Wellington City and its surrounding suburbs are full to bursting with character and history. Originally founded as a port in the early 1800s, this city has since been named the capital of New Zealand and is home to the Houses of Parliament, the National Natural History Museum and one of the biggest international airports in the country.
The suburbs that have sprung up throughout Wellington’s past reflect the contemporary and friendly nature that the city encapsulates. Whether you’re a visiting spectator or long-time Wellingtonian, you’ll be able to appreciate why it’s often nicknamed as the world’s coolest little capital.
Oriental Bay
Oriental Bay is Wellington’s beautiful beachside hideaway. It’s the default destination for Wellingtonians on a lazy summer’s day, and those lucky enough to live there can vouch for its convenience and stunning views all year round. Take a ride around the bays in one of Enormous Crocodile’s iconic Croc Bikes, stop for a delicious bite to eat at Beach Babylon and enjoy the sand and sea in one of Wellington’s most beautiful suburbs.
Te Aro
Te Aro is one of the biggest and most iconic suburbs in Wellington, stretching all the way form the Courtenay Quarter near the waterfront, all the way up to the war memorial where Mount Cook begins, and across to the Terrace that borders on the Lambton Quarter and the Houses of Parliament. It would take days to experience all Te Aro has to offer, and living there grants immediate access to all the sights and establishments that Wellington CBD has to offer. Whether you’re grabbing a delicious coffee at Fidel’s Cafe or perusing the diverse selection of music at Slow Boat Records, it’s always a little too easy to get lost in the urban charm that this part of Wellington has to offer.
Hataitai
Hataitai is the reclusive yet gorgeous area nestled between the bustle of Kilbirnie and the grandeur of Mount Victoria. Boasting a modest and charming set of local shops, a maze of winding suburban streets and spectacular views where the area rubs shoulders with Roseneath, living in Hataitai gives the feeling of a cosy township whilst maintaining convenient proximity to the city centre. The coffee is always hot at the Coolsville Trading Post in the local shops and it’s only a short jaunt to the many gorgeous bush walks that Mount Victoria has to offer. All in all, Hataitai is not to be ignored - and is sure to garner your immediate affection given half a chance!
Thorndon
Bordering on Wadestown and the constantly buzzing hub of the Lambton Quarter, Thorndon is a historic inner suburb that is home to the National Archives and Catherine Mansfield House and Garden, along with a myriad of upstanding establishments and beautiful places to live. You’ll come to Thorndon for its history, but you’ll stay for the contemporary selection of high-end eateries, the shopping at the Capital Gateway shopping centre, and the regular community events held at the Pipitea Marae and Function Centre.
Whatever your living or exploring inclinations, Wellington and its suburbs are as welcoming, charming and historically rich as they come. For years Wellingtonians have found it hard not to take for granted the stunning views, quirky communities and cultural landmarks that make up this coolest of capitals - not to mention friendly and welcoming temperament of the locals wherever you go.