Auckland Harbour Bridge

Auckland Harbour Bridge

Introduction   It is one of the most iconic sights in Auckland. The bridge connects the north and south shores of Auckland’s busiest harbour — the Waitematā Harbour — and spans a total length of 1,020 metres. Built in 1959 and standing 43 metres above sea level, the bridge's original design load capacity could no longer meet the demands brought on by rapid economic and population growth. In 1969, Japanese experts were commissioned to redesign the bridge, widening it from the originally planned four lanes to six, effectively doubling its load capacity. Nowadays, the bridge handles over 115,000 vehicles per day during peak times. These two additional lanes are referred to as the “Japanese Addition.” Additionally, the Waitematā Harbour handles the highest cargo throughput in New Zealand.

It is said that there are more than ten thousand yachts (boats) across all the harbours in Auckland — meaning that, on average, every eight Aucklanders owns one. The annual rental fee for each yacht (boat) moored at the harbour alone amounts to NZD 10,000–20,000, not including maintenance, taxes, and other related costs. This is ample proof of Aucklanders’ special love for boats and also reflects their affluence. The harbour bridge together with the thousands of masts of the boats moored in the harbour forms a beautiful scene.

Auckland, New Zealand