Wellington Rowing Club

Wellington Rowing Club is one of the premier rowing clubs in New Zealand. Situated on the Wellington Waterfront, it is also one of the most sought after pieces of real estate in the city.

We have been a part of Wellington for over 100 years. The club has a fine reputation in the rowing community and has produced many international oarsmen and oarswomen, including Olympic and World Championship gold.

Formed in 1885, the Wellington Rowing Club (WRC) has been an integral part of sport in Wellington ever since. Wellington Rowing Club’s original boathouse was a small corrugated iron shed which was located on the present site of the Wellington Free Ambulance building.

Despite its modest beginnings, the WRC was one of nine representative rowing clubs to help establish the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association (NZARA) which was formed on 16 March 1887.

The Wellington Rowing Club has a long and proud tradition both on and off the water which continues to this day. The club supports around 150 active members ranging from novice enthusiasts up to masters and premier level. The club also has a strong policy of encouraging sons and daughters of past club members to take up the sport and row at the same club their parents had in the past.

The WRC is today located in the distinctive and historic Victorian style building situated by the lagoon on Taranaki St Wharf. Wellington Rowing Club is one of the Capital’s iconic landmarks and from its prominent location on the bustling waterfront members can be seen plying the waters of Wellington harbour morning, noon and night.