Take a trip back in time: see Auckland from 1939 to 2025

Ever wondered what your street looked like before the motorway arrived? Or whether your suburb was once farmland, coastline or open countryside?

Now Aucklanders can take a fascinating trip through time using historical aerial imagery available on Auckland Council's GeoMaps.

Recently added imagery from the 1940s through to the 2000s lets you compare decades of change across the region. Whether you're a history buff, urban development enthusiast, genealogy detective or simply curious about where you live, there's plenty to explore.

From growing suburbs and disappearing orchards to changing shorelines and new transport links, the images reveal how dramatically Auckland has transformed over the years.

Five fascinating glimpses into Auckland's past

Using the GeoMaps aerial timeslider tool, we found some intriguing examples of Auckland then and now.

1. Custom St Viaduct

A map of the Custom St Viaduct in the 1940s

Custom St Viaduct in the 1940s was a working waterfront lined with wharves, warehouses and industry, centred on trade and shipping.

The Viaduct has evolved into one of Auckland's most popular waterfront destinations. Today it's home to apartments, offices, restaurants, public spaces and major events, while still retaining strong connections to its maritime past.

2. Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay in the 1940s was mostly open farmland and undeveloped coastline surrounded the bay, with only a small amount of housing.

Half Moon Bay has grown into a well-established suburb with a busy marina and improved transport links, including the Eastern Busway and nearby road connections that make it easier to travel across the city.

3. Northcote

Farmland, open space and small settlements covered much of the area north of the Waitematā Harbour including Northcote in the 1940s.

Much of that rural landscape has given way to housing, schools, shopping areas and transport infrastructure, reflecting the wider growth of Auckland's North Shore.

4. Papatoetoe

Orchards, farms and open paddocks stretched across the landscape of Papatoetoe in the 1940s.

As the population has grown, Papatoetoe has continued to develop, with upgrades to community spaces such as Stadium Reserve helping to support an increasingly diverse and growing neighbourhood.

5. Scenic Drive, Titirangi

Scenic Drive in Titirangi during the 1940s was surrounded by native bush, the area saw little development and was defined by its natural environment.

Titirangi remains known for its bush-covered character, but the images show how housing has gradually become part of the landscape over time. They also highlight the ongoing balance between accommodating growth and protecting the area's natural heritage.

Why does this matter?

Historical aerial imagery isn't just interesting to look at.

The imagery helps Auckland Council understand urban growth, environmental change, heritage, land use and flood resilience. It can show how stream channels have shifted over time, help identify historic land uses and provide valuable insight into how Auckland's landscape has evolved.

For Aucklanders, it's also a unique opportunity to see the city's story unfold from above.

How to explore your neighbourhood

Ready to see what your suburb looked like decades ago?

Visit Auckland Council GeoMaps.
Click the clock icon with the circular arrow to open the aerial timeslider tool.
In the search bar, select Places, Road or Address, or simply zoom in to the area of interest on the aerial photograph.
Type the name of the suburb, road or even the address you'd like to explore.
Once the aerial image appears, use the timeslider to move backwards and forwards through the decades.

See Auckland's history unfold before your eyes.

Whether you're revisiting childhood memories, researching local history or simply indulging your inner geography nerd, there's never been an easier way to see how Auckland has changed through time. Start exploring and see what stories your neighbourhood has to tell.