Auckland's Viaduct Basin as it used to look

two views circa 1974 showing the then Travelodge Hotel at left.

looking east above the Westhaven marina

What used to be another part of Auckland port, dominated by its oil storage tanks, has in the last 15 years or so been turned into a residential and entertainment district and the process is not yet complete (see earlier posts).  The sites of the oil tanks have issues with seepage pollution apparently.

The name puzzles people as there is no viaduct in sight, only a low level bascule bridge built last year across the basin, initially for walkers and cyclists, although a more substantial bridge capable of carrying the tram is planned. The Viaduct Basin is so-called because of a failed scheme by the Auckland Harbour Board in the early 20th century. As the size of ships was increasing dramatically, rather than to build new wharves or dredge the harbour channels, it was proposed that cargo ships moor out in the Waitamata harbour channel and be unloaded into "lighters", small barges that would then ferry the goods to shore via the specially built wharves in the new "Viaduct Lighter Basin". The shipping companies refused to co-operate and forced the Harbour Board to engage in dredging and construct new wharves.

Next to the Viaduct Basin a fish market and various warehouses were constructed, including Turners & Growers Ltd, the city's main produce wholesalers. Timber mills were also in the area.

For more Auckland waterfront views in color from this era, see the book New Zealand Maritime Images: the golden years