Bird’s eye view, 1886

Bird’s eye view, 1886

Bird’s eye views were popular in the 19th century because they highlighted the scale of a town’s growth. The town of Auckland spreads beyond the frame, while the many ships suggest a busy port. Auckland Hospital, the Domain and Grafton gully are in the foreground. Queen Street runs diagonally across the centre to Queens Wharf. Freemans Bay is at top left.