The hub of Auckland’s city centre, Queen Street is an abundance of shops, bars, cafes and entertainment venues. The street runs for almost 3 kilometres and is located close to iconic Sky Tower, Albert Park, ferry ports and the main city transport hub.
Visitors arriving in Auckland seeking world class shopping and amazing nightlife should make Queen Street their first port of call. Close to all city centre attractions, Queen Street is home to a host of designer fashion boutiques, art galleries, bars and restaurants. Travellers interested in exploring local culture will find several notable buildings located on the street. Auckland Ferry Building dates to 1911, with an architecturally splendid Edwardian Baroque style, it is one of the major civic structures in the area. Families will enjoy a visit to nearby Albert Park. With memorials, landscaped gardens and a Victorian fountain there is plenty to explore and enjoy. At one corner of the parkland is Auckland Art Gallery, the largest art institution in New Zealand. Here, visitors will discover incredible displays of Maori portraits, works from local artists, a café and gift shop. Bold adventurers can opt for a trip to the observation platform of Sky Tower, where the cityscape of Auckland can be viewed from up high in all its glory. Alternatively, there’s a range of adrenaline sports available. Daring adventurers can participate in a Sky Walk or a spot of Base Jumping. Queen Street comes alive at night. It’s a buzzing street with a wide range of restaurants, theatres and performing arts, lively bars and nightclubs.
Buses are frequent from Auckland Airport to the areas around Queen Street. Taxis are also convenient, albeit more expensive, for larger parties travelling together. The main transport hub Britomart is less than 20 minutes’ walk from the major shopping and entertainment centre. Queen Street can be accessed on foot from the InterCity Sky City Bus Terminal in 6 minutes’.
Queen Street was first settled in 1841 when several wooden buildings lined the street. It was a swampy area during those times and eventually the stream had to be covered to prevent flooding. During the 1880s, horse-drawn buses began to connect Queen Street with other city suburbs and the first motor car in New Zealand was spotted on this street. Today, Queen Street features on the New Zealand version of Monopoly board as the most expensive street in the city. It is also known as the main retail precinct and entertainment centre of Auckland.