Auckland Historical Buildings Tour (Self Guided), Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand may not be known as a historical city, but it does contain some historical buildings all right. These old structures, dating back to the 19th century, reflect the diverse heritage and architectural evolution of the city and are cherished as landmarks.
The Ferry Building, an iconic waterfront edifice, is a fine example of Edwardian Baroque style. Built in 1912, it once served as the gateway to the city for passengers arriving by sea. Today, its striking clock tower remains a prominent feature on Auckland's skyline.
Saint Patrick's Cathedral, a lovely neo-Gothic sanctuary, is an enduring symbol of Auckland's Catholic heritage, in place since the 1840s.
The Town Hall, a grand Edwardian building completed in 1911, is a hub for cultural events and performances. Its elegant design and ornate interiors make it a cultural treasure in the heart of the city.
The University Clock Tower, located at the University of Auckland, is a symbol of higher education in the city. Built in 1926, it stands as a reminder of the institution's academic legacy and commitment to knowledge.
The Anglican Cathedral of Saint Mary's, constructed in the late 19th century, is a magnificent example of Victorian Gothic architecture â the worldâs largest wooden Gothic structure.
Kinder House, a charming colonial villa dating back to 1857, offers a glimpse into Auckland's early settler history. It now serves as a museum, showcasing period furnishings and artifacts.
Finally, Ewelme Cottage, a picturesque timber cottage from the mid-19th century, is a hidden gem. Nestled in the Parnell neighborhood, it provides a window into domestic life during the colonial era.
Apart from being relics of the past, these historical buildings are vibrant elements of Auckland's cultural and architectural landscape. Exploring them offers a journey through time and a deeper understanding of the city's history. If you're an architecture lover or simply looking for a dose of nostalgia, be sure to include these landmarks on your Auckland itinerary.
The Ferry Building, an iconic waterfront edifice, is a fine example of Edwardian Baroque style. Built in 1912, it once served as the gateway to the city for passengers arriving by sea. Today, its striking clock tower remains a prominent feature on Auckland's skyline.
Saint Patrick's Cathedral, a lovely neo-Gothic sanctuary, is an enduring symbol of Auckland's Catholic heritage, in place since the 1840s.
The Town Hall, a grand Edwardian building completed in 1911, is a hub for cultural events and performances. Its elegant design and ornate interiors make it a cultural treasure in the heart of the city.
The University Clock Tower, located at the University of Auckland, is a symbol of higher education in the city. Built in 1926, it stands as a reminder of the institution's academic legacy and commitment to knowledge.
The Anglican Cathedral of Saint Mary's, constructed in the late 19th century, is a magnificent example of Victorian Gothic architecture â the worldâs largest wooden Gothic structure.
Kinder House, a charming colonial villa dating back to 1857, offers a glimpse into Auckland's early settler history. It now serves as a museum, showcasing period furnishings and artifacts.
Finally, Ewelme Cottage, a picturesque timber cottage from the mid-19th century, is a hidden gem. Nestled in the Parnell neighborhood, it provides a window into domestic life during the colonial era.
Apart from being relics of the past, these historical buildings are vibrant elements of Auckland's cultural and architectural landscape. Exploring them offers a journey through time and a deeper understanding of the city's history. If you're an architecture lover or simply looking for a dose of nostalgia, be sure to include these landmarks on your Auckland itinerary.
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Auckland Historical Buildings Tour Map
Guide Name: Auckland Historical Buildings Tour
Guide Location: New Zealand » Auckland (See other walking tours in Auckland)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Author: leticia
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: New Zealand » Auckland (See other walking tours in Auckland)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Author: leticia
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Ferry Building
- Saint Patrick's Cathedral
- Town Hall
- University Clock Tower
- Anglican Cathedral of Saint Mary's
- Kinder House
- Ewelme Cottage
1) Ferry Building
Striking and elegant, the Auckland Ferry Terminal â often simply called the Ferry Building â is a waterfront landmark that connects the city to islands, harbors, and the pulse of WaitematÄ Harbour. Completed in 1912, this Edwardian Baroque gem was designed by Alex Wiseman with sandstone, brick, and a base of Coromandel granite. Back then, it served not just ferries, but also trade unions, consulate offices, and maritime businesses.
Today, the historic âOld Buildingâ facing Queen Street houses cafĂ©s and shops that invite you to pause and watch ferries glide in and out. Meanwhile, daily ferry operations happen next door in the newer terminal, with modern piers designed to echo sails and waterfront life. A major recent upgrade: in 2021, Auckland Transport invested NZ$42 million to improve the ferry basin and add new berths (including infrastructure for electric ferries), making the waterfront more sustainable and future-friendly.
Did you know? The original Ferry Building was meant to be five storeys tall â but public outcry over blocked views led to a design reduction. What we see today is a four-storey building with a clock tower, carefully balanced between grandeur and preserving harbour vistas.
Enjoy a coffee inside the Old Building, stroll the waterfront walkway, and soak in the view across the harbour. Ferry rides, shops, and waterfront cafĂ©s combine to make this more than just a transit hub â itâs a spot where the sea meets the city in style.
Today, the historic âOld Buildingâ facing Queen Street houses cafĂ©s and shops that invite you to pause and watch ferries glide in and out. Meanwhile, daily ferry operations happen next door in the newer terminal, with modern piers designed to echo sails and waterfront life. A major recent upgrade: in 2021, Auckland Transport invested NZ$42 million to improve the ferry basin and add new berths (including infrastructure for electric ferries), making the waterfront more sustainable and future-friendly.
Did you know? The original Ferry Building was meant to be five storeys tall â but public outcry over blocked views led to a design reduction. What we see today is a four-storey building with a clock tower, carefully balanced between grandeur and preserving harbour vistas.
Enjoy a coffee inside the Old Building, stroll the waterfront walkway, and soak in the view across the harbour. Ferry rides, shops, and waterfront cafĂ©s combine to make this more than just a transit hub â itâs a spot where the sea meets the city in style.
2) Saint Patrick's Cathedral
In the heart of downtown Auckland stands Saint Patrickâs Cathedral, the spiritual home of the cityâs Catholic community since the 1840s. The land was granted to Bishop Jean-Baptiste Pompallier in 1841, and soon after the first modest wooden chapel appeared. From those humble beginnings grew todayâs impressive Gothic Revival cathedral, its spire and stained glass now blending seamlessly into the modern city skyline. Did you know that this was one of the earliest Catholic sites in New Zealand?
What makes this place especially charming is its Irish heart. Aucklandâs Catholic community in the 19th century was largely made up of Irish immigrants â tough, hardworking settlers who didnât just bring Saint Patrickâs Day celebrations with them, but went as far as to raise a whole cathedral in honor of their patron saint. In a way, the church became their way of saying: âWe might be on the far side of the world, but weâre not about to forget who we are.â
Step inside today and youâll find a serene sanctuary filled with light, art, and the sound of bells echoing across downtown. Whether you want a quiet moment of reflection or just to appreciate a piece of Aucklandâs multicultural heritage, Saint Patrickâs remains one of the cityâs most graceful and welcoming landmarks.
What makes this place especially charming is its Irish heart. Aucklandâs Catholic community in the 19th century was largely made up of Irish immigrants â tough, hardworking settlers who didnât just bring Saint Patrickâs Day celebrations with them, but went as far as to raise a whole cathedral in honor of their patron saint. In a way, the church became their way of saying: âWe might be on the far side of the world, but weâre not about to forget who we are.â
Step inside today and youâll find a serene sanctuary filled with light, art, and the sound of bells echoing across downtown. Whether you want a quiet moment of reflection or just to appreciate a piece of Aucklandâs multicultural heritage, Saint Patrickâs remains one of the cityâs most graceful and welcoming landmarks.
3) Town Hall
Standing proudly on Queen Street since 1911, Auckland Town Hall is one of the cityâs most elegant heritage landmarks. Its Edwardian Baroque design, with Oamaru limestone facades and a Melbourne bluestone base, gives it timeless grandeur.
Inside, two main performance spaces steal the show. The Great Hall, seating about 1,529 people, hosts orchestral performances, speaker events, and large concerts. The Concert Chamber, more intimate with approx 419 seats, is perfect for chamber music, recitals, and events where you want to feel closer to the performance. Both are richly decorated with stained glass, ornate plasterwork, chandeliers, and carved wood, preserving much of their original early-20th-century character.
Town Hall underwent a full restoration from 1994 to 1997, restoring acoustic quality, upgrading seating, and preserving its architectural splendor. The iconic pipe organ, built by Orgelbau Klais in Germany, was reassembled and reintroduced in 2010 after careful restoration, becoming a centerpiece during concerts and special events.
As part of your walking tour of Auckland, this will be one of the moments to slow the pace. Step inside to admire the interior, feel the echo in the halls, and maybe pop into a performance if timings align.
Inside, two main performance spaces steal the show. The Great Hall, seating about 1,529 people, hosts orchestral performances, speaker events, and large concerts. The Concert Chamber, more intimate with approx 419 seats, is perfect for chamber music, recitals, and events where you want to feel closer to the performance. Both are richly decorated with stained glass, ornate plasterwork, chandeliers, and carved wood, preserving much of their original early-20th-century character.
Town Hall underwent a full restoration from 1994 to 1997, restoring acoustic quality, upgrading seating, and preserving its architectural splendor. The iconic pipe organ, built by Orgelbau Klais in Germany, was reassembled and reintroduced in 2010 after careful restoration, becoming a centerpiece during concerts and special events.
As part of your walking tour of Auckland, this will be one of the moments to slow the pace. Step inside to admire the interior, feel the echo in the halls, and maybe pop into a performance if timings align.
4) University Clock Tower
Formerly known as the Old Arts building, the ClockTower was designed by R.A. Lippincott, an architect trained in Chicago who happened to be the brother-in-law of Walter Burley Griffin, the renowned designer of Canberra.
This 54-meter tall tower is constructed with Mount Somers stone and was inspired by the famous Tom Tower of Christ Church, Oxford. Over time, it has become a symbol of the University. Inside, there's an octagonal layout with vaulted ceilings, galleries, a mosaic floor, and supporting pillars.
For many years, the building served as the home to various academic departments including Arts, Architecture, Law, Music, and the Library, along with University Hall. The rear wing offered limited student facilities until the opening of the Student Union Building in 1968.
From 1985 to 1988, the main wing underwent extensive renovations, strengthening, and cleaning, restoring its original whiteness that led to its popular nickname, "the wedding cake." This significant reconstruction effort earned recognition from the Institute of Architects.
Today, the ClockTower houses the Vice-Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellorâs Office, the Equity Office, parts of Academic Services, the Great Hall, and the Council Room. It stands as the most iconic building of the University of Auckland and is open to the public at no charge.
This 54-meter tall tower is constructed with Mount Somers stone and was inspired by the famous Tom Tower of Christ Church, Oxford. Over time, it has become a symbol of the University. Inside, there's an octagonal layout with vaulted ceilings, galleries, a mosaic floor, and supporting pillars.
For many years, the building served as the home to various academic departments including Arts, Architecture, Law, Music, and the Library, along with University Hall. The rear wing offered limited student facilities until the opening of the Student Union Building in 1968.
From 1985 to 1988, the main wing underwent extensive renovations, strengthening, and cleaning, restoring its original whiteness that led to its popular nickname, "the wedding cake." This significant reconstruction effort earned recognition from the Institute of Architects.
Today, the ClockTower houses the Vice-Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellorâs Office, the Equity Office, parts of Academic Services, the Great Hall, and the Council Room. It stands as the most iconic building of the University of Auckland and is open to the public at no charge.
5) Anglican Cathedral of Saint Mary's
The Anglican Cathedral of Saint Maryâs in Auckland is thought to be the worldâs largest wooden Gothic construction. The foundation stone was laid in 1886 and although the cathedral was originally designed to be built in stone, during the economic downturn of the late 19th century, this was considered to be too expensive. The Gothic Revival building draws upon the finest elements of medieval design and was the final large project for the eminent local architect Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort. The cathedral was consecrated on August 25, 1898 by Bishop Cowie.
The lengthy building has many striking gables and impressive lancet shaped windows, the lack of trusses due to the nature of the building also makes the interior seem open and very spacious. In 1982 an engineering feat was undertaken when the cathedral in its entirety was transported from its original site on a system of rollers across to the new Holy Trinity Cathedral Complex. Today the Anglican Cathedral of Saint Maryâs is located together with the Holy Trinity and the Bishop Monteith Visitorâs Centre. You are free to visit the cathedral from Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 3pm or by prior arrangement, there are also many services held throughout the week.
The lengthy building has many striking gables and impressive lancet shaped windows, the lack of trusses due to the nature of the building also makes the interior seem open and very spacious. In 1982 an engineering feat was undertaken when the cathedral in its entirety was transported from its original site on a system of rollers across to the new Holy Trinity Cathedral Complex. Today the Anglican Cathedral of Saint Maryâs is located together with the Holy Trinity and the Bishop Monteith Visitorâs Centre. You are free to visit the cathedral from Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 3pm or by prior arrangement, there are also many services held throughout the week.
6) Kinder House
The Kinder House, located on historic Ayr Street, is one of Aucklandâs oldest and most important buildings. The two-storey residence was built as the home of Reverend John Kinder, who is today recognized as one of the cityâs most important colonial figures. Kinder immigrated to Auckland in 1855 to take up the post of master at the Church of England Grammar School. As well as for his role as a master, Kinder is also noted as one of New Zealandâs most talented and prolific 19th-century artists. The house was built for Kinder and his family (his mother and sister) in 1857 under commission by the Anglican Church.
When Kinder married in 1859, his wife, Celia, came to live in this stone home as well. The historic residence where he spent many happy years was also the subject of much of Kinderâs art and photography attempts. Some of his photos have survived 150 years and are important historical documents today. You can also see much of his artwork on display on the ground floor of the historic home.
When Kinder married in 1859, his wife, Celia, came to live in this stone home as well. The historic residence where he spent many happy years was also the subject of much of Kinderâs art and photography attempts. Some of his photos have survived 150 years and are important historical documents today. You can also see much of his artwork on display on the ground floor of the historic home.
7) Ewelme Cottage
Ewelme Cottage, one of Aucklandâs oldest remaining buildings, dates from 1863 when it was built for the Rev Vicesimus Lush and his family upon their arrival in the colony. The cottage, which is run by the Historic Places Trust, is a true historical gem since it remained in the Lush family until the 1960s and retains many of the familyâs belongings and furnishings dating back to Victorian times. The architecture of the home is distinctive, given that it is laid out in a manner that was common in medieval Britain â it is thought that this may have been done to reflect the sombre and pious sensibilities of the time.
One of the highlights of the familyâs possessions is the antique book collection with more than 2000 tomes. The cottage offers a snapshot into life in New Zealand during the first days of the colony â you will see much of the home preserved as it was in the 19th century, and many cooking, craft, and even beauty items and pharmaceuticals. Rooms of the home were used during the filming of the Oscar-winning film The Piano.
One of the highlights of the familyâs possessions is the antique book collection with more than 2000 tomes. The cottage offers a snapshot into life in New Zealand during the first days of the colony â you will see much of the home preserved as it was in the 19th century, and many cooking, craft, and even beauty items and pharmaceuticals. Rooms of the home were used during the filming of the Oscar-winning film The Piano.
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