The transforming city centre

CRL opens on 13 September 2026

Te Waihorotiu Station is one of two new underground stations built as part of Auckland's City Rail Link (CRL), with entrances on both Wellesley Street and Victoria Street. When the CRL officially opens, the station is expected to become one of Auckland's busiest transport hubs, connecting thousands of people each day and making it faster and easier to get around Auckland.

The opening marks a significant moment for the city centre, signalling the completion of one of New Zealand's largest transport infrastructure projects and ushering in a new era for Auckland's rail network.

On 29 July 2026, Heart of the City was proud to launch Restaurant Month 2026 at the station. The event gave invited guests a rare first look inside Auckland's newest transport landmark, weeks before it welcomes passengers through its doors.

Horotiu & Wāhine artworks

For thousands of passengers each day, one of their first experiences after arriving at Te Waihorotiu Station will be encountering Wāhine, followed by Horotiu as they continue towards Queen Street. Together, these striking artworks create a meaningful dialogue, with one offering a warm welcome and the other providing a strong sense of connection to place.

Wāhine portrays a Māori woman performing a karanga (ceremonial call of welcome). Positioned on a low plinth, the sculpture is carefully scaled and oriented to meet the eyes of manuhiri (visitors) as they ascend the station ramp. Serving as a powerful gesture of greeting, the artwork welcomes people into the heart of the city.

Further along Victoria Street West towards Queen Street stands Horotiu, a bronze sculpture of a large-scale tuna kūwharuwharu (longfin eel). Spiralling down to a basalt-paved footpath etched to reflect the historic Horotiu Stream, the artwork celebrates Auckland’s natural and cultural heritage while complementing Wāhine.

Discover more city centre public artworks, here. 

Faradays

Local luxury retailer Faradays is transforming the historic Milne & Choyce building at 131 Queen Street, transforming the landmark address into a premium three-level department store. The carefully curated destination will showcase an exclusive mix of fashion, beauty, lifestyle and homeware brands within a beautifully reimagined space that blends heritage architecture with contemporary luxury.

Adding to the excitement, acclaimed chef duo Josh and Helen Emett have announced plans to open Lottie's, a new restaurant on the store's first floor, creating a hospitality experience that complements the retail offering. Faradays has also revealed that SKIMS, the globally recognised brand founded by Kim Kardashian, will be among the first labels to join the Queen Street flagship, with further brand announcements expected to follow

High-end retail marking the city centre

Cartier

The iconic French Maison has opened its first New Zealand boutique, bringing its renowned jewellery, watches, fragrances and accessories to the city centre. Located on the corner of Queen Street and Fort Street in the heritage-listed former Imperial Hotel building, the boutique pairs historic architecture with a sophisticated, French-inspired interior. Cartier's signature deep red awnings make the store instantly recognisable.

Oroton

Commercial Bay welcomes Oroton, one of Australasia’s most iconic luxury lifestyle brands, to its premium retail precinct. Oroton brings a sophisticated mix of leather goods, accessories and contemporary fashion to the heart of downtown Auckland. More than just a store, the new Oroton space will offer customers an immersive brand experience, showcasing the label’s signature blend of modern Australian style and enduring luxury.

Michael Hill

Michael Hill has unveiled a stunning new flagship boutique on Queen Street, designed to deliver a more elevated and immersive shopping experience. As the first store in New Zealand to showcase Michael Hill's new retail concept, the space features a refreshed layout that encourages customers to move naturally through the collections. Thoughtfully designed and more intimate in feel, the boutique places greater focus on discovery, consultation, and meaningful customer interactions.

Britomart’s Next Major Development

Britomart Central has officially received resource consent, moving this highly anticipated development one step closer to reality. Blending thoughtful design, vibrant public spaces and unbeatable connectivity above Waitematā Station, it’s set to become one of Auckland’s most sought-after places to work.

Queens Arcade is undergoing a luxury transformation

For nearly a century, Queens Arcade has been a quiet constant in the lower Queen Street area. The arcade is now entering a new chapter, closing temporarily to undergo a major transformation, set to re-emerge as a luxury retail and wellness destination in November 2026.

The Arcade will create a new precinct showcasing boutique luxury brands, with an elevated and refined edge. As the building transforms, the story of the previous Queens Arcade's retailers continues elsewhere. Many long-standing businesses have closed their doors at the arcade for the final time choosing to establish new homes across the city center, carrying experience, and their offerings into new precincts!

Explore our guide to the stores who have relocated from Queens Arcade.

Britomart Central has officially received resource consent, moving this highly anticipated development one step closer to reality. Blending thoughtful design, vibrant public spaces and unbeatable connectivity above Waitematā Station, it’s set to become one of Auckland’s most sought-after places to work.

NZICC Opens, and St James Restoration Takes Shape

Just steps from the entrance of Te Waihorotiu Station, the New Zealand International Convention Centre is now open, with more than 120 events already booked for its first year. Alongside major conferences, the NZICC will host exhibitions, concerts and community events, all within easy reach of your train, favourite café or go‑to shopping spot. You can keep up to date with what is on here.

In 2025, news that the restoration of the St James Theatre was finally moving ahead was met with huge excitement across Auckland. The theatre is not only a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture, it also played host to countless unforgettable nights out before closing in 2016.

When it reopens, it will become a centrepiece of Midtown’s resurgence: a carefully restored landmark and a renewed home for theatre, music and major cultural moments.

Together with the opening of the NZICC and the City Rail Link, it signals a confident new era for the city centre’s arts scene. Once complete, the refurbished theatre will seat up to 1800 people and accommodate everything from opera and theatre productions to rock concerts.

Major restoration and strengthening work are currently underway to bring this grand dame back to life. Anyone interested in watching the restoration unfold can follow the project’s progress via once_upon_a_rebuild on Instagram

Te Ara Tukutuku's Transformation

Over the next 10-15 years, the northern end of  Wynyard Quarter (Wynyard Point) will be transformed into one of the most beautiful open spaces and waterfront destinations in Tāmaki Makaurau.  

The Te Ara Tukutuku vision is to enjoy, explore, connect with community, engage in nature, and interact with whenua (land) and wai (water) environments. 

The draft concept, shaped by public feedback, introduces unique features such as nature immersion, marine interaction, cultural connection, and community events. Visitors can explore coastal ngahere, engage with marine life, learn about Te Ao Māori, and participate in or watch community-led events. While scenic lookouts will offer 360-degree views of the city, harbour, waka ramp and marine restoration. The project was named as a finalist in the Unbuilt Landscape category in the global Architizer A+ Awards 2025. 

Initial work has already begun to rejuvenate the land.

Streets made for Wandering: Te Hā Noa (Victoria Street): 

It’s not just what’s opening, it’s how the city feels. 

Upgraded streets, widened footpaths, new planting and improved lighting are transforming areas across Midtown and lower Queen Street. The result is a city centre that feels more walkable, from slipping into a gallery to catching a show, greener throughout, and designed for people to linger over a coffee or lunch.

Te Hā Noa has a number of sections now complete, and it's a great to get a glimpse into what the finished project will look like, with plenty of lush native trees and plants, places to sit, beautifully carved pavers, public artwork and a drinking fountain. It’s a wonderful place to relax and unwind after shopping on Queen Street and home to lots of fabulous eateries - including  Scarecrow , Cinnamon Squared and  Scrunchy Millers on Victoria Street.  Te Hā Noa covers the length of Victoria Street from Federal Street to Albert Park, centred around the new Te Waihorotiu CRL station. When the final section between Queen Street and Lorne Street is completed later this year, it will be fully open as a lively linear park for everyone to enjoy.