Central Auckland has many sites and buildings of historic significance. A small selection of the places open to the public are presented here
Albert Barracks Wall
The barracks and the polygonal wall were begun in 1846 to ward of possible attack by Hone Heke. The
fortifications were built by Maori workmen using stone quarried from Mt Eden. The 3.6m high wall had 'loopholes' through which soldiers could fire. The barracks covered 9.2 hectares and accommodated a thousand soldiers. Once the barracks were no longer required, the wall was gradually removed; only this portion, which lies within the grounds of Auckland University, remains.
Auckland Railway Station - Beach Road
A new location was chosen during the 1920s for the main rail terminus. The station building, designed by
architects Gummer and Ford, was constructed between 1929 and 1931 of reinforced concrete with brick facing. It has an impressive entrance and concourse. Trains and travel were the inspiration for the decorative motifs used throughout the design, and stylised wheels were used as rosettes on the
facade. The train platforms have reinforced concrete cantilevered canopies that are both pleasing and functional.
The railway station was converted to student accomodation in the late 1990's. A cafe operates in the main concourse, but most of the buidling is closed to the public. However, the
platforms and their canopies are still in use, clearly visible to any passenger or visitor to the station. The main building can also be viewed from the platforms.
Bluestone Store - Open: Now operates as a bar and restaurant
This volcanic stone warehouse is the oldest remaining commercial building in the central city and has had
a number of varied uses including the manufacture of Kiwi boot polish. The carefully detailed two-storey stone building with a gabled roof was probably designed by Reader Wood in 1861 as a warehouse for storekeepers Bernhard Levy and Nathan Goldwater
Former Government House - Corner of Princes St and Waterloo Quadrant
Completed in 1856 Auckland's second Government House was designed by William Mason to replace the former prefabricated building from England. The building is classical in style with much of the timber detailed to resemble stone. For 113 years the house was the viceregal residence and it is now part of the university.
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