Wellington Waterfront

When ships deserted Wellington’s old wharves for a container terminal, the redundant wharf sheds, Bond Store and Harbour Board Offices were saved from possible demolition and now hum with new life.The 1891 Bond Store now houses the Museum of Wellington.. A highly recommended visit for an insight into Wellington history. Admission is free.

The building housing the museum was once the Wellington Harbour Board Head Office. The French Second Empire style building was designed in 1890 by Frederick de Jersey Clere.
Also on the waterfront you will find cafes and restaurants, kayak hire, sculptures, the Writers Walk and Circa Theatre.

In the 1890's the scene was different:

QUEEN'S WHARF, WELLINGTON.-

The accommodation for shipping in the Port of Wellington is principally concentrated at the Queen's Wharf. Commenced on a small scale by the Provincial Govern­ment in 1862, the wbarf has grown to its present size., and has now berthage alongside for six of the largest ocean steamers as well as for a large number of coastal and inter-colonial vessels. The depth of water in its principal berths exceeds that drawn by the largest ocean steamers. The cranage service is good, comprising a forty-ton and a ten-ton crane, and seventeen cranes capable of lifting two tons each, and all worked, as well as other appliances, from a central hydraulic pumping installation. Ample storage accommodation is provided for each berth.

Image credits: Glen Butler Night & Light Photography, Wellington Harbour, 1894, Wellington, by James Nairn. Gift of Miss Mary Newton, 1939. Te Papa