Shaping the future of the downtown wharves: Central Wharves Masterplan

2024 - 2028

City Centre
In Progress

We’re planning to open the central wharves in downtown Auckland for more public use.

Thank you for your feedback

As part of our early public engagement, we held a series of activations throughout April and May 2025, asking for input on the Framework Plan.

Feedback has been summarised in this brief report

Watch the video below to learn more.

We will use your feedback to develop a draft Masterplan for consultation in 2026.

Play

The goal is to improve public access and activity on the waterfront and strengthen the connection between the city centre and Te Waitematā Harbour.

Developing a Central Wharves Masterplan

In 2024, Auckland Council endorsed the Port Precinct Framework Plan. This indicative plan considered options for the future of the whole port precinct.

We are now testing the Framework Plan ideas specific to the central wharves and the surrounding waterspace.

The next step will be to use your feedback alongside technical data and input from our partners and stakeholders to develop a draft masterplan for further testing.

The intention behind this work is to:

improve the health and mauri of Te Waitematā harbour and the waterfront environment
provide improved public spaces and areas for events
celebrate our unique heritage and culture
deliver a more suitable base for cruise ships
separate cruise ship operations from ferry activities
create opportunities for investment, quality commercial development and economic growth.

“A world-class destination that excites the senses and celebrates our sea-loving Pacific culture and maritime history. It supports commercially successful and innovative businesses and is a place for all people, an area rich in character and activities that link people to the city and the sea.”
The waterfront vision

Where are the central wharves

The central wharves are Queens, Captain Cook and Marsden wharves, the Hobson Wharf Extension and the promenade area along the water’s edge (known as the breastworks).

01 Cropped Downtown Infrastructure Development Programme 2 Scaled E1714532501626

What you've told us already

Aucklanders want the following for the city centre waterfront:

improved waterfront environment, water quality and marine biodiversity
public access to and along the waterfront and out to Te Waitematā
protection of the working waterfront character, including the existing marine and fishing industries
improved accessibility and safety
places and activities that showcase our unique heritage and culture.

With your help, plans for the central wharves will help deliver these outcomes.

The Framework Plan summarised

The Framework Plan laid out a potential role and function for each of the central wharves.

The spaces will work together to deliver a mix of recreation, public access, hospitality, commercial and maritime uses, including ferries and the cruise industry.

Click the magnifier to enlarge the below image.