Old Bank Arcade

Every hour on the hour, the intricate clock opens to reveal animated scenes that relate to the history of the site. The centerpiece of the Old Bank Arcade is an animated, musical clock. The clock is suspended from the Banking Chamber ceiling. In 1901 The Bank of New Zealand opened its Head Office in this magnificent building which was built over the remains of Plimmer's Ark on reclaimed land. The vessel had remained there since it was left high and dry after the earthquake of 1855. Today the bow section can be seen. The remains of an old three-masted sailing vessel, Plimmers Ark, were unearthed during building renovations between 1997 and 1999. Once the building was no longer used as the Headquarters of The Bank of New Zealand, much of its grandeur was.