Gateway to New Zealand : Official Opening of Overseas Passenger Terminal

Designed by former Wellington Mayor Sir Michael Fowler's architectural firm of Morton, Calder, Fowler & Styles, the Overseas Passenger Terminal introduced a splash of pacific modernism to Wellington's wharves when it was built by the harbour board in 1964. It was constructed to replace the cramped and run-down passenger facilities on the western side of the inner-harbour with a glamorous building which mimicked the lines of an ocean liner yet was more in keeping with the modern design of international airports of the era. It included waiting lounges, a restaurant, cafe and customs & immigration facilities. However, the start of the 'jet age' at almost exactly the same time (both Christchurch and Auckland International airports were operating by early 1966) meant that the terminal was essentially became obsolete shortly after it opened as the number of international passenger ships arriving into Wellington steeply declined. Lacking any significant cargo handling facilities, the terminal became a venue for exhibitions, conferences, trade displays, community events and over the years housed a number of different restaurants and businesses. With the harsh marine environment making maintenance expensive and with the facility struggling to find a useful purpose, in 2012 the structure was demolished and replaced with an apartment complex which references the design and incorporates several elements of the original building.