Taranaki Wharf Jump Platform - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

AO Edited

Taranaki Wharf Jump Platform

Wellington, New Zealand

A winding staircase that appears to lead to nowhere is actually a diving platform into the Wellington Harbour. 

View all photos
A diver leaps into the air. Justine Hall / Wellington City Council (Creative Commons)
A diver leaps into the air. Justine Hall / Wellington City Council (Creative Commons)
The Taranaki Wharf Jump Platform is incredibly popular with locals. Darcy Lawrey (Creative Commons)
Divers jump from the Taranaki Wharf Jump Platform. Justine Hall / Wellington City Council (Creative Commons)
The platform is free for everyone to use. Justine Hall / Wellington City Council (Creative Commons)
46
34
Top Places in Wellington
The MONIAC at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's Museum and Education Centre
Moniac Machine
Wellington, New Zealand
Colossal Squid
Wellington, New Zealand
Wrights Hill Fortress
Wellington, New Zealand
 See All

Perched on top of the historic Taranaki wharf piles, a 7.5-meter-tall steel spiral “staircase” offers divers a thrilling plunge into Wellington Harbour. On warm days, locals can be seen leaping from the top of the Taranaki Wharf Jump Platform.

If approaching from a distance, it may appear that people are plummeting from the staircase straight into the asphalt below. Jumpers land into a semi-enclosed space, shielding swimmers from sea currents.

Before its construction, locals erected makeshift dive boards or leaped from buildings into the sea. Designed by Wright + Associates (Wa) in 2013, the platform offers swimmers a safe and fun splash into the frigid waters below. 

Know Before You Go

Check water conditions before jumping or swimming in the Wellington Harbour. Visit the Land Water Air Aotearoa for water quality reports.

Atlas Obscura Trips

Wild New Zealand: Exploring the North & South Islands

Stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich Māori culture.
Book Now
diving water
Community Contributors
tattarattat
Added by
tattarattat
Published
February 27, 2024
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
Bucket Fountain
0.23 miles
Colossal Squid
0.42 miles
Quasi
0.44 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Bucket Fountain
Wellington, New Zealand

Bucket Fountain

Referred to as "the crappiest fountain ever," this sculpture has been splashing unknowing passersby since 1969.
Wellington, New Zealand

Colossal Squid

The world's only complete colossal squid specimen is on display at the Te Papa Museum.
Wellington, New Zealand

Quasi

The 16-foot sculpture of a hand looks out from his perch on top of an art gallery.
Wellington, New Zealand

Nairn's Street Cottage

Journey through time by touring Wellington's oldest original cottage.
Related Places
Lake Eacham, Australia

Lake Eacham

A pristine crater lake 12,000 years in the making, with waters like cut glass.
a small lake along a stone path next to a small one-story white building surrounded by grass
Swanwick, England

Andark Lake

One of the country's largest diving schools set in a picturesque nature reserve.
Williston, Florida

Blue Grotto

Discover diverse aquatic life and befriend resident turtles at this private diving grotto in north Florida.
El Buzo
Bucerías, Mexico

'El Buzo' ('The Diver')

A sculpture dedicated to the trade that gave the town its name.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web