subject: Viaduct Basin, a modern entertainment hub [print this page] Viaduct Basin or Viaduct Harbour as it is often known is located on the waterfront of Auckland and was previously a harbour for trading activities. Today it has been transformed into a major modern development with numerous mostly high-end restaurants, apartments and offices. Additionally a multitude of lively bars, cafes and pubs have made it a hub for nightlife and entertainment. Bronze plaques surrounding the boardwalk provide details of the area's maritime history. Visitors may take water taxi tours of the area and most travellers will be awestruck by the majestic super yachts docked in the harbour.
In recent years the Viaduct Basin gained fame and increased in popularity as one of the base areas for the 2000 America's Cup yachting extravaganza and associated racing syndicate. Since then the Viaduct Basin has maintained its status as a leisure and entertainment centre for both locals and foreign visitors.
The Viaduct Basin derives its name from a stillborn scheme by the Auckland Harbour Board in the early 20th century. With the ever increasing size of the ships entering the harbour, instead of dredging the channels of the harbour or building new wharves, it was suggested that ships dock in the external Waitamata Harbour, from where small barges would transport goods to the specially built Viaduct Lighter Basin'. However the shipping companies refused to cooperate and the Harbour Board was compelled to make the necessary modifications. This left the newly constructed lighter basin without a genuine purpose and it was used to dock fishing vessels; a fish market and warehouses were created in the environs.
The 1990s saw the Viaduct Basin redeveloped as a residential and leisure area with restaurants and apartments. Many of the resulting buildings are thought to be very elegant, and many public areas were also incorporated into the development, with meticulous design and landscaping.
The Viaduct Harbour has established itself as a leading venue for both land and water based functions. Featuring an array of function centres, restaurants and bars, open spaces and charter boat facilities, the harbour is definitely a scene for exciting events.
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