A Guide to Wellington Suburbs

Here’s a guide to some of Wellington’s well-known suburbs, each with a short description highlighting its character and appeal.

Central Wellington

1. Te Aro – A lively, urban area with many cafes, bars, and shops, as well as popular nightlife spots along Cuba Street. It’s close to the city’s heart, making it popular among young professionals and students.
2. Mount Victoria – Known for its charming character homes, beautiful city views, and proximity to Mount Victoria Lookout, a popular hiking spot. It’s a sought-after suburb for families and young professionals alike.
3. Thorndon – Wellington’s oldest suburb, home to government offices, historic buildings, and the iconic Thorndon New World supermarket. It has a mix of character homes and apartments.
4. Aro Valley – A quirky, artsy neighborhood known for its bohemian feel, historic wooden homes, and a strong sense of community. It has a unique mix of students, artists, and long-time residents.
5. Kelburn – An affluent suburb near Victoria University, featuring cable car access to the city and the Botanic Garden. It has a mix of modern and historic homes, with great views over the city.

Northern Suburbs

6. Khandallah – A well-established suburb with a village feel, Khandallah has large homes, beautiful parks, and great views of the harbor. It’s popular among families.
7. Ngaio – Close to Khandallah, Ngaio is a leafy, family-friendly suburb with a relaxed vibe, known for its easy train access to the city and nearby walking trails.
8. Johnsonville – A bustling suburb and one of Wellington’s northern hubs, Johnsonville has a large shopping mall, public amenities, and a range of housing, from older homes to new developments.
9. Churton Park – A newer, growing suburb with family-oriented housing developments and schools. It’s known for its peaceful environment and strong community feel.
10. Newlands – A quiet, suburban area with affordable housing, close to the motorway for an easy commute. It’s family-friendly and offers great views of Wellington and the surrounding hills.

Western Suburbs

11. Karori – One of Wellington’s largest suburbs, Karori offers a blend of modern and historic homes, great schools, and access to Zealandia, a large wildlife sanctuary.
12. Wilton – Known for its natural surroundings, Wilton is near Otari-Wilton’s Bush, New Zealand’s only native botanic garden, and has a peaceful, community-focused vibe.
13. Northland – A small, quiet suburb close to Kelburn and Karori, with easy access to the Botanic Garden and great city views.
14. Kaiwharawhara – A small industrial and commercial area close to the city center, Kaiwharawhara has a few residential areas but is mostly known for its shopping and business facilities.

Eastern Suburbs

15. Miramar – Known for its connection to the film industry (Weta Workshop and Weta Digital are here), Miramar has a mix of historic and modern homes, beaches, and a strong sense of community.
16. Seatoun – A seaside suburb with a mix of elegant older homes and modern architecture, Seatoun is known for its family-friendly environment and access to beaches.
17. Rongotai – Primarily an industrial and commercial suburb with some residential areas, Rongotai is close to Wellington Airport and the Kilbirnie shopping precinct.
18. Kilbirnie – A diverse suburb with a large shopping center, sports facilities, and affordable housing. It’s a hub for public services and is close to Lyall Bay beach.
19. Lyall Bay – Popular for its beach and surfing culture, Lyall Bay has a laid-back feel with a mix of bungalows, apartments, and beachside cafes.
20. Hataitai – A hilly, family-friendly suburb close to the city, with a strong community, local cafes, and good access to the town belt’s green spaces.

Southern Suburbs

21. Island Bay – A charming seaside suburb known for its Italian heritage, Island Bay has a relaxed, community-centered feel, with cafes, shops, and a popular beach.
22. Owhiro Bay – A small coastal suburb with a rugged coastline, Owhiro Bay offers a peaceful lifestyle and easy access to scenic walking trails.
23. Berhampore – A multicultural suburb with a blend of old villas and newer homes, Berhampore has a vibrant community and is close to both the coast and parks.
24. Kingston – A quiet, residential suburb with elevated views over Wellington, Kingston has a mix of family homes and easy access to nearby parks.
25. Southgate – Bordering Island Bay and Newtown, Southgate is a small, residential suburb with hilly terrain, great views, and a mix of modern and older homes.

These suburbs showcase Wellington’s diverse character, from vibrant, central neighborhoods to tranquil, nature-focused communities.