Sounds of Sea

These interactive sculptures invite people to the water’s edge to enjoy the movement, colour and sounds of Waitematā Harbour. Based on the ventilation funnels and speaking tubes used on ships, they transform the North Wharf into an old ship deck.

Located in three clusters along the wharf, people can climb inside, play and speak into the highly polished stainless steel funnels. Some are large enough to sit in and others go below the wharf and down to the sea. Two of the smaller funnels are connected so people can speak to each other from a distance. While these sculptures are designed for having fun, they’re also a reminder of the waterfront’s history and its role as an active shipping harbour.

Sounds of Sea was designed by Company, the Finnish-Korean design duo of Johan Olin and Aamu Song, who were commissioned to come up with a concept that responded to Auckland’s unique waterfront. They were inspired by the hollow structure of the wharf, intrigued by the ebb and flow of Auckland’s tide - which can rise and fall as much as 3.5 metres - and captivated by the blue-green colour of the water.