Improving visitor information.

The summit of Mt Victoria with its breath-taking view over Wellington city and beyond is a popular visitor destination. Significant cultural and historical meaning is associated with the site, for both Māori and European alike. However, once at the summit, there were no indications of the stories associated with this commanding site.

Boffa Miskell was initially commissioned in early 2004 to upgrade the Mt Victoria Summit lookout and carpark area. We were familiar with the site having earlier prepared the Wellington Town Belt Management Plan in 1994 and the Town Belt Vegetation Implementation Plan in 2000.

The scope of the design was expanded and the design team identified the opportunity to broaden the experience for visitors by extending the project area to include an important part of the ridgeline.

Worked with

Connell Wagner
Corada
H.R.S. New Zealand Ltd
Natural Textures
Wellington City Council (WCC)
Wellington Tenths Trust

Project date

2004 - 2007

Awards

Bronze Award | Landscape Design Category, Rural / Park / Recreational | NZ Institute of Landscape Architects / Resene 'Pride of Place' Awards

Mt Victoria forms part of a significant ridgeline that dominates the Wellington skyline and horizon. With 360° views, and a surrounding landscape composed of important cultural, historical, and geological features, it is buffeted by the notorious Wellington winds. The summit is part of ‘Te Ranga a Hiwi’ Maori precinct - a ridgeline of great significance to Maori. It is also part of Wellington’s Town Belt. A number of memorials exist on the site, including the Byrd Memorial – an imposing mixed media structure of ceramic, concrete, brass and marble.

Boffa Miskell’s design response sought to enhance visitor experience of Mt Victoria through improving links to cultural heritage, pedestrian access, routes and amenity, vehicular circulation, viewing experience, public amenities, reducing anti-social behaviours and improving access and parking.

Consultation by Wellington City Council and the design team was an integral part of the process. Three key Maori legends relating to Mt Victoria were selected and approved to develop the design concepts.

Each story brings a new level of interpretation to the site as they are told and referenced through site elements such as signage, artwork and furniture. Other panels provide insight into the Wellington wind speeds, harbour reclamations, earthquake faultlines and the Town Belt.

A new pou, designed by Rangi Hetete, carved by Sunny Davis and cast by Scott Eastwood was accommodated in the design and has been installed. This is part of the city’s Maori Heritage Trail, ‘Te Ara O Nga Tupuna’ (the path to our ancestors). European history was considered well-represented via several elements and monuments on the site. These needed suitable directional signage and in some instances, informational signage providing interpretation or describing their significance and relevance for Wellington.


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