Glenside is a semi-rural suburb in Wellington’s northern hills, historically known as The Halfway — a reference to its position midway between Wellington and Porirua along the old Porirua Road. The name Glenside was officially adopted in 1928, suggested by local landowner Mrs P.C. Watts who felt the area’s character was reminiscent of a Scottish glen. Today it retains that semi-rural feel: the old Porirua Road runs through a 2.5km rural corridor with eighteen rural landowners, and the suburb includes a 5-hectare native botanic garden established by botanist Leonard Cockayne in 1926.
About Glenside
| Location | Northern Wellington hills, between Johnsonville and Tawa |
| Character | Semi-rural, quiet, native garden, old Porirua Road corridor |
| Previously known as | The Halfway (European settlement from 1840) |
| Name adopted | 1928 |
History
European settlement in Glenside dates back to 1840 when the area was known as Halfway House and later The Halfway, due to its position between Wellington and Porirua. The Porirua Road through the area served as the main route north from Wellington from 1840 until 1951 — a fort was even built at Glenside in the 1840s as part of Governor George Grey’s project to protect road construction. The Post Office renamed the area Glenside in 1928, after Mrs Watts’s suggestion of a name evoking a Scottish glen.
The old Porirua Road is now the only remaining rural sector of that historic route, with 18 rural landowners still farming along its 2.5km length — a remarkable survival of Wellington’s agricultural past within the city boundary.
Cockayne Native Botanic Garden
Glenside includes a 5-hectare native botanic garden established in 1926 by Leonard Cockayne, one of New Zealand’s most important botanists and ecologists. Cockayne was instrumental in advocating for native plant conservation, and this garden was part of his wider programme of establishing native plantings and reserves across New Zealand.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Glenside, New Zealand covers the suburb’s history and character.
Glenside.org.nz — Glenside History is the local community site with detailed history of the suburb and the old Porirua Road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Glenside?
In Wellington’s northern hills, between Johnsonville and Tawa, along the course of the old Porirua Road.
Why was Glenside called The Halfway?
Because it was situated approximately halfway between Wellington and Porirua along the old Porirua Road, which was the main route north from 1840 to 1951.
When did it become Glenside?
In 1928, when the Post Office adopted the name suggested by local landowner Mrs P.C. Watts, who felt the area resembled a Scottish glen.
What is the Cockayne native botanic garden?
A 5-hectare native garden established in 1926 by botanist Leonard Cockayne, one of New Zealand’s most significant advocates for native plant conservation.
Is the old Porirua Road still there?
Yes — the rural sector through Glenside is 2.5km long and remains the only surviving rural stretch of the original Porirua Road, with 18 rural landowners still farming along it.
What is the character of Glenside today?
Semi-rural — a mix of rural landholdings along the old Porirua Road corridor and a village area built around significant streams.
Is there public transport to Glenside?
Bus services connect Glenside to Wellington CBD. Residents also use Johnsonville or Tawa for train access.
Is Glenside within the Wellington city boundary?
Yes — it is within Wellington City’s boundaries despite retaining a semi-rural character.
The Wellington Suburbs hub covers all Wellington suburbs. Johnsonville is the main neighbouring suburb to the south with rail and retail access. Tawa is to the north and provides the nearest railway stations on the Kāpiti Line.