Seatoun is Wellington’s most easterly suburb and one of its most affluent — a coastal community at the tip of the Miramar Peninsula, close to the entrance to Wellington Harbour. The suburb sits on a pocket of flat land on the eastern side of the peninsula, with views toward Barrett Reef and the harbour heads. It was developed after the Seatoun tunnel connected it to the rest of the peninsula in 1906–07, and the beach at Seatoun, known as Te Tūranganui-o-Kupe, recalls the traditional Māori account of Kupe’s arrival at Wellington Harbour.
About Seatoun
| Location | Eastern tip of the Miramar Peninsula, Wellington |
| Character | Affluent, coastal, quiet residential, harbour entrance views |
| Named after | A locality in Forfarshire, Scotland (by Coutts Crawford) |
| Māori heritage | Te Tūranganui-o-Kupe — traditional landing place of Kupe |
History and Development
Seatoun was named after a locality in Forfarshire, Scotland, linked to the family history of Coutts Crawford, who was an important early landowner on the Miramar Peninsula. The suburb was opened up for development by the Seatoun tunnel, constructed between 1906 and 1907, which connected Seatoun to Strathmore Park and Miramar. This allowed the suburb to be reached by electric tram from the city, transforming it from a remote coastal area into one of Wellington’s most prestigious addresses.
Coastal Character
Seatoun’s position close to the harbour entrance gives it exposure to sea conditions that vary dramatically with the weather — calm summer days, dramatic winter southerlies and the proximity of Barrett Reef, a dangerous area of rocky shallows on which many ships have foundered over Wellington’s maritime history. The beach and esplanade are popular with local residents year-round, and the suburb’s calm bays contrast with the exposed headlands nearby.
To the south of Seatoun lies Breaker Bay, named for the southerly swells that break on its exposed coastline.
What Visitors and Residents Say
“Seatoun is absolutely beautiful — the beach is sheltered, the houses are character-filled, and on a clear day the views toward the harbour heads and Cook Strait are stunning.” — TripAdvisor
“It feels like a different world from the city — and yet the bus gets you there in 20 minutes. One of Wellington’s best-kept secrets, though property prices mean it’s not exactly hidden any more.” — Wellington resident
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Seatoun covers the suburb’s history, character and Māori heritage.
Wellington City Libraries — Miramar and Seatoun Local History has archival resources on the area’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Seatoun?
At the eastern tip of the Miramar Peninsula — Wellington’s most easterly suburb, close to the entrance to Wellington Harbour.
Why is it called Seatoun?
Named after a locality in Forfarshire, Scotland, connected to the family history of Coutts Crawford, an early major landowner on the Miramar Peninsula.
What is Te Tūranganui-o-Kupe?
The Māori name for Seatoun beach, recalling the traditional account of Kupe — the Polynesian navigator — first coming ashore at Wellington Harbour.
What is Barrett Reef?
A dangerous area of rocky shallows near Seatoun, close to the harbour entrance, on which many ships have foundered throughout Wellington’s maritime history.
How do I get to Seatoun?
By bus from Wellington CBD — regular Metlink services run to Seatoun. By car via the Mount Victoria and Miramar tunnels.
What is the Seatoun tunnel?
A tunnel built in 1906–07 connecting Seatoun to Strathmore Park, which enabled tram access and opened the suburb to residential development.
Is Seatoun expensive?
Yes — Seatoun is one of Wellington’s most affluent suburbs, with property prices reflecting the coastal location and character housing.
What is Breaker Bay?
The exposed bay immediately south of Seatoun, named for the southerly swells that break on its coastline.
The Wellington Suburbs hub covers all Wellington suburbs. Miramar is the main suburb of the peninsula, home to the film industry hub. Breaker Bay is the exposed coastal bay immediately south of Seatoun.