Wellington Audio Tour: A Wellington Audio Adventure

Opened in July 2005 by the fabulous Mayor Kerry Prendergast, this place is all about nurturing the arts and cultural identity of New Zealand. With its two buildings, seven floors, and a buzzing atmosphere, it's no wonder this spot is a hotspot for creative minds. Inside, you'll find everything from artist studios to music rooms and rehearsal spaces. It's a home to various producers, festivals, and arts organizations, making it a melting pot of creativity. And hey, they even host quirky events like the Cuba Street Carnival and the New Zealand Fringe Festival! With nearly 40 talented visual artists working away and a gallery showcasing awesome exhibitions throughout the year, Toi Pōneke is a feast for the senses. Plus, they offer support to emerging artists, established organizations, and even us regular folks who want to dip our toes into the artsy pool. And let's not forget the dedicated team led by Eric Vaughn Holowacz, making sure the arts scene in Wellington stays vibrant and exciting. With a name meaning "Art of Wellington" in Māori, Toi Pōneke truly is a cultural gem worth exploring. So, let your creativity roam free as we continue our art-filled adventure in Wellington!

The building is like a Tudor dream, made of brick with decorative jarrah timber facings. Talk about fancy! It even had leadlight windows, a slightly projecting upper floor with exposed beams, and a lead rainwater head showing off the date 1908. Inside, you'd find wood paneling in the original hall, staircase, dining room, and drawing room - talk about a classy décor! Dr. McGavin lived here for quite a while before other cool organizations like the United Industries Club and The Red Cross took over. Now known as 'The Manor,' this building has seen it all, from supporting young women in the city to being a cozy spot for medium- to long-term renters. So next time you walk past McGavin House, give a nod to its historic charm and maybe imagine the stories its walls could tell. Now, let's head off to our next stop!

Hey there, welcome to Quasi, the quirky sculpture that definitely gets people talking! Created by New Zealand artist Ronnie van Hout, Quasi sits up high on the roof of City Gallery Wellington, showing off van Hout's unsmiling face perched on top of a gigantic 5-meter hand. Some folks have described it as "kinda creepy" or "a Lovecraftian nightmare come to life". But hey, art is open to interpretation, right? The name "Quasi" comes from Quasimodo, the hunchbacked character from The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, and the Latin prefix "quasi-" means "almost" or "as it were". This unique sculpture, made from polystyrene, steel, and resin, was actually created as a "partial self-portrait" by van Hout for his hometown of Christchurch after the 2011 earthquake. After stirring up some controversy in Christchurch, Quasi made its way here to Wellington in August 2019, where it plans to hang around for a few more years. Love it or hate it, this sculpture definitely leaves an impression! So, what do you think of Quasi? Fascinating or frightful?

Te Papa is all about embracing a bicultural philosophy and sharing the amazing stories behind its cultural treasures. Its history goes way back to the Colonial Museum established in 1865, which eventually evolved into the Dominion Museum and then the National Art Gallery. Quite the journey, right? It's like a museum's version of a glow-up! Fun fact: Te Papa Tongarewa translates to 'container of treasures' or 'container of treasured things and people that spring from mother Earth here in New Zealand'. How cool is that? So, get ready to explore the national identity of New Zealand while being surrounded by fascinating artifacts and stories. Enjoy your time at this treasure trove of a museum!

Ah, the Carter Fountain, a true Wellington landmark with quite an interesting history! Installed in 1973 as a gift to the city from the generous Hugh Carter, it spouts water an impressive 16 meters (52 ft) into the air. Did you know that this fountain was inspired by a similar one in Geneva? Talk about international flair right here in Wellington! And get this - it even has a wind sensor to prevent it from going wild in gusty conditions. Safety first, right? It's not just a fountain; it's a labor of love that honors George and Ella Carter and the people of Wellington. The dedication is truly touching, and the tale of its installation is both heartwarming and bittersweet. It's like a real-life drama unfolding right in the heart of the harbor. Now, let's take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and care that goes into maintaining this beauty. An electrician rowing out on a boat for monthly check-ups and divers giving the pump a twice-yearly inspection - it's like a whole team of specialists dedicated to keeping those waters dancing. And let's not forget the lights! Those LED lights are not only energy-efficient but also add a splash of color and magic to the fountain in the evening. It's like a mini light show right in the heart of the harbor. So next time you're near the Carter Fountain, take a moment to admire its beauty and remember the story behind this magnificent aquatic marvel. Oh, and watch out for the spray if it's a windy day!