Tāmaki Bridge History Walk

This walk acknowledges aspects of Māori and colonial histories in the district. The land bordering the Tāmaki River was an important portage spot for early ancestors of the Tainui waka and Te Waiohua. It served as an important avenue of trade for Māori on the east and west coasts until the 1860s. Popular items included vegetables, dried fish, and flax, transported via waka through Papatoetoe for trade across the wider Tāmaki Makaurau area. The flat and narrow terrain made the area unsuitable for pā—fortified settlements, especially with numerous war parties passing through the area during the 1700s and early 1800s.

In January 1836, missionary William Thomas Fairburn purchased a vast swathe of land from local tribes, covering the area from the mouth of the Wairoa River to the South as far as Papakura. The Crown later reviewed this claim and significantly reduced the size the acquired area. The remaining parts were sold as Crown grants, including the land south of the Tāmaki River that later became Papatoetoe. Settlement was encouraged with the opening of a bridge across the river in April 1851, connecting it with the southern part of Ōtāhuhu.

Over the years this connection between the two suburbs became central to the formation of the communities on both sides of the bridge, allowing access, trade, and transport between locations that were interspersed at the time. Signs of this long history are still visible today.

Terrain: Concrete footpaths alongside a busy road. Only cross the road when instructed and when safe to do so.

Starting Point: Grange Road, Papatoetoe

Parking: Street parking, including along side streets. Taking public transport to the starting point of the tour is encouraged. The nearest stop is at the corner of Great South Road and Grange Road.

Disclaimer: This walk is along public roads and includes historical facts about the buildings and the area. Most of the sites are private businesses or homes. Please respect the environment and do not trespass on private property. Neither Auckland Council nor private property owners accept responsibility for any loss, damage, or injury to you or your property arising from use of this tour.

Copyright 2023 Auckland Council. Auckland Council holds all copyrights associated with this tour. You may not copy or reproduce the content of this tour without permission from Auckland Council. Auckland Council has taken every care to ensure that the information contained in this tour is accurate, but accepts no responsibility arising from, or in connection with, your use of this tour and the information contained in it.