Moore Wilsons Spring, Wellington, NZ, 6011

## Overview Tucked away in the bustling piazza of Moore Wilson's — Wellington's beloved independent food and wine store — lies a remarkable artesian water fountain fed by a well that reaches 151 metres below the surface. This is no ordinary drinking fountain: it draws pure, unfiltered water from deep beneath Wellington Harbour, offering a refreshing taste of the city's hidden geological heritage. The well's story begins with Thomson Lewis and Co., a soft drink factory that once occupied the site. The company commissioned the drilling of the well to source water for making ginger beer, cordials, and aerated waters. At the time, geologists had dismissed the possibility that Wellington could have artesian water at all, making the successful strike at 151 metres an unprecedented achievement. Bill Brogden from Manawatu was brought in to test the artesian waters, confirming their quality. When Moore Wilson's took control of the site, the well was capped. It was Grahame Moore, co-owner of the store, who decided to reinstate the well and share the water with the public. According to Moore Wilson's spokeswoman Terry Christie, the fountain is valued not only for its water but because it records the history of the site. Research conducted by Moore found that the water is clear, colourless, and odourless. It is believed to originate from beneath Wellington Harbour in the Wairarapa aquifer system. Notably, the flow has never been affected or diminished by floods. After the devastating 1929 Murchison earthquake, the only change observed in the water was a brief period of cloudiness — a testament to the resilience and depth of the source. ## Directions 1. Head to the Moore Wilson's store in central Wellington, located on the corner of **College Street and Tory Street** in the Te Aro neighbourhood (Wellington 6011). 2. The artesian fountain is situated in the **Moore Wilson's Piazza**, the open courtyard area adjacent to the store. 3. The fountain is publicly accessible during store hours. Look for the fountain and its accompanying donation box in the piazza area. 4. **GPS coordinates:** -41.295394, 174.780213 ## What to Expect The artesian fountain is a modest but charming fixture in the Moore Wilson's Piazza. Water flows freely and visitors are welcome to fill bottles — many regulars, like local shopper Lis Cowey, make a habit of bringing empty bottles whenever they visit the store. Cowey, who grew up in Christchurch and is familiar with artesian water, has praised the pure taste and even uses it for her Soda Stream, noting it rivals any bottled water you could buy. Moore Wilson's advises fountain users not to consume more than two litres at once. A donation box is available beside the fountain for those who wish to contribute; by November 2013, fountain users had collectively raised $4,760.50 in support of the Wellington Free Ambulance — a lovely community touch. The water has historically been regarded as excellent drinking water, prized for its clarity and clean taste. However, as with any natural water source, visitors should use their own discretion. The setting is urban and convenient — you can combine a visit to the fountain with shopping at one of Wellington's finest food stores. The piazza is a pleasant spot to pause, and the fountain serves as a quiet reminder of the deep artesian waters flowing unseen beneath one of New Zealand's most vibrant cities.