Last updated July 2026
Grenada North is a small residential suburb in northern Wellington, New Zealand. It lies 5 km south of Porirua city centre and 13 km north of Wellington CBD. The suburb sits alongside State Highway 1, the Northern Motorway, with Takapu Road forming part of its western boundary. Developed in the 1970s, it features streets named after Caribbean islands, a distinctive naming choice that sets it apart from surrounding areas.
Practical Information
| Location | Northern Wellington, alongside SH 1 |
| Distance to Wellington CBD | 13 km |
| Distance to Porirua CBD | 5 km |
| Developed | 1970s by Glendene Developments Ltd |
| Original name | Glendene |
| Key feature | Streets named after Caribbean islands |
| Local park | Grenada North Park and Caribbean Avenue Reserve |
| Local authority | Wellington City Council |
About Grenada North
Grenada North occupies a compact area of former farmland east of the Northern Motorway. Its layout reflects 1970s suburban planning, with modest sections supporting family homes. The suburb remains primarily residential, with limited local retail, so residents typically travel to Tawa or Johnsonville for shopping and services.
The western edge follows the motorway corridor, providing convenient road links north to Porirua and south to central Wellington. Eastern and southern boundaries adjoin other northern suburbs including Grenada Village and Paparangi. The area forms part of Wellington City Council’s Takapū/Northern Ward.
Development began under Glendene Developments Ltd, which initially named the area Glendene. The suburb was later renamed Grenada North after the Caribbean island, and most streets received Caribbean island names. This naming convention remains a local landmark feature.
History and Development
Planning and subdivision occurred during the 1970s as part of northern Wellington’s suburban expansion. Glendene Developments Ltd led the residential build-out on land east of Takapu Road. A government sports-field site on Jamaica Drive was later transferred to council ownership around 1989. Further residential growth south toward Grenada Village continued into the 2010s.
Parks and Recreation
Grenada North Park serves as the main local green space and recreation hub. It includes a playground and open areas for informal use. Caribbean Avenue Reserve lies on the hills above the park and offers additional walking access from Caribbean Drive and Horokiwi Road. Wellington City Council has undertaken upgrades to improve play, sport, and recreation facilities at Grenada North Park.
Access and Transport
State Highway 1 provides direct motorway access both north and south. Bus services link the suburb to Wellington CBD and Johnsonville. The nearest railway stations are at Tawa and Linden on the North Island Main Trunk line. On-street parking is typical for residential streets, with no dedicated commuter parking facilities within the suburb.
What Visitors Often Say
Residents and occasional visitors note the quiet, family-oriented atmosphere and the unusual Caribbean street names that give the suburb a distinct identity. The convenient motorway access is frequently mentioned as a practical advantage for commuting.
People appreciate the local park for children’s play and casual walks, while noting that most daily shopping requires a short drive to nearby Tawa or Johnsonville.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia – Grenada North: Detailed suburb profile including geography, history and street naming.
Wellington City Council – Grenada North Park Upgrade: Current project details and park facilities information.
Wellington City Council – Caribbean Avenue Reserve: Reserve location, access points and description.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Grenada North located?
It is a northern Wellington suburb 13 km north of the CBD and 5 km south of Porirua city centre, beside the Northern Motorway.
Why are the streets named after Caribbean islands?
The developer chose Caribbean island names when laying out the suburb in the 1970s, creating a distinctive local identity.
What was Grenada North originally called?
It was first known as Glendene after the development company Glendene Developments Ltd.
What parks are available in Grenada North?
Grenada North Park offers playgrounds and open space, while Caribbean Avenue Reserve provides additional hillside walking areas.
How do residents access shops and services?
Most shopping and services are in nearby Tawa or Johnsonville, as the suburb has limited local retail.
What public transport options exist?
Bus routes serve Wellington CBD and Johnsonville; the closest train stations are Tawa and Linden.
Is Grenada North the same as Grenada Village?
No, they are separate suburbs. Grenada Village lies immediately south of Grenada North.
Which suburbs border Grenada North?
Tawa lies to the north, Grenada Village and Paparangi to the south, and the Northern Motorway to the west.
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