Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is one of the most dynamic and liveable cities in Asia-Pacific, and its city centre is evolving fast, offering opportunities for investment and business growth. In this series, we explore seven different precincts that define the heart of Auckland, highlighting their business ecosystems, local culture and investment potential.

The Auckland region is the economic engine of Aotearoa New Zealand, and its city centre generates 8 per cent of the country’s GDP while serving as an Asia-Pacific hub for business, trade and innovation. Over 60 per cent of the nation’s top companies are based in Auckland, alongside multinational firms leveraging the city’s strategic position in the region. Home to a highly skilled and diverse workforce, the city offers businesses world-class infrastructure, connectivity and an excellent quality of life.

Auckland’s West Waterfront (Te Takutai I Te Uru) includes the areas Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour. It is one of the most dynamic precincts in the city, set on a distinctive peninsula jutting into the Waitematā Harbour.

This article focuses particularly on Wynyard Quarter, the largest and most recently developed portion of the West Waterfront precinct.

Wynyard Quarter has seen large-scale development for over two decades, as industrial port land has given way to mixed-use commercial. Bounded by Westhaven Marina, a major arterial route, high-end waterfront accommodation and the glistening Waitematā Harbour, the area is known for innovation, sustainability and tourism, suiting business cultures looking for an innovation mindset and lifestyle location to attract top talent.

Tech entrepreneurs, engineers, architects, software developers, hospitality leaders and marine industry professionals rub shoulders in this vibrant and iconic location. With a growing economic footprint, Wynyard Quarter contributes 1.6 per cent of New Zealand’s GDP , making it the second largest SA2 area economy  in Auckland. The area’s GDP is slightly larger than major industrial employment areas in the Auckland region like Auckland Airport, East Tamaki and Penrose.

An area of urban regeneration

Wynyard Quarter’s transformation began in earnest in 2011 with the opening of its first stage. This development was guided by an urban design framework that prioritised connectivity, sustainability and generous public spaces.

Steered by the Auckland’s City Centre Master Plan and its focus on urban regeneration, a wide range of transport options have been integrated from the start, showing Auckland Council’s green city leadership where sustainable development and urban resilience seek to future-proof the city. New private developments have been integrated with the site’s industrial and marine heritage on the waterfront, making the area an exciting mix of old and new. High-quality architecture and urban design have led to a neighbourhood loved by locals and visitors alike.

As sites on the southern part of the peninsula are being steadily developed, there are still more development-ready sites on the northern part of the peninsula. The growth potential is exciting for prime mixed-use buildings across workplace, cultural, residential and hospitality.

Business culture and talent appeal

Wynyard Quarter’s innovative and collaborative business culture makes it an attractive location for companies seeking both enterprise and lifestyle benefits.

At its heart is GridAKL, the city's innovation hub, which offers a campus-style environment with various co-working spaces and medium-term office lease opportunities. A decade after its launch, it now generates $424 million in annual GDP contributions (based on a 10-year impact study done in 2024). This economic impact stems largely from co-location benefits, with businesses thriving through shared knowledge, collaboration and access to networks of investors, talent and complementary firms.

GridAKL has attracted a diverse ecosystem of established enterprises, startups and industry leaders to the area. Finance, insurance and management consulting businesses operate alongside technology companies, architecture and engineering practices, creating a vibrant business community.

Wynyard Quarter’s waterfront experience is anchored by North Wharf, a promenade of restaurants and public spaces adding to an area that has become one of Auckland's premier dining destinations. Future development across North Wharf, Wynyard Central and Wynyard Point includes over 75,000m² of new floor space for entertainment, commercial, recreational and mixed uses – including marine activity, retail, community spaces and around 300 new homes. Please refer to the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland city centre investment prospectus for more details.

Key organisations based in the area include ASB, Kiwibank, Tenzing, Microsoft, Datacom, ClearPoint, IAG, Southern Cross, New Zealand Insurance, Fonterra, KPMG, Tonkin + Taylor, Warren and Mahoney, Beca and Orams Marine. In March 2025, Wynyard Quarter boasted a private investment pipeline of $1.8 billion.

While maintaining its marine cluster, hospitality and tourism accommodation also enliven the area, attracted by waterfront views and promenades. Restaurants, a theatre and convention centre draw locals and tourists around the clock, supporting a vibrant business and visitor economy.

Connected and walkable

The area’s flat terrain makes the area highly walkable and cyclable. Add to this its high architectural values – complete with award-winning buildings, urban laneways, public green space and level crossings; this is a place made for walking and wellbeing.

Commuters have multiple transport options, with Waitematā (Britomart) train station, the soon-to-open City Rail Link, and the Auckland Ferry Terminal all within a 10-minute walk. Bus stations along Victoria Park to the south are located on a significant arterial route north. Situated on the edge of the Auckland Harbour Bridge (State Highway 1) and not far from the motorway feeders to the rest of the city, it is also easy to access by car from all compass points.

Investment opportunities in Wynyard Quarter

The peninsula has development-ready land available for commercial, residential and mixed-use projects, with Eke Panuku Development Auckland leading the development of the area founded on sustainable urban development. With the increasing demand for office, retail and hospitality spaces as Auckland city centre grows, New Zealand offers a business-friendly and politically stable environment, making it a secure and reliable place to invest. With strong legal frameworks and robust intellectual property protections, businesses can operate with confidence.

Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter offers a dynamic base for Asia-Pacific headquarters, which is surrounded by innovation, talent and lifestyle. As the city’s tech and R&D hub, its businesses and people are at the cutting-edge of their profession, with a shared commitment to a resilient and sustainable urban precinct.

Explore opportunities at Wynyard Quarter

As New Zealand’s financial and commercial capital, 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 Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland city centre investment prospectus.