Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington Architecture: A Walking Guide by John Walsh and Patrick Reynolds

This guide is a must-have for anyone interested in walking the streets of Wellington and better understanding the architecture and history of 126 of Wellington’s most iconic buildings. The walks stretch from Oriental Bay to Thorndon.

This is a colourful, compact guide, and a very handy size to have with you when you walk the streets. There are maps, and each featured building includes a one-page colour photo and a one-page text summary, which gives you all you need to know about its history and significance. The book is divided into five routes: Harbourside, Te Aro Flat, Central spine, CBD and West Side.

There are so many interesting buildings to learn about. Wellington Museum, which was the former Harbour Board Office and Bond Store, and dates back to 1880. The Link Building, a structure designed by Roger Walker and constructed in 1968, is an example of modernism and is now utilised by the ambulance service. The Freyberg Pool is rightfully in the historic places category one. The Embassy Theatre, which I recall from my childhood in the Wellington region, is a grand 1800-seat theatre with a fascinating history. The Hannah Playhouse was constructed in 1973 and is still an iconic building in the city. The Wesley Methodist Church dates back to the 1880s, with a history of earthquakes and fires.

The former Albemarle Hotel dates back to 1906, and is an example of Edwardian architecture. It has recently been restored. While it’s now deemed to be an earthquake risk, the Michael Fowler Centre was completed in 1983, but even back then, it had a history of poor planning. The Hotel St George is one of the Capital’s most significant Art Deco Buildings. These are just a handful of examples from the book.

From historic buildings, churches, apartments, and business blocks, this well-thought-out book is a fabulous guide to old and new buildings in Wellington, and is perfect for both locals and visitors.

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

Massey University Press