Last updated October 2026
Maupuia is a hillside residential suburb on the Miramar Peninsula in eastern Wellington, positioned on the ridge above Evans Bay and north-west of central Miramar. Developed from 1970 as a prestige residential subdivision, it features many properties with views across Evans Bay, Wellington Harbour and the airport.
The area was originally the site of a Māori pā and formed part of the Miramar Borough from 1904 until its incorporation into Wellington City in 1921. Maupuia remains a quiet, primarily residential neighbourhood served by bus links to Miramar and the central city.
Maupuia also takes in the local area known as Shelly Bay.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 1,470, down 1% since 2018
- Land area
- 1.95 km²
- Location
- 4.2 km east of central Wellington
- Council
- Wellington City Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Miramar, Karaka Bays
- Ward or local board
- Motukairangi/Eastern General Ward (Wellington City Council)
- Getting there
- Buses via Miramar and the Mount Victoria Tunnel to the central city
- Main shopping
- Miramar and Kilbirnie shops, nearby
- Nearby landmarks
- Maupuia Park, Shelly Bay, former Wellington Prison site, Evans Bay
Who Lives in Maupuia
About 1,470 residents in 590 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Maupuia
There is no school inside the Maupuia boundary, but these schools have enrolment zones that cover some or all of it.
Zoned for Maupuia
Show all 4 zoned schools
Source: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), October 2026. Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.
Bin Day in Maupuia
Wellington City Council sets collection days street by street. Look up your address to get your day and which bins go out.
Find your bin day and what goes in each binSafety and Hazards
Lower than the Wellington average for the number of people who live here. Another 4 reports were at shops and businesses.
Sources: NZ Police victimisation data, CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026 (crimes inside homes are only published for burglary); Greater Wellington tsunami evacuation zones; Wellington City District Plan 2024 flood hazard overlays.
Buses from Maupuia
22 bus stops inside the suburb.
Source: Metlink timetable data, CC BY 4.0. Typical weekday daytime frequency.
Weather and Rent at a Glance
Sources: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (MBIE), CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026. City-wide figures.
About Maupuia
Maupuia occupies the northern part of the Miramar Peninsula on the narrow Rongotai Ridge.
Maupuia occupies the northern part of the Miramar Peninsula on the narrow Rongotai Ridge. Its elevated position provides many homes with expansive views over Evans Bay and Wellington Harbour. The suburb was planned as a prestige development with a mix of single houses, townhouses and flats, and earthworks moved substantial volumes of material to create suitable building platforms.
The suburb lies within the Eastern Ward of Wellington City. Residents typically access shopping and services in Miramar or Kilbirnie, while bus routes connect the area to the central city via the Mount Victoria Tunnel.
History and Māori Heritage
The area was originally the site of a Māori pā.
The area was originally the site of a Māori pā. Historical accounts note that the Rongotai Ridge was occupied by the Ngāti Hinepare clan, a hapū of Ngāti Kahungunu. The narrow land bridge made the location strategically important for movement between the peninsula and the mainland.
Maupuia formed part of the Miramar Borough, established in 1904, until the borough amalgamated with Wellington City on 31 January 1921. In 1949 the Wellington City Council exchanged land to secure the Townsend Estate on the peninsula for future residential use. Major development began in 1970 with the creation of sections that were balloted to buyers.
Character Today
Maupuia retains a quiet, hillside residential character with limited local commercial facilities.
Maupuia retains a quiet, hillside residential character with limited local commercial facilities. The suburb includes Maupuia Park and lies near the former Wellington Prison site and Shelly Bay on the western side of the peninsula. Ongoing interest in peninsula redevelopment, including at Shelly Bay, forms part of the broader context for the area.
Near Maupuia
Just outside Maupuia, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Maupuia: Detailed suburb profile including demographics, history and development timeline.
Wellington City Council — Miramar history: Overview of Miramar Peninsula history including borough formation and amalgamation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Maupuia?
On the Miramar Peninsula ridge above Evans Bay, north-west of central Miramar in eastern Wellington.
When was Maupuia developed?
Major residential development began in 1970 as a prestige subdivision on land previously part of the Townsend Estate.
What Māori history is associated with Maupuia?
The area was the site of a Māori pā on Rongotai Ridge, occupied by Ngāti Hinepare, a hapū of Ngāti Kahungunu.
Is Maupuia part of the former Miramar Borough?
Yes, the area was within the Miramar Borough from 1904 until amalgamation with Wellington City in 1921.
What are the views like from Maupuia?
Many properties enjoy views across Evans Bay, Wellington Harbour and the airport due to the hillside location.
How do residents access the central city?
By bus via Miramar and the Mount Victoria Tunnel, or by car on the same route.
What facilities are nearby?
Maupuia Park lies within the suburb, while shopping and services are available in nearby Miramar and Kilbirnie.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Wellington only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Maupuia is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.