Waitematā Station — known for most of its life as Britomart — is Auckland's central rail hub, sitting beneath the heritage General Post Office building at the foot of Queen Street. Step out and you are immediately surrounded by some of the city's best dining, drinking and retail, with the Waitematā Harbour just a few minutes' walk away. The Downtown Ferry Terminal is right next door, connecting you to Devonport, Waiheke Island and the wider Hauraki Gulf. This page covers the key precincts within easy walking distance.
🚆 City Rail Link (2026): When the CRL opens, Waitematā becomes a through-running station — trains will no longer terminate here. The new East West Line and South City Line will head into the new city tunnel from Waitematā station. The CRL will make trips within the city centre much faster. From Waitematā you can be at Te Waihorotiu station in 3 minutes and Karanga-a-Hape station in 6 minutes, with trains every 5 to 10 minutes all day. The station itself remains the same.
Britomart Precinct
The station is at the heart of the Britomart precinct — a beautifully restored collection of heritage buildings housing some of Auckland's best independent boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
Britomart Precinct
The blocks immediately surrounding the station are home to over 50 independent retailers, cafes and restaurants housed in beautifully restored Edwardian buildings. Key highlights include the Britomart Saturday Market (Takutai Square, every Saturday 8am–2pm, rain or shine — fresh produce, flowers, street food and artisan goods), Amano (bakery, pasta and wood-fired dishes — one of Auckland's most celebrated), Ortolana (garden-to-table Italian), Ebisu (acclaimed Japanese), Alma (modern Spanish, very well regarded) and a cluster of New Zealand's most respected clothing designers including Karen Walker, Huffer and Workshop. Bars worth seeking out include The Brit (a lively neighbourhood bar on Galway Street) and Slattery & Sons (a great Irish-style pub). Laneways like Galway Street and Commerce Street are worth exploring on foot.
Shops generally Mon–Sat 10am–6pm · Restaurants daily from 11amDowntown Waterfront
Auckland's downtown waterfront strip — from the commercial heart of Commercial Bay to Queens Wharf jutting out into the Waitematā Harbour.
Commercial Bay
Opened in 2020, Commercial Bay is a six-level mixed-use development right on the waterfront at 7 Queen Street. Home to over 120 retailers and eateries across multiple levels including H&M and dozens of New Zealand fashion and lifestyle brands. The food court spans the lower levels with a strong Asian food presence; the upper levels have harbour-view restaurants. Standouts include Ahi (chef Ben Bayly's celebrated New Zealand-ingredient-led restaurant), Queens Rooftop (al fresco rooftop bar and dining with panoramic harbour views) and Kokako (specialty coffee). The building connects seamlessly to the waterfront and Quay Street.
Mon–Wed 10am–6pm · Thu–Fri 10am–8pm · Sat 9am–6pm · Sun 10am–5pm
Harbour Eats
Home to around 35 restaurants and bars within Commercial Bay — some laid out food court style, others with their own dedicated dining areas and outdoor seating overlooking the harbour. The mix spans long-time Auckland favourites like Fatima's (Middle Eastern, famous for its potato koftas) alongside newer, more innovative openings — Japanese, ramen, Korean, Indian, Thai, Malaysian, Mexican and more, plus Burger Burger and Pasta e Cuore.
Daily from 11am (hours vary by vendor)
Queens Wharf
Auckland's historic wharf jutting 250 metres into the Waitematā Harbour — the departure point for commuter ferries to Devonport, Bayswater, Birkenhead, West Harbour, Hobsonville and more (all AT HOP). Tourist and island ferries also depart from here — Waiheke Island (35 min, vineyards and beaches), Rangitoto Island (25 min, volcanic cone walk) and Tiritiri Matangi (open wildlife sanctuary). Cruise ships dock at Queens Wharf when in port, making it one of Auckland's most lively public spaces on arrival days. Walk to the wharf tip for spectacular city skyline and harbour views.
Ferry terminal open daily from early morningViaduct Harbour, Wynyard Quarter & North Wharf
Auckland's premier waterfront dining and entertainment strip — a 5–10 minute walk from the station along the harbour edge.
Viaduct Harbour
A beautiful harbour basin lined with some of Auckland's most celebrated restaurants and bars. Key venues include Hello Beasty (pan-Asian, consistently named one of NZ's best), Soul Bar & Bistro (Auckland institution, harbour-view terrace), Dr Rudi's (rooftop bar and brewery with excellent harbour views, one of Auckland's most popular spots) and Holey Moley (crazy golf, bar and entertainment). The New Zealand Maritime Museum is also right here — free entry for NZ residents. A popular spot for Auckland Anniversary Day regatta watching and major sailing events.
Restaurants and bars generally open daily from noon
"What an awesome park — I love that the city took an unused industrial area and turned it into a recreational park." A former industrial site transformed into one of Auckland's most distinctive public spaces, with remnants of its silo and grain terminal past forming a unique backdrop. Home to a playground, skatepark, basketball courts and an observation tower, plus a busy events calendar — outdoor cinema screenings, night markets and festivals throughout summer. "The combination of the playground and the skatepark makes for a very efficient energy-burning circuit" for kids. Surrounded by restaurants and cafes along the waterfront walkway.
Open 24 hours · Free entry
Wynyard Quarter & North Wharf
Auckland's newest waterfront neighbourhood, connected to the Viaduct via the Wynyard Crossing bascule bridge. North Wharf is a beautifully designed timber-decked dining strip with standout restaurants and bars. The Auckland Fish Market on Jellicoe Street has fresh fish daily and is a popular lunch destination. The wider Wynyard Quarter has excellent playgrounds and open green space, popular with families. The ASB Waterfront Theatre on Halsey Street is also here — a state-of-the-art, 675-seat venue and home of Auckland Theatre Company, hosting a full annual season of theatre alongside national and international dance and film.
Open daily — venues and hours varyShortland Street & High Street
A 5-minute walk south of the station — Auckland's most concentrated strip of independent restaurants, wine bars and cocktail spots.
Shortland Street & High Street
The compact block around Shortland Street and High Street is home to some of Auckland's finest independent dining and drinking. A highlight is the Vulcan Lane pedestrian laneway, running east from Queen Street through to High Street and O'Connell Street. Vulcan Lane is home to The Occidental (Belgian bar with an exceptional craft beer list and mussels), The Forge (Irish pub), A Modo Mio (authentic Italian), Queen's Ferry (Auckland's oldest pub) and Cassette Nine (teapots and live music). Other highlights in the area are Corner Bar (craft beer & cocktails), Gilt (brasserie serving contemporary European fare) and Panacea (often said to be best cocktail bar in NZ). High Street is Auckland's best independent retail street — highlights include Unity Books (New Zealand's finest independent bookshop), several excellent specialist bookshops and galleries, and a concentration of independent fashion boutiques.
Lunch from 11:30am · Dinner from 5:30pm · Most closed SundaysQueen Street (north of Wyndham)
The northern stretch of Queen Street between the station and Wyndham Street — Auckland's main commercial corridor, anchored by SkyCity.
Queen Street North
Queen Street is Auckland's main north-south pedestrian artery with wide footpaths and greenery. The northern stretch nearest the station is home to Auckland's highest concentration of jewellers and high-end fashion retailers — Michael Hill, Pascoes, Partridge Jewellers, TAG Heuer, Bulgari and Walker & Hall and high fashion boutiques line this stretch. Te Komititanga Square right outside the station entrance hosts regular events, markets and live performances. Two pedestrianised laneways nearby are excellent for bars and cafes: Vulcan Lane has The Occidental and Cassette Nine (live music and cocktails), while Durham Lane has Mezze Bar and My Bar — both popular city-centre locals.
Retail generally Mon–Sat 9am–6pm · SkyCity open 24 hoursSpark Arena
Auckland's largest indoor entertainment venue is right next door to the station — one of the best reasons to take the train into the city.
Auckland's premier indoor events venue at 42 Mahuhu Crescent — a 12,000-capacity arena hosting New Zealand's biggest concerts, sporting events and touring shows. The train is by far the best way to get to Spark Arena — the station is a 5-minute walk and post-event trains run late. Harbour Eats, the Viaduct and Britomart are all within easy walking distance for pre-show dining and drinks.
Event nights only — check website for listingsGetting Around from Waitematā
Waitematā is Auckland's main transport hub — trains, buses and ferries all converge here.
🚢 Ferries — Downtown Ferry Terminal
The Downtown Ferry Terminal on Quay Street is a 2-minute walk from the station entrance. Auckland Transport operates 13 ferry routes from here, all accessible with your AT HOP card. Key destinations:
| Destination | Journey time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Devonport | ~12 min | Every 20–30 min |
| Bayswater | ~15 min | Peak hours |
| Birkenhead & Northcote Point | ~20 min | Every 30 min |
| West Harbour | ~25 min | Peak hours |
| Hobsonville Point | ~35 min | Every 30–60 min |
| Half Moon Bay | ~35 min | Every 30–60 min |
| Pine Harbour | ~45 min | Limited |
| Gulf Harbour | ~45 min | Limited |
| Waiheke Island | ~35 min | Every 30–60 min |
| Rangitoto Island | ~25 min | Selected departures |
⛵ Waiheke Island is one of Auckland's most popular day trips — vineyards, beaches and olive groves 35 minutes from the city by ferry. Devonport is a charming Victorian village with harbour views and excellent cafes, just 12 minutes across the water. Both are highly recommended for visitors and locals alike.
🚌 Buses
Waitematā is also a major bus interchange. Routes depart from stops across Customs Street East, Customs Street West, Commerce Street, Queen Street, Quay Street and Lower Albert Street, including frequent Northern Express services to the North Shore. Always confirm your exact stop at at.govt.nz, as stop assignments can change.
| Route | Serves | Stop | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| NX1 | Northern Express 1 — Hibiscus Coast Station ↔ City via Northern Motorway & Constellation | Lower Albert St | Rapid · every 10 min |
| WX1 | Westgate ↔ City via Northwest Busway, Te Atatū & Karangahape Rd | Lower Albert St | Rapid · every 10 min |
| 18 | New Lynn ↔ City via Great North Rd, Avondale, Pt Chevalier, MOTAT & Grey Lynn | Lower Albert St | Frequent |
| 11T/11W | Westgate ↔ City via Triangle Rd or Massey West | Lower Albert St | Frequent |
| 195 | New Lynn ↔ City via Blockhouse Bay & Pt Chevalier | Lower Albert St | Connector |
| 209 | Blockhouse Bay & Titirangi ↔ City via New North Rd & Bond St | Lower Albert St | Peak hours only |
| 105 | Westmere ↔ City via Richmond Rd | Lower Albert St | Connector |
| 106 | Freemans Bay Loop via Karangahape Rd & Queen St | Lower Albert St | Connector |
| 95 | Glenfield / Bayview / Constellation Station ↔ City Centre via Onewa Rd & Harbour Bridge | Quay St | Frequent |
| 97 | Constellation Station ↔ City Centre via Glenfield Rd | Quay St | Frequent |
| CTY | City Link — Wynyard Quarter ↔ Karangahape Rd via Queen St | Queen St | Every 7–8 min |
| 931/933/939 | Chatswood / Beach Haven / Windy Ridge ↔ University of Auckland via Highbury & Onewa Rd | Customs St East | Peak hours only |
| 70 | Botany ↔ City via Panmure, Pakuranga & Ti Rākau Dr | Customs St East | Frequent |
| 72X | Botany ↔ City via Howick, Pakuranga & Panmure — Express via motorway | Customs St East | Peak hours only |
| INN | Inner Link — loop via Parnell, Newmarket, Auckland City Hospital, Karangahape Rd & Ponsonby Rd | Customs St East | Frequent |
| TMK | Tāmaki Link — Britomart ↔ Glen Innes via Ōrākei, Mission Bay & St Heliers | Customs St East | Frequent |
| 774/775 | Mt Taylor Dr / Glendowie ↔ City via St Heliers, Mission Bay & Tāmaki Dr | Customs St East | Connector |
| 76 | Glen Innes ↔ City via West Tāmaki Rd, Kohimarama Rd, Eastridge & Ōrākei | Fort St | Frequent |
| 755 | Benson Rd ↔ City via Portland Rd, Brighton Rd & Gladstone Rd | Fort St | Connector |
| 27H/27W | Hillsborough / Waikowhai ↔ City via Three Kings & Mt Eden Rd | Commerce St | Frequent |
| 321 | Middlemore ↔ City via Ōtāhuhu, Penrose, Ellerslie, Greenlane & Auckland City Hospital | Commerce St | Connector |
⚠️ Information correct at time of writing. Precinct tenants, opening hours and venue details change — always check operator websites or Google Maps for current information. Ferry timetables are subject to change; always check at.govt.nz or fullers.co.nz before travelling.