Old BNZ Building

The Old BNZ Building is a four-story office structure with red brick walls, decorative stonework, arched windows, and detailed cornices along Hunter Street. Today it serves as a mixed-use space with retail stores and commercial offices inside.

The structure was built in 1901 as the main headquarters for the Bank of New Zealand, marking a shift when the bank moved its operations from London back to Wellington. It was later combined with three other bank buildings to form a connected architectural complex.

The building shows Edwardian design with symmetrical columns and classical details common in early 20th century New Zealand architecture. Its red brick and ornamental features reflect the Victorian style that shaped Wellington's character.

The building sits in central Wellington and is easy to walk to, with shops and offices directly accessible from the street. Visitors can admire the exterior architecture anytime and explore the interior businesses during regular store hours.

The building is part of the Old Bank Arcade, a collection of four separate bank structures that together form one unified exterior space. This unusual arrangement shows how multiple historic structures were harmoniously blended into a modern retail complex.

Location: Wellington City

Inception: 1901

Architects: Thomas Turnbull

Architectural style: Edwardian architecture

Address: 239-247 Lambton Quay, Wellington, 6011

GPS coordinates: -41.28607,174.77629

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:43