Stunning historical images show Auckland's transformation

Last Updated : 10 Oct 2018

These historical photos from the Sir George Grey Collection at Auckland Libraries, juxtaposed with contemporary images, show Auckland's transformation.

Find out more about our region's past at the Auckland Heritage Festival, and visit OurAuckland for more stories and images.

Queen street then
Queen Street now

Taken on 11 September 1907, this image looks south from the junction of Greys Avenue (right foreground) up Queen Street, showing the site of the Auckland Town Hall, a horse trough, gas lamp, horse and cart (centre foreground), premises of Walker Brothers (on the corner of Airedale Street), saddlers (left) and Smith and Caughey Limited, upholstery factory (right of centre).

Photo: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries

Harbour bridge old
Harbour bridge new

Taken in March 1958 this image is a 35mm colour slide looking from Northcote Wharf, showing the Auckland Harbour Bridge under construction.

Photo: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries

Ferry building then
Ferry building now

Taken on 3 December 1919, this image looks east along the waterfront from the vicinity of Hobson Wharf, showing Quay Street West, the ferry jetty, part of Queens Wharf, the Ferry Buildings, Auckland Harbour Board offices, premises of George Henning Limited and launches at the landing.

Photo: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries

Queens Wharf then
Queens Wharf now

This image shows strike breakers on horseback guarding the Devonport Steam Ferry Company's offices during the Auckland Waterfront Strike, November 1913.

Photo: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries

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