1 / 2The Big Wheel
📍 Auckland CBD, Auckland
Free waterfront landmark at the top of Wynyard Wharf featuring two eight-tonne cog wheels preserved from the steam dredge Whakarire. Offers panoramic views of Auckland Harbour Bridge and the city skyline. Easy walk from the pier.
Nice big wheel. Beautiful view from here. Can take photos. At the top end of Wynyard Wharf one finds a giant axle connecting two giant cogwheels – eight tons apiece – relics from a steam dredge “Whakarire” where they transmitted the power to the bucket chain.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Reviewers appreciate the industrial history and harbour views: "Nice big wheel. Beautiful view from here... relics from a steam dredge where they transmitted the power to the bucket chain." Another describes it as "a great view of the City and Port" — a recommended scenic photo stop with a relaxing waterfront atmosphere.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →420 Google reviews
Nesh khalifa
a year ago
“Nice big wheel. Beautiful view from here. Can take photos. At the top end of Wynyard Wharf one finds a giant axle connecting two giant cogwheels – eight tons apiece – relics from a steam dredge “Whakarire” where they transmitted the power to the bucket chain.”
Emily
8 months ago
“Nice spot if you don’t have anything special planned. It has a relaxing atmosphere and feels like a good place to take a break from the big city. You also get a great view of the city and the bridge :)”
Mikey Dee
4 months ago
“Awesome view of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Great to check it out before the lights going out at night. Highly recommend this spot for a great view of the City and Port also.”
Can Akcali
2 months ago
“It’s an easy walk from the pier and the big wheel is alright if you fancy a quick ride and a look at the views. That said, there isn’t a great deal else around, so it’s not somewhere you’d spend loads of time, but it’s fine for a short stop.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Big Wheel is a preserved industrial landmark at the end of Wynyard Wharf in Auckland. Two eight-tonne cog wheels — relics from the 19th-century steam dredge Whakarire — sit connected by a giant axle where they once transmitted power to a bucket chain. The site provides clear sightlines to Auckland Harbour Bridge and the city port, making it a popular stop for photographs. Free to visit, accessible at all hours, and an easy walk from the main Wynyard Quarter pier.
