18/08/2026
Glad to see some progress 😊
Amora Hotel Upgrade Moves Inside 🏨
After years of standing dormant and slightly taciturn on Wakefield Street, the Amora Hotel is finally showing encouraging signs of progress.
Scaffolding and wire fencing around the building have now come down as the building’s construction moves into its internal-upgrade phase.
For Wellingtonians who have watched the prominent hotel sit closed since the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, the revealed exterior is a welcome change, and a visible sign of progress.
In its heyday, the Amora was one of Wellington’s best-known hotels. It hosted international sports teams, touring musicians and international dignitaries, while its large conference and function spaces were popular for corporate events, weddings, galas and political gatherings.
Many locals will also remember stopping at the hotel bar for an after-work drink or attending a special event overlooking the waterfront.
The owner Eyal Aharoni says the redevelopment as a luxury hotel will restore a major accommodation and conference venue in the heart of the CBD, while supporting construction and, ultimately, hospitality jobs.
The hotel is ideally positioned opposite the Michael Fowler Centre and close to Tākina, Te Papa, the waterfront, Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Central Library and the soon-to-reopen Wellington Town Hall.
With the neighbouring James Smith Car Park now open and with WCC moving into its new Harris St offices, Wakefield Street and the Civic Square surrounds are beginning to come alive again.
— Justin
⸻
✅ WELLINGTON CITY MILESTONES
✅ St James Theatre strengthening and upgrade - Open
✅ Tākina - Open
✅ Meow Nui - Open
✅ James Smith Car Park - Open
✅ 61 Molesworth Street - Open
✅ Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Central Library - Open
✅ Archives Building, formerly Defence House
▪️ Amora Hotel — Internal upgrade underway
▪️ City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi — Reopening 10 October 2026
▪️ Te Whare Whakarauika Wellington Town Hall - Opening 20 February 2027
▪️ Reading Cinemas/The Court - Scheduled to reopen in 2027
