Explore photos of Auckland's past

The heritage of Tāmaki Makaurau has been shaped by a diverse cast of characters, communities and important events. The changing face of Auckland and its people is shown in these old – and new – images from around our region.

Many of the photos here – and over 300,000 more – are available online as part of Auckland Libraries’ Heritage Collections.

Old Queen Street — Auckland’s Queen Street Wharf in 1864, with North Head and Mt Victoria in the distance. Auckland Libraries, 1-W718.

Chan Char Dee — Chan Ah Chee, one of the most prominent Chinese market gardeners in Auckland, pictured with his grandchildren, 1916-18. Photo supplied by David Wong.

Schmidt 2 — A portrait by Auckland-born photographer Herman John Schmidt (1872-1959), from his Queen Street studio. Auckland Libraries, 31-57416.

Dominion Road tram — By 1908 the tram line down Dominion Road had reached Herbert Road terminus. It was closed in 1953. Auckland Libraries, 7-A1567.

Aotea Square under construction, with Auckland Town Hall in the background. Auckland Libraries, 7-A13629 (John Daley).

Harbour bridge under construction — Auckland Harbour Bridge under construction. It was completed in 1959. Auckland Libraries, 654-26 (Geoff Fairfield).

Yachts — Looking west along Kohimarama Beach from Averill Avenue and Tāmaki Drive. Auckland Libraries, 1021-406 (Eric Young).

Billy T James — Billy T. James as Diana Boss with the Superettes, in the 1988 TVNZ Telethon. Auckland Libraries, 1329-45 (Laura Remacha).

Cultural festival — The traditional Chinese art of face-changing was among performances at the 2018 Auckland International Cultural Festival.

Like many of Tāmaki Makaurau’s tūpuna maunga, Maungakiekie was once the site of a pā, and is of great spiritual and cultural significance to Auckland’s mana whenua.