The central waterfront is Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s premier precinct. A world-class urban environment, combining public space, retail and business. Anchored by the Britomart and Commercial Bay developments and served by major train, ferry and bus terminals, this highly walkable destination is a magnet for visitors, talent and top-tier businesses.

One of the most dynamic and liveable cities in the Asia-Pacific, Auckland is the economic engine of Aotearoa New Zealand, generating more than a third of the country’s GDP and home to 60 per cent of its top companies. At the heart of this thriving region, the city centre plays a critical role as a hub for business, innovation and talent.

Central Waterfront (Te Takutai Te Pokapū) is where the city meets the harbour, and where public space, commerce and culture converge. Known for its food and fashion at street level, the precinct is also home to hotels, finance, legal and professional services in the heritage and modern towers above.

With more than NZ$2.2 billion in private investment underway and NZ$350 million in public upgrade investments by Auckland Transport, Auckland Council and the government , the area reflects Auckland’s ambition to be both globally competitive and locally vibrant.

A connected harbour-edge district

The area spans Auckland’s downtown harbour edge. At its heart are the historic Ferry Building and Waitematā Station – entered through the former Auckland Chief Post Office (CPO) – and a central arrival point for trains from around the city. Opening in 2026, the City Rail Link will make it even easier to get here, with capacity for up to 54,000 people an hour at peak times.

Quay Street is a tree-lined boulevard linking the city to three public piers and, from here, the precinct flows west to the New Zealand Maritime Museum and Viaduct Harbour, connecting to Wynyard Quarter via a pedestrian bridge. And to the east, it adjoins The Ports of Auckland and Te Tōangaroa East City (Tāone I Te Rāwhiti), a mixed-use neighbourhood and home to the entertainment venue Spark Arena.

This east–west route links all three waterfront precincts in a walkable, characterful promenade. To the south, Queen Street shoppers spill into the main public square Te Komititanga, a pedestrian space with an active public events programme.

Commercial Bay – four city blocks transformed

Spanning several city blocks between Quay and Customs Streets, Commercial Bay is one of the country’s most intensively developed mixed-use precincts and most connected with public laneways throughout. Led by developer/investor Precinct, it includes 39,000m² of office space and 18,000m² of retail and hospitality. The 5 Star Green Star-rated project was designed by local architects Warren and Mahoney in association with Woods Bagot (San Francisco) and NH Architects (Melbourne).

At its centre is the 180m-tall PwC Tower, the tallest commercial building in New Zealand and home to companies such as PwC, Jarden, Chapman Tripp, MinterEllisonRuddWatts and DLA Piper. More than 10,000 people work in the precinct, there are 100-plus local and international brands across retail and dining, the five-star InterContinental Hotel and the popular Harbour Eats food hall. It draws over 13 million visits a year, with steady foot traffic from both locals and visitors.

Precinct developed the InterContinental Hotel at 1 Queen Street as part of the Deloitte Centre, in the refurbishment of an existing tower. It was sold in 2025 for NZ$180 million, reflecting Commercial Bay’s strong appeal.

“Commercial Bay has helped shift the city’s axis from a north–south orientation to an east–west one, connecting people more directly to the waterfront,” says Precinct CEO Scott Pritchard. “This part of the city brings everything together, including the best public transport and amenities. Businesses want to be here to draw staff in, increase productivity, and stay competitive.

“The next step is people will want to live here too. This area is a showcase for what’s possible. We want to see the city centre grow from its current population of 38,000 residents to 80,000 residents to create energy and vibrancy daytime and nighttime.”

In partnership with landowner Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the local iwi (indigenous people) of central Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Precinct’s next project on the central waterfront is to transform the Downtown Car Park site into a major new mixed-use precinct. Designed by Warren and Mahoney with international architecture studio Snøhetta, the development will revitalise this key part of the city, add density and character to the waterfront and complete the Commercial Bay precinct.

The NZ$1.5 billion project will replace the existing car park building with two high-rise towers and a network of podium buildings, introducing a mix of commercial office space, homes, hospitality, retail and new urban public spaces.

Guided by the City Centre Masterplan, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport will continue with a new stage of transport infrastructure projects around the site, including bus and road improvements and streetscape upgrades for greater pedestrian access and mixed-mode commuting.

“We expect a more diverse retail mix from 2026 onward, as businesses position themselves for economic recovery,” notes Pritchard. “Current visitors include cruise travellers, international tourists (especially from North America), domestic tourists and locals. While local spend is slightly down, international spend is up – with 50–60 per cent of spending now from out-of-town visitors.”

Britomart – heritage and modern city-making

To the east of Waitematā Station is Britomart – a 15-acre neighbourhood that contains 19 heritage buildings, intermixed with new hotel and office towers, making it New Zealand’s largest heritage restoration.

Property investment firm Cooper and Company has driven this regeneration vision since 2004. And because Britomart is a long-term proposition – on a 110-year ground lease from Auckland Council – the company has taken a long-term view on architecture, relationships and the quality of public space.

Home to 120 businesses and 15+ restaurants and bars, Britomart’s retail, hospitality and office spaces are connected by laneways enlivened with public art and Takutai Square, with programmed public events. This multi-block, single-developer precinct has been led by outstanding design, placemaking and expert curation of business and retail to create a vibrant, integrated quarter.

Jeremy Hansen, Director of Communications and Community at Britomart Group, says the focus has always been broader than buildings alone. “We have consciously created a precinct that feels vibrant and welcoming, making the space between the buildings and the ground floor of those buildings as important as the buildings themselves. It’s about shaping how people experience the place – to make it feel welcoming, alive, vibrant. We do this through art and events to bring people in from around the city and inject a unique local character.”

Key tenants include Westpac, EY, and the co-working space Precinct Flex. Britomart, combined with lower Queen Street, is also the city's fashion quarter due to its blend of heritage buildings and modern fitouts, and is also home to the boutique Hotel Britomart. Renowned New Zealand fashion brands such as Zambesi and Karen Walker sit alongside Tiffany & Co and Adidas. The Britomart development isn't complete, with heritage buildings undergoing new rounds of refurbishments, and possible new development sites being scoped.

“As a single landlord over a large area of the city, there’s a public responsibility in what we do,” notes Hansen. “We’ve always believed that creating a great place would be an exemplar for the city, socially, commercially and environmentally. If it works well for everyone, it lifts all boats.”

Explore opportunities at Central Waterfront / Te Takutai Te Pokapū

As New Zealand’s financial and commercial capital, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland offers opportunities for investors and businesses looking to be part of a thriving central hub – join us in shaping this leading Asia-Pacific city. Contact the investment team or download the Auckland City Centre Prospectus.