Prostitutes Terrace Wellington: Unraveling the History & Myth
Wellington’s Prostitutes Terrace isn’t just a set of steps; it’s a tangible piece of the city’s gritty history, sparking curiosity, controversy, and countless stories. Nestled between Boulcott Street and Woodward Street, this steep pedestrian walkway carries a name that instantly evokes images of a bygone era. But beyond the provocative title lies a complex narrative involving early colonial settlement, urban development, cultural layers, and ongoing debates about identity and memory. This guide delves deep into the facts, separates myth from reality, and provides everything you need to know about this infamous Wellington landmark.
Where Exactly is Prostitutes Terrace Located?
Prostitutes Terrace is a steep pedestrian walkway connecting Boulcott Street (near the intersection with Lambton Quay) at its lower end to Woodward Street at its upper end, in Wellington’s central city. You’ll find it nestled between modern buildings, accessible via steps leading up from Boulcott Street or down from Woodward Street.
The Terrace is situated in the heart of Wellington’s historic Te Aro district. Its location was significant in the 19th century, positioned near the bustling waterfront area frequented by sailors and laborers. Today, it’s surrounded by a mix of commercial buildings, apartments, and remnants of older architecture, offering a stark contrast between Wellington’s past and present. Look for the distinctive nameplate on the Boulcott Street end.
Is Prostitutes Terrace Easy to Find?
Yes, Prostitutes Terrace is relatively easy to find if you know where to look, though its steepness and urban setting can make it slightly hidden. Its lower entrance is on Boulcott Street, just a short walk from Lambton Quay and the Wellington Railway Station. Signage is present but not overly prominent.
For precise navigation, use GPS coordinates (-41.2833° S, 174.7762° E) or search for the nearby addresses: 42-44 Boulcott Street (lower end) or Woodward Street near the intersection with Plimmer Steps (upper end). It’s best accessed on foot, as it’s a pedestrian-only walkway. Be prepared for a significant climb or descent via concrete steps.
What’s Nearby Prostitutes Terrace?
Prostitutes Terrace sits within a historically rich and vibrant part of Wellington. Key nearby points of interest include the historic Kirkcaldie & Stains building (now part of David Jones), the Old Bank Arcade, Plimmer Steps (another historic walkway), and the iconic Wellington Cable Car terminus on Lambton Quay.
The area is a hub for cafes, boutique shops, and offices. Te Aro Park is just a short walk away, and Cuba Street’s famous bohemian atmosphere is within easy reach. Its central location makes it a convenient, albeit steep, shortcut between the lower Lambton Quay area and the upper Woodward Street levels towards The Terrace.
Why is it Called Prostitutes Terrace?
The name “Prostitutes Terrace” directly stems from its historical association with sex work during the mid-to-late 19th century. Historical records, including police reports, newspapers (like the Evening Post), and city council archives, document the area, particularly the laneways and small cottages near Boulcott Street and the Terrace, as a known red-light district frequented by sailors and laborers.
During Wellington’s formative colonial years (roughly 1840s-1890s), areas close to the docks, like Te Aro, were often hubs for activities considered unsavory by authorities, including brothels and taverns catering to transient populations. Prostitutes Terrace, as a secluded walkway connecting key streets, became intrinsically linked to this trade, leading to its enduring, albeit unofficial and controversial, name. It wasn’t an official designation but a widely used local label reflecting its notoriety.
Was Prostitutes Terrace an Official Red-Light District?
No, Wellington never had an officially designated or legally sanctioned red-light district like areas in some European cities. Prostitutes Terrace and its immediate surroundings gained their reputation organically due to the concentration of brothels and street-based sex work occurring in the nearby lanes and small dwellings during the 1800s.
Authorities of the time frequently raided the area and prosecuted sex workers, reflecting societal disapproval rather than regulation. The name “Prostitutes Terrace” emerged from persistent local usage and the area’s functional role in the city’s underground economy, not from any formal administrative act. It was a de facto, not de jure, red-light zone.
How Long Did This Activity Last There?
Historical evidence suggests the association of the Prostitutes Terrace area with sex work was most prominent from the 1860s through to the early 1900s. As Wellington grew, urban renewal intensified, and social attitudes (and policing) evolved, the visible street-based activity in that specific location diminished significantly.
By the early 20th century, reports of prostitution centered on Boulcott Street and the Terrace area became much less frequent in official records and newspapers. While sex work continued in Wellington, its geographic focus shifted away from this particular walkway and its immediate environs as the city modernized and expanded.
What is the History of Prostitutes Terrace Before the Colonial Era?
Long before European settlement and its infamous nickname, the land where Prostitutes Terrace now lies was part of Te Aro Pā, a significant Māori settlement. Te Aro Pā was one of the key coastal pā in Wellington Harbour (Te Whanganui-a-Tara), inhabited by various iwi, notably Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o te Ika, including Te Āti Awa.
The area was rich in resources – near freshwater streams (now piped underground), fertile land for kumara cultivation, and abundant kaimoana (seafood) from the harbour. The natural contours of the land, including slopes similar to where the Terrace now sits, were part of the landscape utilized by Māori for generations. The colonial city developed directly over and displaced this existing settlement.
What Happened to Te Aro Pā?
Te Aro Pā was gradually encroached upon and ultimately destroyed by the rapid expansion of colonial Wellington from 1840 onwards. The process involved questionable land purchases, pressure from settlers, and the devastating impact of introduced diseases.
Māori residents were progressively displaced, their whare (houses) and cultivations replaced by European-style buildings, streets, and infrastructure like the steps that became Prostitutes Terrace. While the physical pā structures are gone, the mana whenua (traditional authority over the land) and the history of Te Aro Pā remain profoundly important to local iwi. The name “Te Aro” itself is the enduring legacy of the pā in the suburb’s identity.
Are There Any Archaeological Remains?
Very few visible archaeological remains of Te Aro Pā exist at ground level today in the immediate Prostitutes Terrace area due to intensive urban development over nearly two centuries. However, subsurface archaeological deposits are known to exist throughout the wider Te Aro flat and surrounding slopes.
Development projects in the vicinity occasionally uncover evidence like midden (shell waste deposits), post holes from former structures, or tools, triggering archaeological investigations under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act. These findings provide crucial, albeit fragmented, physical evidence of the pre-colonial landscape and settlement that preceded the city streets.
What is Prostitutes Terrace Like Today?
Today, Prostitutes Terrace is a functional, albeit steep and somewhat utilitarian, pedestrian walkway connecting two busy city streets. It consists primarily of concrete steps with metal handrails, flanked by the walls of modern office buildings and apartments. There are no remnants of its 19th-century brothels or the earlier Māori pā visible in its structure.
The atmosphere is generally quiet during business hours, used mainly by locals as a shortcut. It lacks significant adornment, though occasional street art or stickers might appear. Its most striking feature is the name itself – displayed on a standard Wellington City Council street nameplate at the Boulcott Street entrance, which continues to be a point of curiosity and sometimes contention.
Is the Name “Prostitutes Terrace” Official?
No, “Prostitutes Terrace” has never been an officially adopted street name by Wellington City Council. It remains an unofficial but deeply entrenched historical nickname. The walkway itself is technically part of the adjacent street network (Boulcott St / Woodward St) and doesn’t have its own formal designation.
The iconic nameplate at the Boulcott Street end, installed in the 1980s, is an informal recognition of the historical moniker by the Council, acknowledging its place in local folklore. It serves as a historical marker rather than an official street sign. Attempts to formally name it have been met with debate.
Is it Safe to Walk Down Prostitutes Terrace?
Yes, Prostitutes Terrace is generally safe to walk during daylight hours. It’s a well-constructed public walkway used by office workers, residents, and occasional curious visitors. Like any urban alleyway or secluded walkway, exercising standard city safety precautions is advisable, especially at night.
The steps are steep and can be slippery when wet, so wearing appropriate footwear and using the handrails is recommended. Lighting is present but may feel inadequate late at night. While its historical association is with crime, the area today is well within the busy central business district and doesn’t have a current reputation for illicit activity on the walkway itself.
Has There Been Controversy Over the Name?
Yes, the name “Prostitutes Terrace” has been periodically controversial. Criticisms generally fall into two categories: some argue it glorifies or trivializes exploitation and a difficult period in women’s history; others feel it’s disrespectful to the area’s deeper Māori past (Te Aro Pā) by focusing solely on a narrow colonial narrative.
There have been public discussions and petitions, particularly in the 2010s, calling for the removal of the nameplate or a formal renaming. Proponents for keeping the name argue it preserves an authentic, albeit uncomfortable, part of Wellington’s social history and serves as a reminder of the city’s complex past. The Wellington City Council has generally taken a position of retaining the nameplate as historical signage.
What Are the Arguments For Keeping the Name?
Arguments for retaining the “Prostitutes Terrace” nameplate emphasize historical authenticity and education. Supporters contend that sanitizing place names erases important, albeit uncomfortable, aspects of social history. They argue the name sparks curiosity and leads people to learn about the realities of colonial life, the status of women, and the development of urban areas.
It’s seen as a tangible link to Wellington’s gritty origins, distinct from polished heritage sites. Removing it, they argue, would be an act of historical amnesia. The name is also viewed by some as a unique, albeit infamous, part of Wellington’s identity and local folklore, contributing to the city’s distinctive character.
What Are the Arguments For Changing the Name?
Arguments for changing the name or removing the sign focus on sensitivity and representation. Critics argue the name perpetuates the stigmatization of sex workers, many of whom in that era were victims of circumstance, poverty, or exploitation, rather than celebrating their agency. It can be seen as disrespectful and reductive.
Others emphasize that the name overlooks the profound significance of the site as part of Te Aro Pā, prioritizing a colonial narrative of vice over centuries of Māori occupation and connection. They advocate for a name that acknowledges the deeper history or uses a neutral geographical descriptor. Some simply find the name offensive or inappropriate for a public space in a modern city.
Have There Been Any Proposals for Renaming?
Yes, there have been specific proposals for renaming Prostitutes Terrace. Suggestions have included reverting to or acknowledging its Māori heritage with names like “Te Aro Pā Steps” or “Te Aro Aranga” (Te Aro Rising). Other proposals have focused on neutral geographical descriptions like “Boulcott-Woodward Steps” or commemorating less controversial historical figures associated with the area.
In 2016, Wellington City Council formally considered renaming it “Te Aro Pā Lane” after public debate. However, after consultation and deliberation, the Council ultimately decided to retain the “Prostitutes Terrace” nameplate as a historical marker while acknowledging the significance of Te Aro Pā through other means (like interpretation panels elsewhere), effectively maintaining the status quo.
What is the Cultural Significance of Prostitutes Terrace?
Prostitutes Terrace holds layered cultural significance. For Pākehā (New Zealand European) culture, it represents a tangible connection to Wellington’s raw, frontier-like colonial past, a counterpoint to more sanitized histories. It embodies themes of urban development, social marginalization, and the hidden stories of city life.
For Māori, particularly Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o te Ika, the site is intrinsically part of the whenua (land) of Te Aro Pā. Its significance lies primarily in this deep ancestral connection and the history of displacement, rather than the colonial-era nickname. The Terrace is a physical reminder of the land’s transformation and the ongoing importance of remembering and honoring the pā and its people. It’s a site where colonial and pre-colonial histories physically intersect.
Are There Any Commemorations of Te Aro Pā Nearby?
Yes, while Prostitutes Terrace itself lacks direct commemoration of Te Aro Pā, significant acknowledgements exist very close by. The most prominent is Te Aro Pā Pūrakau, a striking contemporary artwork and storytelling space located on the corner of Taranaki Street and Dixon Street, just a few minutes’ walk away.
This installation features carved pou (posts), interpretive panels, and embedded narratives telling the story of the pā, its people, and the impact of colonization. Additionally, the name “Te Aro” for the entire suburb is a constant reminder. Some newer developments in the area incorporate references to the pā’s history in their design or naming.
Is Prostitutes Terrace Worth Visiting?
Prostitutes Terrace is worth a quick visit if you’re interested in Wellington’s hidden histories, urban landscapes, or social history. It won’t take long – it’s essentially a set of stairs. The value lies in standing in a place resonant with multiple layers of the past and contemplating the stories embedded in the city fabric.
It offers a tangible, if unglamorous, connection to the city’s 19th-century character. Combine it with visiting the nearby Te Aro Pā Pūrakau memorial to gain a more complete understanding of the site’s deep history. It’s more of a historical footnote or curiosity than a major tourist attraction in itself.
What Should I Expect When Visiting?
When visiting Prostitutes Terrace, expect a functional urban staircase. You’ll see concrete steps, metal handrails, and the walls of adjacent buildings. The key feature is the nameplate at the Boulcott Street entrance. Don’t expect interpretive signs, historical reenactments, or any preserved structures related to its namesake era.
The walk is steep and takes only a minute or two to traverse. It might be damp or slippery. You might pass the occasional local using it as a shortcut. It’s a place for reflection on history rather than visual spectacle. Take a photo of the sign, ponder the layers of the past, and move on to nearby points of interest.
Are There Guided Tours That Include Prostitutes Terrace?
Yes, some specialized Wellington walking tours focusing on history, crime, or the supernatural occasionally include Prostitutes Terrace as a point of interest due to its notorious past. Tours like “Wellington Dark Side” walks or specific historical walking tours exploring the Te Aro area might point it out and discuss its history.
It’s less likely to feature on general city sightseeing tours. Check tour descriptions from operators like Wellington Walks or Walk Wellington to see if it’s included in their specific themed itineraries. Often, tour guides will stop near the nameplate to recount tales of the area’s red-light past and the naming controversy.
Are There Ghost Stories Associated with Prostitutes Terrace?
Like many places with a history of vice and potential hardship, Prostitutes Terrace has accumulated ghost stories and tales of the supernatural over time, passed on through local folklore and ghost tours. Common themes include hearing disembodied whispers or cries, feeling sudden cold spots, or sensing a lingering, melancholic presence on the steps, especially at night.
These stories often speculate about the spirits of women who met tragic ends in the area during its red-light days. While purely anecdotal and part of urban legend, these tales contribute to the walkway’s mystique and its reputation as a slightly eerie or atmospheric spot after dark, feeding Wellington’s wider narrative of being a “haunted” city.
What Other Wellington Sites Have Similar Dark Histories?
Wellington has several sites with histories echoing the themes of crime, vice, or hardship found at Prostitutes Terrace. Bolton Street Memorial Park (the city’s oldest cemetery) has many tales. The old Mount Cook Police Barracks and nearby Buckle Street (site of former prisons) are associated with law enforcement and punishment.
Areas like the waterfront near Queens Wharf (historically rough) and parts of Cuba Street had reputations. The historic Terrace Gaol (now completely gone) was infamous. The Witches’ Walk near the Botanic Gardens has its own legends. These sites collectively speak to the city’s complex social underbelly during its development.
