A 32m tall Ferris wheel offering passengers a new view of the Waitemāta Harbour could soon be turning on Auckland’s waterfront, if it gets the green light.
US-based amusements firm Skyline Attractions has applied to operate the wheel for two years at the Queens Wharf Breastworks, council documents obtained by 1News show.
Sitting on the stretch of waterfront promenade east of the Ferry Building, the proposed wheel would carry up to 144 people in 24 gondolas and run daily between 10am and 10pm, with later hours sought on weekends and school holidays.
Plans also include a cultural centre, ticket booths and an ice cream cart.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the city’s cultural, events and destination agency, told 1News the wheel is one of its preferred options for the Quay Street Promenade, with a potential opening in December.
“However, the wheel remains subject to the necessary consents and approvals before plans can be confirmed,” said director of destination Annie Dundas.
Auckland Council said the application was lodged on October 16 and is being processed.
Premium consents manager Dean Williams said it would look to decide within 20 working days with no decision yet made on whether it would be publicly notified.
The promenade is part of wider plans to open the Central Wharves, which include Queens, Captain Cook and Marsden wharves and the Hobson Wharf Extension, to the public for the first time.
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