What's New Auckland? Autumn 2025
What's New Auckland? Autumn 2025
After a stunning summer hosting the Sail GP, over 105 cruise ships and yes, New Zealand’s Best Manu winner, Auckland Tamaki Makaurau is not slowing down as the temperatures drop. More importantly, the city of cones is slowly transforming into a strollable city of chic. As professional guides, we are the walking concierge of the city so here’s our insider guide on what’s new:
Midtown Masterplan: Pictured is a sneak peak of the new 21-story Symphony Centre, a mix of 78 apartments, restaurants and retail positioned above the new CRL station abutting Aotea Square. The striking, wedge-shaped design is a response to the sunlit angles reflecting off the square.
But would you pay the asking penthouse price of $11.6 million to live above a train station?
Many feel it is the investment Auckland’s tired midtown needs, along with the council-funded restoration of the heritage St James Theatre on Queen St. The new midtown station, Te Waihoritiu, named after the ancient creek which runs under Queen St, is tipped to be the country’s busiest once it opens in 2026.
Midtown’s Metropolis makes the news: Once the highest apartment in NZ, the three-level penthouse on the 40-story Metropolis tower recently sold for around $6 million, well below the $10 million asking price. An absolute bargain exclaim our American visitors.
More People, Less Port on the Waterfront.
Great news for residents! Auckland Council have approved the first stage of waterfront land release, namely the Central Wharves. The priorities include splitting cruise from city ferries, reducing freight through downtown and importantly opening up more waterfront access for us.
The project spans Queens Wharf, Captain Cook Wharf, Marsden Wharf and the Hobson Wharf Extension and will include access to the sea and land on the locked-off side of the heritage red fence. Can't wait to dip our toes in the sea downtown.
Where to meet up next: As summer fades, here’s a few favourite cosy spots in the central city. Hope to see you there!
- Ground Bar, O’Connell St. A new underground bar with speak easy vibes sited in an old bank vault. The wine sommelier is outstanding only matched by the highbrow selection of NZ and international wines.
- Little Culprit, Wyndham St. Cool decor, cosy cubicles and gorgeous grazing platters to wile away an evening.
- The Receptionist, Exchange Lane. Great coffee and stylish black-tied baristas in a tucked away lane off Queen Street.
- Vie; this Auckland iconic dish winner has opened a bigger site in Chancery Square, still serving up their popular Banh Xeo and other light, savoury Vietnamese-inspired food.
- Honey Cafe, Auckland Public Library. For the best homestyle date scones, piping hot coffee, free books, WIFI and a chance to mix with us literary locals.
May is NZ Music Month. Did you know that Auckland was named an official UNESCO City of Music in 2017? Here’s what’s coming up over winter in the city of song.
Our Hot Pick: Opera in the Strand (from May 1). This free event featuring promising young NZ opera singers will lift the roof off the grand old Strand, Auckland’s first promenade ‘mall’ (1900). The Strand is undergoing something of a renaissance in the build up to the new City Rail Link (CRL) or subway completion. Popular snack bar Toasties have just moved in and the arcade is hosting various retail pop-ups.
More Rave Reviews
We had a blast over summer hosting first-time visitors to New Zealand. Whether it was on our top-rated Taste Auckland food tour or a bespoke, private walking tour, we cherished our guests. Here’s how guest Grace summed up her private family food tour with us:
The Best Food Tour in Auckland
My family and I have tried food tours all over the world; this was one of our favorites. Guide Debbie is very knowledgeable about Auckland’s history, Maori culture, and the best quality food the city has to offer. We learned a lot, had the best time, and ate the most delicious NZ food including yummy lamb kebabs, snapper, venison pie, mussels, ice cream, and chocolate. We learned something interesting at each of the stops. Debbie even took us to two grocery shops to pick up Auckland candies and drinks we wanted to try. I highly recommend this food tour and guide.
Meet your Aucky Walky Team here and please join us on an Auckland walking tour soon.
Ka kite ano hoa. See you later friends.