Imagine walking along the beach in Auckland's early days. That's where Fore Street (now Fort Street) used to be, before the city expanded its coastline by filling in Commercial Bay and building Quay Street in the late 1800s.

This new land was prime real estate for businesses that needed access to the sea and the railways. The waterfront bustled with activity as ships, trains and carts carried goods to and from the warehouses, factories and offices that lined the streets. Some of the most famous names in Auckland's history were based here.

The city centre grew rapidly in the 1870s and 1880s, thanks to a boom in trade and industry. It then slowed down during a depression, but picked up again in the early 1900s when the Auckland Harbour Board decided to upgrade the wharves and build an impressive Ferry Building on Quay Street.

The eastern part of the city became the hub of shipping and commerce. It was a vibrant and noisy place, with trains running on Quay Street alongside cars and pedestrians until the 1970s.

Today you can still see many of the old buildings that give the area its unique character. They contrast with the modern skyscrapers that dominate the western part of the city, which was redeveloped in the 1960s and 70s.

Join us on this tour and discover the fascinating history and architecture of Auckland's city centre.

This tour is based on/includes data from Auckland Council.