Last updated July 2026
Brooklyn is a hillside suburb of Wellington located about 3 km south of the central business district on the eastern slopes of the hills above Happy Valley. Developed from the 1880s, it features a village centre and strong community identity, with streets named after American presidents. The suburb is best known for the Brooklyn Wind Turbine on the ridge above it, New Zealand’s first viable commercial wind turbine, which remains an iconic skyline feature visible from much of the city.
Practical Information
| Location | 3 km south of Wellington CBD on the hills above Happy Valley |
| Access | Bus routes, steep roads, or walking tracks from Aro Valley and the city |
| Key Feature | Brooklyn Wind Turbine in Waimapihi Reserve (formerly Polhill Reserve) |
| Walking Time to Turbine | Approximately 2 hours return via marked tracks |
| Operator | Meridian Energy |
About Brooklyn
Brooklyn occupies a prominent position on the western edge of Wellington’s central bowl, offering residents and visitors expansive views across the city and harbour. Its hilly terrain and proximity to the Town Belt reserves contribute to a distinctive character that blends residential living with easy access to walking tracks and regenerating native bush.
The suburb developed rapidly after subdivision in the 1880s, establishing a village-like centre with cafes and local amenities that support a close-knit community. Its location provides convenient yet elevated living above the central city while remaining connected by public transport and roads.
Brooklyn’s setting within the broader Wellington Town Belt network supports biodiversity and recreational opportunities, including connections to nearby reserves and the Zealandia ecosanctuary boundary.
History
In pre-European times, Māori knew the Brooklyn hills as Turanga-rere, translated as “the waving plumes of the war-party.” The area later became known as Fitchett after a local dairy farmer whose farm supplied milk to the growing town. In the 1880s the land was subdivided and renamed Brooklyn after the New York borough, with streets laid out using names of American presidents such as Washington, Lincoln, and Garfield, a convention that continues today.
The Brooklyn Wind Turbine
The Brooklyn Wind Turbine stands on the ridge in Waimapihi Reserve above the suburb. Installed in March 1993 by the Electricity Corporation of New Zealand as part of a research project, it was New Zealand’s first viable commercial wind turbine and set international production records for its size at the time. The original turbine was decommissioned around 2015 and replaced in 2016 with a larger model operated by Meridian Energy that generates enough renewable energy to power around 490 average New Zealand homes.
The turbine remains a prominent landmark and symbol of Brooklyn, visible from many parts of Wellington and highlighting the city’s early adoption of wind power technology.
Walking to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine
Visitors can reach the turbine via a network of tracks in Waimapihi Reserve starting from the top of Aro Street. The route follows marked paths such as Transient, Sawmill, Fenceline, and Windmill, taking approximately 2 hours return and offering panoramic city views along the way. The tracks pass through regenerating bush and skirt the boundary of the Zealandia ecosanctuary.
What Visitors Often Say
Brooklyn offers a genuine village atmosphere with good cafes, friendly locals, and excellent walking access to the hills and turbine for sweeping city views. Residents appreciate the community feel and proximity to nature while remaining close to the central city.
The wind turbine walk is a highlight for many, providing a rewarding hike through bush with spectacular 360-degree outlooks. People note the area’s strong sense of identity and its popularity as one of Wellington’s more characterful suburbs.
Where to Learn More
Meridian Energy Brooklyn Wind Turbine page: Details on the turbine’s history, upgrade, and current operation.
Wellington City Council Brooklyn Wind Turbine route: Official track description, access points, and map information.
NZHistory Brooklyn page: Concise overview of the suburb’s naming and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Brooklyn located?
About 3 km south of Wellington’s central business district on the hills above Happy Valley.
Why is the suburb called Brooklyn?
It was subdivided and renamed in the 1880s after the New York borough, which itself derives from a Dutch village name. The area was previously known as Fitchett after a local dairy farm.
What is the Māori name for the area?
Turanga-rere, translated as “the waving plumes of the war-party.”
When was the Brooklyn Wind Turbine installed?
March 1993 by the Electricity Corporation of New Zealand. It was New Zealand’s first viable commercial wind turbine.
Has the turbine been replaced?
Yes, the original was decommissioned around 2015 and replaced in 2016 with a larger model operated by Meridian Energy.
Can visitors walk to the wind turbine?
Yes, via marked tracks in Waimapihi Reserve (formerly Polhill Reserve) starting from Aro Street. The return walk takes about 2 hours and offers excellent city views.
Why are many Brooklyn streets named after US presidents?
The 1880s subdivision adopted this naming theme, which has been maintained as the suburb grew.
Is Brooklyn a good place to live?
Many residents value its village character, community atmosphere, access to walking tracks, and elevated position with city views.
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