Johnsonville is Wellington’s principal northern suburb — a well-established community 13km north of the CBD with its own shopping centre, schools, and a direct rail link to the city. The suburb traces its origins to the 1840s settlement of the area by Frank Johnson, for whom it was named, and grew rapidly after the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company opened its line through the suburb in 1886. Today it is a practical, convenient base for families and commuters looking for space and connectivity without leaving the Wellington city boundary.
About Johnsonville
| Location | 13km north of Wellington CBD |
| Character | Established suburban town centre, family-oriented, commuter-friendly |
| Rail | Johnsonville Line — direct trains to Wellington CBD |
| Amalgamated with Wellington | 1953 (previously an independent town district from 1908) |
History
Johnsonville was settled in 1841 when Frank Johnson, who had acquired land in the Kinapora district, cleared native bush to farm. Rev. Samuel Ironside named the clearing Johnsonville in the 1840s. The area remained primarily agricultural until the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company opened its line through the suburb in 1886, enabling people to commute to the city for the first time. The line was electrified in 1938, bringing more frequent and faster services. Johnsonville became an independent town district in 1908 and amalgamated with Wellington City in 1953.
By the 1960s, Johnsonville had grown sufficiently to support Wellington’s first shopping mall — a notable landmark in the suburb’s development as a genuine town centre serving the wider northern suburbs.
The Suburb Today
Johnsonville has a well-developed local town centre with a range of supermarkets, cafes, banks, and retail services that make it largely self-contained for day-to-day needs. The Johnsonville Shopping Centre anchors the commercial core. Several primary and secondary schools serve the suburb and the surrounding northern communities, and the suburb is connected to Churton Park, Newlands and Grenada by both road and bus services.
The Johnsonville Line provides direct rail access to Wellington CBD, making it popular with commuters. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes.
What Visitors and Residents Say
“Johnsonville has everything you need — good schools, easy train access, and a community feel that’s hard to find closer to the city.” — Wellington real estate blog
“It gets overlooked compared to the inner suburbs, but Johnsonville is one of the most practical places to live in Wellington — the train makes the commute straightforward.” — Wellington resident
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Johnsonville, New Zealand covers the suburb’s history, development and character in detail.
Wellington Live — Johnsonville Junction has a detailed overview of the suburb as Wellington’s northern hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Johnsonville?
13km north of Wellington’s CBD, served by the Johnsonville Line and bus routes.
How do I get from Johnsonville to Wellington city?
By train on the Johnsonville Line — approximately 25 minutes to Wellington station.
When did Johnsonville become part of Wellington?
It amalgamated with Wellington City in 1953, having been an independent town district since 1908.
What is the history of the Johnsonville railway?
The Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company opened the line in 1886. It was electrified in 1938. The Johnsonville Line now operates separately from the main Wellington rail network due to the Tawa Flat deviation.
What schools are in Johnsonville?
Johnsonville School, Raroa Normal Intermediate, and Onslow College are the main state schools serving the suburb.
Is Johnsonville good for families?
Yes — it has a well-established town centre, schools, parks and easy transport links, making it a popular choice for families.
What does the Johnsonville shopping centre offer?
A range of supermarkets, cafes, specialty retailers, banks and services covering everyday needs.
How did Johnsonville get its name?
Named after Frank Johnson, who settled the area in 1841. Rev. Samuel Ironside gave the settlement its name in the 1840s.
The Wellington Suburbs hub covers all Wellington suburbs. Churton Park is 1.5km north of Johnsonville and offers newer family housing on the hillsides. Newlands is nearby to the east and has a strong local community feel.