Last updated May 2026
Vogeltown is a hillside suburb of Wellington on the eastern slopes of Brooklyn, overlooking Newtown. The suburb was created in 1878 when J.F.E. Wright subdivided land in the south-west of Wellington, naming it after Sir Julius Vogel — author, entrepreneur and the eighth Premier of New Zealand, who served from 1873 to 1875 and again in 1876. Vogel’s administration is remembered for issuing bonds to fund railway construction and public works. Before European settlement, the area was part of the Omaroro cultivation area of the Te Aro hapū of Te Āti Awa.
About Vogeltown
| Location | Eastern slopes of Brooklyn, overlooking Newtown |
| Character | Quiet hillside residential, urban-rural fringe feel |
| Named after | Sir Julius Vogel, 8th Premier of New Zealand (1873–1875, 1876) |
| Māori history | Omaroro cultivation area of Te Aro hapū (Te Āti Awa) |
History and Naming
Vogeltown was laid out in 1878 alongside the neighbouring suburb of Mornington as part of J.F.E. Wright’s subdivision. It was named in honour of Sir Julius Vogel KCMG (24 February 1835 – 12 March 1899), who was born in London and came to New Zealand via the Australian goldfields. Vogel founded the Otago Daily Times before entering politics, serving as Premier of New Zealand from 1873 to 1875 and again in 1876. His administration is best known for ambitious public works programmes funded by borrowed capital.
Before European settlement, the area was the Omaroro cultivation area of the Te Aro hapū of Te Āti Awa, and ownership and control of the land remained with Te Aro into the European era. The earliest residential housing in the area was built between 1900 and 1909.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Vogeltown, Wellington covers the suburb’s history and naming.
Wikipedia — Julius Vogel has the full story of the premier the suburb is named for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Vogeltown?
On the eastern slopes of Brooklyn, overlooking Newtown, in Wellington’s southern hills.
Who is Vogeltown named after?
Sir Julius Vogel (1835–1899), the eighth Premier of New Zealand, who served from 1873 to 1875 and again in 1876.
Who was Julius Vogel?
A London-born journalist and politician who came to New Zealand via the Australian goldfields. He founded the Otago Daily Times and served as Premier, best known for funding major public works through borrowed capital.
What is the Omaroro connection?
Before European settlement, the Vogeltown area was part of the Omaroro cultivation area of the Te Aro hapū of Te Āti Awa (Wellington Māori). Control of this land remained with Te Aro into the European period.
When was Vogeltown created?
In 1878, when J.F.E. Wright subdivided land in Wellington’s south-west, creating both Vogeltown and neighbouring Mornington.
What is the housing like in Vogeltown?
A mix of housing styles, with the earliest homes from 1900–1909. The suburb has a quiet hillside residential character.
How do I get to Vogeltown?
By bus via Brooklyn or Newtown routes. By car from the southern suburbs through Brooklyn.
Is Vogeltown connected to Brooklyn?
Yes — Vogeltown’s eastern slopes adjoin the Brooklyn ridge, and residents have easy access to Brooklyn’s shops and the Polhill area.
The Wellington Suburbs hub covers all Wellington suburbs. Brooklyn is the adjacent suburb to the west. Mornington was created in the same 1878 subdivision and is immediately to the south.
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