In the centre of New Zealand's capital city is the open-air Wellington Civic Square. The iconic buildings, public sculptures and open spaces celebrate New Zealand’s arts, culture and lifestyle. Enjoy the square at all hours: During the day relax under the sun, admire the artworks, sit with a coffee or a bite to eat and watch the office workers as they go about their business. At night, unwind with the cool breeze from the sea on your skin and meander through the plaza among the illuminated sculptures.
The various public artworks in the square display aspects of New Zealand's natural landscape and Māori customs and folklore. In the centre of the plaza is one of the city’s most photographed sites: An impressive circular sculpture that appears to be floating over the square. The steel sculpture represents New Zealand's five native ferns.
Stroll through the open area to view the 15 sculptured palm trees, created from steel, cooper and zinc. Walk through the centre of Te Aho a Maui, an artwork known as the split pyramid. Observe that the sculpture is symbolic of a mountain that has been divided in two, where the walkway represents a fishing line that leads from the mountains to the sea.
There are a number of iconic buildings around the square to explore. Discover the architectural highlights of the Central Library and the historic Town Hall. Admire some of New Zealand’s foremost contemporary art at the City Gallery and hear the New Zealand Orchestra play in the renowned Michael Fowler Centre.
Wellington Civic Square is an easy walk from anywhere in central Wellington. Situated between the Town Hall and City Gallery, it marks the border between the entertainment district in the south of the city and the financial district in the north. If you are walking to the square from the waterfront, take the City to Sea Bridge and admire this impressive art installation, which also functions as a pedestrian flyover.
