get here. If you’re on the other side, you can take a ferry from Devonport or just use the Auckland Harbour bridge to cross over and come to this place.