Bucket Fountain
Wellington's iconic, kinetic Bucket Fountain on Cuba Street, a colorful and splashy art installation that delights with its unpredictable water play.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Bucket Fountain
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wellington's iconic, kinetic Bucket Fountain on Cuba Street, a colorful and splashy art installation that delights with its unpredictable water play.
"A whimsical concoction of moving art, color, and the playful dance of water, this unique fountain is more than just a landmark; it's an experience."
☔ Prepare for a Splash
Don't be surprised if you get wet! It's part of the fun. Keep valuables protected.
📸 Perfect Photo Op
Capture the kinetic art in motion. Best shots are often candid moments of surprise.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tipping Buckets
Cuba Street Mall
Watch the colorful buckets fill and tip in random rhythms, creating a playful and refreshing spectacle.
Unexpected Splashes
Cuba Street Mall
Experience the joy of surprise as water unexpectedly splashes passersby, a signature of this kinetic sculpture.
Cuba Street Vibe
Cuba Street Mall
Soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Cuba Street, with the fountain as a quirky centerpiece.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Splash Zone
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☔ Prepare for a Splash
Don't be surprised if you get wet! It's part of the fun. Keep valuables protected.
📸 Perfect Photo Op
Capture the kinetic art in motion. Best shots are often candid moments of surprise.
🧼 Avoid the Soap!
Sadly, dish soap incidents happen. If it's dry, it might be due to a previous 'incident'.
🚶♀️ Explore Cuba Street
The fountain is a great starting point for exploring the vibrant shops and cafes nearby.
Bucket fountain has bubbles
Tips
from all over the internet
☔ Prepare for a Splash
Don't be surprised if you get wet! It's part of the fun. Keep valuables protected.
📸 Perfect Photo Op
Capture the kinetic art in motion. Best shots are often candid moments of surprise.
🧼 Avoid the Soap!
Sadly, dish soap incidents happen. If it's dry, it might be due to a previous 'incident'.
🚶♀️ Explore Cuba Street
The fountain is a great starting point for exploring the vibrant shops and cafes nearby.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Bucket Fountain as a quirky, colorful, and iconic Wellington landmark. Its unpredictable splashes and kinetic art bring joy to both locals and tourists, making it a fun and memorable stop on Cuba Street. While not a grand monument, its personality and charm are undeniable.
"The quirky and colourful Bucket Fountain on Cuba Street is one of Wellington’s most recognisable and eccentric icons ( a short walk from the museum ). Installed in 1969 as part of a pedestrian mall redevelopment, the kinetic water sculpture features a stacked series of bright buckets that fill and tip over in random rhythms, splashing anything and anyone close by ( including myself ). Designed by architects, the fountain was intended apparently inject some artistic fun into the heart of the city, over the decades it’s become a much-loved landmark.
Located right in the middle of the Cuba Street Mall, it’s impossible to miss. I wouldn’t necessarily make a special trip just to see it, but if you’re already exploring Cuba Street or grabbing a coffee nearby, it’s definitely worth stopping for a few minutes to watch the buckets clatter, tip and splash.
It’s particularly fun spotting the surprised reactions of passing visitors who get caught off guard by a sudden dump of water.
It may not be the most majestic fountain i have seen, but it’s full of personality. Overall, interesting to look at, fun to photograph, and a quirky experience if you have the time.
Its open 24 hours of the day."
John Winter
"Bucket Fountain was designed by Graham Allardice of Burran and Keen for when Cuba Street was turned into a pedestrian mall. Constructed from steel, aluminum and fiberglass, its initial cost was $2000.
When operating, it operates in a loop where the buckets fill with water from the fountain and spill back into it as they rotate around the loop. From what I heard, Cuba Street acts as a wind tunnel which causes the spilling water to instead be splashed onto pedestrians.
In late February, the fountain was dry and not operating. So I did not get to see the spillage or catch Elijah Wood use it as a toilet. And no one tossed soap into it."
Bruce InCharlotte
"Always a joy to see and watch it fill and flood the area. Great fun watching kids play and unsuspecting tourists get splashed. Happy to see it even got included in the wellington Christmas banners this year!"
Pat Emery
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bucket Fountain is located right in the heart of the Cuba Street Mall in Wellington, New Zealand. It's easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the city center. Many bus routes also stop nearby on Cuba Street or Courtenay Place.
While Cuba Street Mall is pedestrianized, there are several parking buildings and street parking options within a short walking distance. The nearest parking buildings include the Victoria Street Car Park and the Civic Car Park.
Yes, the Bucket Fountain is accessible 24 hours a day. It's often beautifully lit at night, offering a different, magical perspective.
The fountain is located on a pedestrian mall, which is generally accessible. However, be mindful of the potential for water splashes, which could make the ground slippery.
The best way is to simply wander by and watch the buckets fill and tip. Be prepared for a splash, and enjoy the kinetic art! It's also a great spot for photos.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Bucket Fountain is a public art installation located in the Cuba Street Mall and is free to visit and view at any time.
The Bucket Fountain operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can visit it anytime you like.
There is no admission fee. It's a free public attraction for everyone to enjoy.
You can stand near it to watch the water flow and potentially get splashed, but direct interaction with the mechanism is not permitted.
While it's designed to operate continuously, there might be times it's dry or not functioning due to maintenance or occasional 'incidents' like soap being dumped in it.
📸 📸 Photography & Art
Early mornings or late evenings offer softer light and fewer people, making for cleaner shots. However, capturing candid reactions of people getting splashed can be fun during busier times.
Any camera or smartphone will work! Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the fountain and its surroundings. A waterproof case for your phone is a good idea if you plan to get close.
Designed by Graham Allardice, it's a kinetic water sculpture installed in 1969 to add artistic fun to the pedestrian mall. It's a beloved, quirky icon of Wellington.
Cuba Street is known for its vibrant street art and creative atmosphere. You'll find murals and other artistic elements throughout the area.
Yes, filming is allowed. Many visitors create fun videos capturing the fountain's action and people's reactions.
🎫 💧 Onsite Experience
It's highly likely! The fountain is designed to splash, especially when the wind catches the water. Embrace it as part of the experience!
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing you don't mind getting a little damp. A light jacket or waterproof layer can be useful.
The sound of the water filling and tipping buckets creates a constant, gentle splashing noise, which adds to the ambiance of Cuba Street.
Take your time to watch the random patterns of the buckets. It's a great spot for people-watching and enjoying the lively Cuba Street atmosphere.
The main concern is getting splashed, which can make the ground slippery. Be cautious, especially if you have mobility issues or are wearing unsuitable footwear.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip for families: Bring a change of clothes or a towel for the little ones if you plan on spending a good amount of time watching the fountain. Also, keep a close eye on them, as the area around the fountain can get slippery from the water. It’s a perfect spot for a quick, memorable break during a day of sightseeing.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the fountain as a piece of public art that embodies Wellington's creative spirit. Its design is a playful departure from traditional fountains, making it a conversation starter and a symbol of the city's quirky character. Visiting during different light conditions, from bright daylight to the glow of streetlights at night, can yield dramatically different photographic results.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring the rest of Cuba Street, which is known for its independent shops, cafes, and vibrant atmosphere. You can find affordable eats and unique souvenirs in the area, making the Bucket Fountain a great starting point for a budget-friendly day out in Wellington.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Quirky History of the Bucket Fountain
Constructed from durable materials like steel, aluminum, and fiberglass, the fountain was built to withstand the elements and the enthusiastic engagement of the public. Its unique design, featuring a series of stacked buckets that fill and tip in unpredictable sequences, was intended to be a dynamic and engaging spectacle. Over the decades, it has evolved from a novel installation into a much-loved and iconic landmark, deeply ingrained in the city's identity.
Despite its enduring popularity, the fountain has faced its share of challenges. Reports of it being dry or not operating have surfaced, sometimes due to maintenance, but more colorfully, due to incidents like people dumping large amounts of dish soap into it, creating an unintended, bubbly spectacle. These events, while disruptive, often add to the fountain's legendary status and the community's shared stories.
Experiencing the Splash Zone
Many visitors find the unexpected splashes to be a highlight of their visit. It's a moment of shared amusement, often eliciting laughter from both the splashed and the onlookers. This element of surprise makes each viewing potentially unique. For those who want to capture this fun, it's advisable to have your camera or phone ready, perhaps with a protective cover, to document the moment.
To fully embrace the experience, consider visiting during different times of the day. While daytime offers lively crowds and spontaneous reactions, early mornings or evenings can provide a more tranquil setting to appreciate the fountain's mechanics. Regardless of when you visit, be prepared for a potential drenching – it’s all part of the charm of Wellington's iconic bucket water fountain.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit