View eccentric public art and Wellington’s major buildings in Civic Square, the city’s central plaza. The history and culture of New Zealand are on display in this waterfront square. Lunch with area office workers, photograph interesting sculptures and watch a classical music performance at one of New Zealand’s proudest concert halls.
Civic Square’s main landmark is the steel ball that appears to hover over the square. Look closely to see that the sphere is not solid steel, but hollow and laced with leaf patterns. It represents the five fern species native to New Zealand. More metallic flora can be seen in the 15 metal palm tree sculptures scattered around the area. Come back to the square at night to see the sculptures gleaming with floodlights.
Other sculptures in the square pay homage to Māori folklore. Te Aho a Maui, translated as “the Fishing Line of Māui”, is a pyramid sculpture depicting the Māori creation myth. Walk through the walkway dividing the pyramid in two. The walkway represents a fishing line running through the mountains, based on the Māori legend that the land of New Zealand began as the body of a giant fish.
Tour the buildings surrounding Civic Square. Contemporary art by New Zealanders is on display at the City Gallery. Admire the pillars of the historic Wellington Town Hall and browse the stacks of the Central Library. Return in the evening to see a concert at the Michael Fowler Centre, one of the country’s most admired concert halls.
Situated between the northerly financial district and the southerly entertainment district, Civic Square is accessible on foot from anywhere in central Wellington. Arrive from the harbour by the City to Sea Bridge, which is filled with public art.
