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Port of Auckland is leasing land to Auckland Council to enable more public access to Auckland’s waterfront in time for summer.

The lease for the Quay Street Promenade - between Queens and Captain Cook wharves - will commence this Sunday, 1 November 2026. It is the first stage in a longer-term programme of work developed in consultation with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to redevelop the waterfront, helping to further strengthen the connection between the City Centre and the Waitematā Harbour.

Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown said the agreement is another positive step towards a vision of Auckland that’s more akin to Darling Harbour.

“Opening up the waterfront for people to enjoy better showcases one of our greatest assets, and it will benefit both Aucklanders and visitors. This is about making Auckland a more welcoming and vibrant destination by making better use of our stunning waterfront and harbours,” said Brown.

Port of Auckland’s General Manager Multi-Cargo and Cruise, Chris Mills, said, “Our team is proud to support community access to the waterfront through this lease, and just in time for summer. The agreement is for an initial two years, which makes the space publicly available as agreed in Auckland Council's Long-term Plan 2024-2034.”

The site will undergo some minor remedial works to enable the transition from port use to a new public space.

“It’s been great to work collaboratively with the council on the future of this space,” said Mills. “The port has a big agenda for the downtown end of our operation, and the centrepiece is our cruise precinct featuring a new terminal. We are eagerly awaiting the first passengers through the new terminal on Saturday, 20 March 2027.

“In terms of our Multi-Cargo operations, this change will slightly reduce yard capacity in this area, however we do not expect the impact to be material on day-to-day customer or vessel operations around Captain Cook and Marsden wharves. Looking further ahead, we are investigating our options to grow the port's vehicle handling capacity,” said Mills.

Nick Hill, Chief Executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the region’s cultural, events and destination agency, says activating public spaces is an important part of creating a vibrant city centre that attracts people and supports local businesses.

“Great public spaces are about more than just having somewhere to go. It's what happens in them that brings people together and gives them reasons to visit, stay longer and explore more of what Auckland has to offer.

“By bringing new experiences and activities into the city centre, balanced with the needs of the community, we're creating a more vibrant and welcoming environment for Aucklanders and visitors, strengthening social connections, supporting local businesses and contributing to a safer, more attractive destination,” says Hill.

Auckland Council and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited are now working in partnership to deliver exciting and fun summer experiences for Aucklanders and visitors on the Quay Street Promenade.

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