The latest evolution of Auckland’s city centre is here, with completion of the first stage of the Wellesley Street Bus Improvements project.
With thousands of people expected to use Te Waihorotiu Station daily after City Rail Link (CRL) opens, Wellesley Street is set to become a key transport hub, and new gateway to the city, connecting high-frequency buses, trains, and walking and cycling routes.
Councillor Andy Baker, Chair of the Transport and Infrastructure Delivery Committee, says the aim was to achieve a cohesive ‘system’ for these two historic east-west streets – Wellesley and Victoria Streets - as both have portals into and out of Te Waihorotiu Station.
“Seeing this phase of the Wellesley Street bus interchange open and operating is a big moment for Auckland. It brings to fruition for Aucklanders a smart street design for midtown, ahead of the City Rail Link opening later this year.
“Wellesley Street is now a priority bus corridor, and Victoria Street retains access for cars and delivery vehicles alongside pedestrians and cyclists. The last section of the current works in Victoria Street will be finished later this year. Watercare’s underground upgrade is complete there,” he says.
Wellesley and Victoria Streets were once dense traffic routes carrying four lanes of cars, trucks and buses, as well as cyclists, pedestrians and e-scooters, all sharing the same limited corridor. The spaces were congested, with poor air quality and safety concerns.
In the redesign, these aspects have been addressed. Learn more about the rationale for the design of these two streets on OurAuckland.
New bus interchange
Features of the newly improved Wellesley Street - the section between Albert and Queen Streets - include:
- New bus shelters and wider footpaths
- Improved pedestrian crossings
- New paving, seating, and street lighting
- Amenities in public spaces around the new station
- Better priority for buses heading eastbound along Wellesley Street
- Access changes for general traffic with bus only lanes between Elliott and Queen Streets 7am-7pm daily – local access to Elliott Street will continue.
By 2032, Wellesley Street will see 2,200 buses per day using the corridor, up from 1,300 per day currently. It connects university campuses, key city centre destinations including major venues like the Aotea Centre, the New Zealand International Convention Centre, workplaces, hotels, bars and restaurants, and Victoria Quarter, making it a vital part of Auckland’s transport network.
Partnering with mana whenua
Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Manu) and Ted Ngatakai (Ngāti Tamaoho) designed artistic features for the bus shelters and the pavement.
At a karakia led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei last week, Ted spoke to the design known as māngai and kaitiaki, stating before the arrival of settlers “these were everywhere” and Graham shared his design was inspired by Te Taiao, symbolising the trickling down of water from Te Waihorotiu stream that runs through midtown down to the Waitematā.
Journey experiences
AT’s Head of Public Transport Services Planning & Development Pete Moth says upgrading Wellesley Street will prioritise public transport and people on foot.
“This project is focused on making Wellesley Street a more inviting public space and thriving transport hub - whether you're walking, catching public transport, or spending time in the area.
“This project will provide additional bus priority, wider footpaths and better-quality waiting environments and bus shelters for passengers, right outside the fantastic new Te Waihorotiu station.
“This project is the first stage of AT and Council’s longer-term vision for Wellesley Street, which will ultimately provide better journey experiences along the whole 2.2 kilometre corridor.
“We want to give a massive thanks to local businesses, residents and others for their patience during construction,” says Mr Moth.
The new streetscape will feel safer and more welcoming with new paving, road surfacing, a signalised pedestrian crossing, street furniture and lighting. These changes will help create a more accessible and inviting space for everyone.
For customers hopping on or off the bus on Wellesley Street or Mayoral Drive North, new bus stops will be open for service. Information on new bus stop locations can be found on AT Mobile, the AT Website, or following the signs on site. AT Ambassadors will be on-street for a few days to help our customers find their bus-stop.
For more on the new Wellesley Street bus interchange:
Transforming Wellesley St for a better-connected city centre
Future-proofing
Invisible, but critical to the future-proofing of midtown as it turns into a thriving commercial, retail, residential and entertainment neighbourhood, new powerlines and ducting have been installed and 150-year-old water systems have been improved below the surface. These high-quality upgrades will have a life expectancy of 50+ years.
The platforms of the much-awaited CRL underground station - Te Waihorotiu Station – sit below the surface too, anchored by two entrances in Wellesley Street and Victoria Street.
This station and the new CRL network will begin operations in the second half of this year.