Every major city has a street that does it all; in Auckland, Queen Street is it. This main thoroughfare was once a dirty canal leading out to sea. Today, Queen Street Auckland is the heart of the central business district (CBD), a shopper’s paradise, and a tourist destination.
And, unbeknownst to many, the canal still runs deep underneath the street.
If you know where to look, you will discover more secrets and other evidence of Queen Street’s rich history as you walk the three kilometres up to Karangahape Road (K Road). Many of my favourite quirky Auckland fun facts are on Queen Street.
First, some Auckland highlights
Self-guided walking tour up Queen Street Auckland
Presented below as we walked from the water to Aotea Square.
Britomart Transportation hub
Queen St Auckland begins at Britomart, which is across the street from the Ferry Building (located on Quay Street at the water’s edge). Britomart is the city’s central transportation hub for both rail and bus.
Don’t let the current construction phase you; pedestrians can easily pass. Underneath the construction covers, this iconic building was once the city’s post office.
An unfinished canal gate
The Dilworth building stands proudly at the next corner, an unfinished concept. If you look at its curved corner, imagine a mirrored image on the other side of Queen Street. The original design included matching buildings forming a gate at the base of the canal.
Queen Street: an Auckland shopping and restaurant district
Beginning just after Customs Street, the Queen Street shops cover the full range of value and quality. Ranging from high-end designers like Gucci to souvenir shops, there is something for everyone.
Queen Street restaurants offer a similar range of options, from a $40 steak to Burger King, and many are amongst our favourite Auckland restaurants.
Foodies may want to check out this well-rated Queen Street food tour. This three-hour walking tour features multicultural cuisine, local artisan produce, and information about the city’s architecture. Reserve your Queens Street food tour here.
Remnants of the former Royal and Queen’s theatres
Another block and just passed the Queen’s Arcade is the entrance to Everybody’s Bar (44 Queen Street), originally built between 1886 and 1911. Once home to two theatres, it now houses an eatery and is a pass-through to Fort Lane, which explains its official address of 7 Fort Lane. The sloping cobblestone floor leads towards the former movie screen.
Fort Street: the former coastline (intersecting with Queen Street)
When you reach Fort Street, imagine life a few hundred years ago. You are no longer on landfill and are now standing at what would have been a cliff top at the intersection of the dirty canal (now Queen Street) with the ocean. Looking along Fort Street, you would have seen a row of heads impaled on posts along this foreshore. (The original Maori name Te One Panea translates to “beach of the heads in line”).
A haunted hotel
Another 100 metres up Queen Street and you are at Vulcan Lane. It earned notoriety from the drunken sailors who spent their on-shore time here. The Queen’s Ferry Hotel, completed in 1860, now the Urchin and Amber restaurant on the ground level and The Gin Room on the first floor is reputed to be haunted.
Stop in for a drink, and ask questions. Some of the longer-term employees have interesting stories to share. The “friendly” ghost only appears occasionally on the third floor, which is not open to visitors.
A leaning building
Auckland’s leaning building is also on Vulcan Lane. Not famous like the Leaning Tower in Pisa, or as unnerving as the over 600 leaning buildings on the coastline of Santos Brazil, Auckland’s Occidental Hotel has a leaning first floor. In a failed attempt to balance the building, engineers added a second and third floor.
An atmospheric theatre on Queen Street (one of the few left in the world)
At Wellesley Street stands Queen Street Auckland’s most intricate and iconic building, the Civic Theatre. It is one of a few dozen remaining “atmospheric theatres” in the world.
The world’s creepiest Christmas ornament was on Queen Street Auckland
From the 1960s to 2019, a giant Santa stood proudly every December over the entrance of what is now Farmers. Today, Santa can be found in the National Transport and Toy Museum in Wanaka.
Interestingly, in 2011 Cracked.com named the giant Santa on Queen and Victoria Streets as the world’s creepiest Christmas ornament. Oddly, two years earlier (2009), a ‘Santa makeover’ resulted in the static eye and finger we see today. (These were the features generally thought of by locals as his creepiest).
Waharoa in Aotea Square
Walk one more block to Aotea Square, and you have reached the Waharoa, meaning “gateway” in Māori. This is the separating point between Lower and Upper Queen Street. Māori sculptor Selwyn Muru carved the wood and copper Waharoa with a chainsaw and chisel.
The five symbols across the top are Whetu me te Marama (representing heavenly spheres), Tawhiri Matea (God of the Elements), Tane Mahuta (God of the Forest), Tangaroa (God of the Sea), and Tama nui te Ra (God of the Sun). It also contains elements like the nuclear disarmament symbol, reflecting the modern influences on New Zealand art.
Lord Auckland, the city’s founder
At the back of Aotea Square, a statue of Lord Auckland (George Eden, the first Earl of Auckland) stands proudly, overlooking the city that is his namesake. Mount Eden is also named after him.
I had no idea there was a Lord Auckland. The plaque reads:
In 1840 Governor Hobson named this city after Lord Auckland, from whom he had received command of H.M.S. Rattlesnake when Lord Auckland was first Lord of the Admiralty in 1834. Lord Auckland served as Governor-General of India from 1835 to 1842, and this statue of him stood in Calcutta from 1848 to 1969 when it was presented by the government of West Bangal to the city of Auckland.
The transportation of the statute to Auckland and its erection on this site was arranged and financed by the New Zealand Insurance Co. LTD. as a gift to its home city.”
Interestingly, there was also a ship also called the Lord Auckland that was used to bring immigrants to New Zealand and then later to bring convicts to Australia.
Town Hall on Queen Street
The Town Hall is just ahead (the building with the clock tower).
From here, the neighbourhood becomes less touristy as it leads up to the alternative and funky Karangahape Road, more commonly referred to as K Road.
General information on visiting Auckland
- Regardless of whether you are doing it yourself or taking a tour, start your planning with this list of free and nearly free things to do in the city.
- If you have limited time and want to see the most, the hop-on, hop-off bus bus is a good option. Reserve the Auckland hop-on, hop-off bus here.
- For those who prefer group tours, this small-group tour looks perfect. This 3-hour walking tour includes portions of Queen Street and several nearby hidden gems. Reserve your walking tour here.
- For more fun facts about the country, check out Interesting facts about New Zealand – World records and fun trivia.
- Don’t miss these beautiful places in Auckland.
Save on your NZ trip with these resources
These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), Bookabach (self-contained in NZ), or Hostelworld (budget). See all our personal favourite NZ hotels here.
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Motorcycles: we have heard good things about BikesBooking.
- Campervans or Motorhomes: we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount.
- Activity discounts: we check Bookme.com for discounts of up to 70% on activities.
- Private guides: we do have a go-to when we hire a private guide.
- Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.
Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel. And don’t forget to download our free New Zealand packing list when you sign up for our newsletter.
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Have you been to Auckland’s Queen Street?
More from Auckland you might also like … starting with these 75 free and nearly free things to do in the city
Kerry Neal
Hello Rhonda , splendid effort .
Just in case you are not aware there is a plaque set in the pavement on the corner of Queen St and Customs St at the base of the Dilworth Hotel which explains that in 1942 the hotel was used by US forces to plan the invasion of Guadalcanal . At the time this event was critical to the survival of New Zealand which I’m sure you would agree deserves to be recognised . US armed forces took over fifteen other buildings in the vicinity for the duration of their stay in NZ .
Josy A
I had no idea there is a lord Auckland either! We did have a quick visit to Auckland when we were in NZ, but I missed almost all of this! I guess we”’ just have to go back 😀 I was fascinated that the city is built over so many volcanoes.
Nancy
What a fun place to walk about!
Rose
Like most of the readers here I think the Auckland bridge is great!
OWEN
Auckland is not extending it’s light rail system. There is no light rail (yet).
The construction is for a new rail link that will extend the existing rail system to a number of new stations on an underground circuit.
David
While I’m sure I visited as a kid, Auckland isn’t somewhere I’m familiar with at all. I like the look of the city, especially the architecture of that town hall. The impression of the former coastline in the middle of the footpath is so strange to me! NZ is clearly more than just its natural side.
Sandy N Vyjay
The history behind the various landmarks of Queen Street makes for fascinating reading. I was really enchanted by the Post Office building. Post offices and Railway stations are of keen interest for me because in most cities these have a long and interesting history. The Post Office building looks so majestic. The Civic Theatre is another building that drew my attention. The interiors are mesmerizing and the building must have been a silent witness to many a spectacular show.
Hannah
It’s funny, I’ve been to Auckland so many times (I have family who live there), yet I haven’t noticed half of these buildings! What a fascinating story about the Dilworth Building being half of a gate – sad the other side doesn’t exist. I can’t believe that from Fort street there used to be the canal reaching the sea. I’d love to see photos of Queen street as it was… oh how times have changed! I’m such a bad Kiwi, I didn’t know there was a Lord Auckland either!
Vasu
Wow! Never could imagine that there could be so many hidden gems on one street. Like you I too never knew there was a Mr Auckland lurking somewhere in NZ history! The whole place gives me an appearance as if it is in Europe. When we went on a road trip from Auckland to Wellington we hardly stayed in Auckland one day.
Nancy
Your posts always fascinate me, Rhonda. It gives me the itch to travel your way… perhaps someday!
Janine Thomas
I love the contrasting architecture and the Maori gate. I am sure that all the items on it have a special meaning. I wonder how many people walking down the street on a daily basis know that there is a leaning building?
Rhonda Albom
I know I walked by it for years before I knew. Now it seems so obvious, I wonder how I missed it.
Clare
I don’t think I could stay in that hotel with the leaning first floor, Rhonda! I’d be afraid it would fall down in the middle of the night. Great finding out more about Auckland.
Medha Verma
Queen Street is one of the most happening areas in Auckland and we were there 2 years ago. However, I did not know there are so many cool places there! For example, the area which was a former coastline or the one that was earlier a screen in a movie theatre. Also, I had no idea there’s a haunted hotel there. Thanks for this informative post on things to see on Queen Street, I only wish I had come across it earlier!
Vanessa Workman
I’ve grown so accustomed to reading blog posts about New Zealand’s nature that I was beginning to think it was one big camping ground or wilderness park. I love your walking tour of Queen Street! So many interesting bits to explore, like the gorgeous clock tower. I never actually understood colonialism and what it really meant until I moved to Southeast Asia. Every time I see clock towers now I’m kind of surprised that they are still standing. Usually they are old/historic keepsakes, but because of what they represent; the arrival of the ‘white man’ and ‘white man’ ways. Never paid much attention to them in the US.
Megan Jerrard
I love how Queen Street is so full of interesting and unique history, but it’s stuff that most people would walk right by without knowing – makes it feel like you’ve discovered a cool secret when you put the time into researching and learning about it! During our day in Auckland I got back to the ship and couldn’t get over how cool it was that the old coastline was dotted out on the pavement / sidewalk – I was telling Mike all about it!
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
We have walked and cycled around this area more than once. it is amazing how you can just glide past things without really appreciating what you are looking at.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
You said that the canal is still underneath the street. Could the canal come threw in the future and have everything fall into the canal? Just the thought scares me. The Waharoa, this Māori gate to me was the most interesting thing in the city. I Loved it. New Zealand I find such an interesting country. Just reading about everything you say, give me a thought that maybe I should visit there.
See ya Rhonda.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
Well, this is something I never thought of before. I am not an engineer, but I would say no. Apparently there are many tunnels and lots of waterways running under Auckland.
Jessica
Such a great way to explore a city’s history by taking it one street at a time, so many interesting places! You can tell you’ve lived in Auckland for a long time and know the city well!
knycx.journeying
It’s a great list! I have been to the Queen’s street but didn’t realize there are so much to see until you gave me this tour! The Former Coastline, Queens Ferry Hotel and Dilworth building stories are really interesting, and the Santa decoration to me… it’s not that creepy after all 😛 @ knycx.journeying
Janis
I would love to visit New Zealand one day and Auckland will certainly be on my list.
I enjoyed the interesting pieces of history that you added, particularly the points around Vulcan Lane, it looks a lovely place to visit.
Lois Alter Mark
I would love to visit! There seems to be such a great mix of history and modern sights. The shopping looks amazing, the theater is gorgeous and that creepy Christmas ornament is hilarious – and, yes, creepy!
Kavita Favelle
How fascinating that this major street of Auckland was once a canal, and that the canal still runs beneath the street that was built over it! I really enjoyed “walking” the street with you, and especially the little things I would not have noticed such as the indentations marking the original cliff top and coastline.
Indrani
Wow so much in and around Queen’s Street. I like how the old look of the buildings is still being maintained. Both the haunted hotel and the leaning building has caught my fascination. Hope to see in real some day.
Rhonda Albom
I am fascinated by the haunted hotel.
Tami
Never been to Auckland. Your summary of Queen Street is delightful – perfect details for the first time visitor (or even the second or third!). It’s nice that Queen Street offers historic sites for the history buffs, Maori traces for those interested in cultural sites, shopping, dining, theatres, old and modern architecture, and even a hidden purpose — the cover over the canal. I personally love a good street walking tour when visiting a city for the first time. That’s basically what you’ve put together here!
Rhonda Albom
I am guessing that even locals don’t know most of this. I learned some on an Artweek tour, and the rest from talking and interviewing people, and other research.
Ruth
What a fun and interesting walk around Queen Street! And, what a combination of sight: Santa Claus, Lord Auckland, and a haunted hotel. In one way or another, they work together to create a great place. I like the idea of learning more about the places that are close to us and that we think we know. I do not go often to the Downtown Los Angeles area (the traffic is so bad) but when I go I am marveled at the stories and history.
Rhonda Albom
I have been to LA, I fully understand. Although Auckland traffic is getting pretty bad too, but not like yours.
Elaine Masters
I had no idea the architecture was so beautiful there. Pity they didn’t complete the curved decoration on that one building. Always love hearing about ghosts and especially friendly ones. Love seeing the combination of old and new in the town and those depressions marking the original shoreline. Very cool walking tour.
Rhonda Albom
The building is complete, they were going to make a matching-mirror image building across the street to make a gate welcoming visitors to the city.
Amy
oh how I miss Queen street, my first job was working in downtown square, I have happy memories.
Rhonda Albom
Perhaps it’s time for a road trip to Auckland.
Fiona Maclean
I had an idea that Auckland would be quite modern – in fact it looks Victorian in style to me. And so many fascinating places to see. Great post
Rhonda Albom
There are plenty of modern buildings, but it is the older ones that have the most interesting history.
California Globetrotter
It’s truly amazing how the city has evolved over time! I’m sure it looks nothing like it did decades ago!
Rhonda Albom
It’s only a 150 year old city, so it is always growing and changing, but so many of the buildings are still original.
budget jan
I love the lighting on the Town Hall clocktower. What a landmark! I would also like to have a look down K Street. Maybe we can go there next time.
Brooke
It was fun to see these snapshots of Auckland, it really brings to light the feel of the local life and architecture. I enjoyed learning about everything from the haunted hotel to the leaning tower! 🙂
Ryan Biddulph
Hi Rhonda,
So cool to read this post and versus feeling like it is so far away I say to myself….”Hey! I was just there yesterday!!!” Loved Auckland. We cruised thru a trendy little district but I cannot recall the street. Lovely area though. 1 quick night and now we are settling into gorgeous Opotiki. So much fun. I love the people and the unrivaled beauty of the place. NZ is the prettiest country I have ever seen.
Ryan
Rhonda Albom
If you were in one of the newer, trendy districts, you haven’t made it to Queen Street yet. Next time.
Lydia C. Lee
I’ve not been, but I really think I need to get myself there. It looks like a really gorgeous and regal city.
Rhonda Albom
I love Auckland, it’s so filled with nature and quirky places.
Anda
Aukland looks like a very fun city to visit. Hopefully, I’ll make it there someday and when I do, I’ll try to remember to look for some of these quirky thinks on Queen Street. That Māori sculptor surely had a lot of imagination, but to be honest with you I don’t really like his creation.
Rhonda Albom
When you get here, I will take you up Queen Street and show it all to you.
Jill
How interesting that the canal still runs underneath it and the markings for the former clifftop and coastline. But the giant Santa has to be my favorite!
Rhonda Albom
You should have seen the giant Santa before his makeover, he deserved his title back then.
Daniel
Aucklands a pretty neat town! I’ve been there once to explore, however, I had no idea that half these places even existed!
Rhonda Albom
LOL – neither did I until I did a city tour a few years ago. After that, I did some research. It’s amazing what you find when you turn over that proverbial stone.
Faye North
It seems that almost every town or city has a Queen Street, whether great or small.
Courtney Turner (@mauijungalow)
That’s a gigantic Santa! Maui, where I live, has a main town of Kahului, but I’m not sure what our main street would be? Pu’unene or Hana Highway? Or Dairy Road? There’s not one road that shows up as the “main road.” None of the roads have any major sculpture or art!
Sean @ His and Her Hobbies
We don’t really have a cool street like this in our area. I really need to come visit Auckland some day as you are showing us the neatest places.
Sean at His and Her Hobbies
Matthew MacNish
I want to go to New Zealand so badly!
C. Lee McKenzie
Such an eclectic street. Beautiful!
Comedy Plus
I think we have several main streets. It depends on what part of the city you’re in. Sometimes they are even named main street.
Have a fabulous day. 🙂
Elen @ Elen G
Love the gate.
Chrys Fey
Queen Street looks like a nice mix of glass and metal and stone structures.
I’d love to see a giant Santa year-round. 😀
Tim H
I’m glad I followed the wiki link to see what the heck an atmospheric theater is. When I’m in Auckland I’m definitely going to watch a show at the Civic Theater.
Anabel
We have a Queen Street too – and guess who it’s named after! She gets everywhere.
Shilpa Garg
The Maori Gate is amazing!! 🙂
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor
The Civic Theatre is amazing! I’ve seen a few shows there and loved looking up at the ceiling. Really enhances the whole experience.
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – Queen Street looks a thriving hub … and I love the look of the atmospheric theatre – that Id’ not heard of before .. I see we don’t have one in the UK … but I was thinking about the artwork – when you commented on how much there is in Auckland .. love the Maori gate ..
Lovely to see Queen Street .. cheers Hilary
Laura Roberts
Hmm. I’m sure San Diego has a “main street” like this, but I’m not sure what it is yet. I don’t spend much time downtown!
In Montreal, however, it’s quite obvious that the 2 main streets are Saint Catherine (running east/west) and St-Laurent (running north/south). They’re the main streets of the city, where you can find all of the shopping, dining and life. Sherbrooke is probably more trafficked by buses and cars, but Saint Catherine is where everything you want to see is at.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
The gate is freaking amazing!