Great South Road

‘Great South Road’ as a term that first came into use around 1849 when Ann’s bridge was built in the northern part of Ōtāhuhu. When the bridge across the Tāmaki River was added in 1851 the route grew southward as far as Papakura due to frequent use by farmers and travellers. By 1855 the road went as far as Drury, and the Auckland Provincial Council began efforts to improve its quality and to construct bridges further south.

Despite this, the condition of the road deteriorated over the decades, with its upkeep largely being left to the local bodies along the way. This changed in 1923 when the Great South Road association formed to lobby for the restoration of the road. The next year, the Great South Road was officially declared a Main Highway by the Main Highways Board to promote its improvement. In 1927, the Great South Road Beautifying Council was created to undertake conservation and beautification projects for the road. The group was only disbanded in 1983.

Continue walking north along Great South Road until reaching the signalled crossing. Take the crossing across Great South Road.