The precinct is also home to the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), due to open early 2026. With an event capacity of up to 4000 and a solid pipeline of bookings already, the NZICC will bring visitors from New Zealand and around the world to the area.

Close proximity to the city’s universities offers further potential for investment. A new NZ$100+ million purpose-built student accommodation tower is being developed in Upper Queen Street by Precinct Properties, New Zealand’s largest owner, developer and manager of Auckland inner-city real estate. Precinct CEO Scott Pritchard says the tertiary sector can be a major anchor for the area, with the CRL providing vastly improved access for students.

“Our universities are world-class institutions and attracting more students is a significant opportunity for this part of town,” says Pritchard. “There’s also potential for a significant increase in residents in the CBD. From character laneways to charming heritage precincts and the entertainment zones around Sky City, it is packed with amenity. There are only around 38,000 residents currently, and we’d like to see this double. There’s an opportunity here to repurpose some of the area’s older, second and third-tier office buildings for residential accommodation.”

An attractive proposition for people and businesses

New Zealand Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois says the precinct’s greatest strength is its diversity, which is reflected in its hospitality sector. “Queen Street Valley has a unique and layered hospitality experience that leverages its heritage buildings and laneway charm. It’s also one of the densest employment zones in New Zealand, which means there’s both a daytime and night-time energy, with a nice diversity of food offerings to cater for it.

Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges describes the area as ‘the heart of the heart’. “It has so much to offer – world-class exhibitions and galleries, great places to eat, fantastic shows and more. Aucklanders are going to be able to take more advantage of it once the CRL opens by making it so much easier for them to get to and from the city.

“It offers so much from a business perspective, too. We’ve noticed a significant uptick of interest in the city centre from businesses and high-net-worth individuals who are looking for a balance between business and lifestyle, for themselves and to help attract talented staff. Queen Street Valley is appealing because it has great ‘bones’ in terms of its history and architecture. It combines all the advantages of living in a big city with access to nature, a great climate, and it’s easy to get around.

“There’s been a lot of infrastructure development in recent years and we’re starting to see that come to fruition now. The next few years could be some of the very best times for Queen Street Valley and for Auckland.”

Meet one of the locals: Isthmus Group

Isthmus Group is an inter-disciplinary design studio, incorporating landscape architecture, urban design and architecture, which has been involved in a range of city-shaping and regeneration projects for Auckland. In 2022, it relocated its Auckland office from an inner-city suburb to the Queen Street Valley / Waihorotiu precinct – testimony to a strong belief in the potential of the area.

“We wanted to be in the centre as it regenerates,” says Principal Architect and Urban Designer Andre de Graaf. “The proximity to key institutions, such as universities and arts organisations, the impact of the City Rail Link and the creative and cultural energy of the area, make it a hugely exciting time to be here, and we can help shape the city’s regeneration from within.

“Heritage is one of the precinct’s defining assets. It has Auckland’s highest concentration of Edwardian and Victorian buildings, offering character, charm, and a sense of legacy that suits the creative, fashion, cultural and boutique accommodation sectors. The character changes from street to street, and with the insertion of some new contemporary buildings makes it diverse and interesting.

“There are plenty of opportunities here – for example, for new residential development (from reimagining existing office stock to higher-end and family apartment offerings), food and beverage outlets (especially catering to student price points), and potentially a school to attract more permanent residents.

“Queen Street Valley is unique because it connects all the other precincts. It’s at the centre of everything and its natural history, built heritage, proximity to universities and multicultural population give it immense potential.”

Explore opportunities at Queen Street Valley / Waihorotiu

With the City Rail Link set to transform access to Auckland’s city centre, Queen Street Valley / Waihorotiu retains a distinct identity that sets it apart as a place to live, work and do business. With a rich heritage and diversity of neighbourhoods, a major regeneration programme supported by public and private investment, it remains the epicentre of Auckland city and a precinct with enormous potential for the future. Join us in shaping this leading Asia-Pacific city. Contact the investment team or download the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland city centre prospectus.