Linden is a neighbourhood within Tawa, Wellington’s northernmost suburb, located on the southern edge of Tawa near the Collins Avenue shopping area. Though sometimes counted separately, Linden functions as an integral part of Tawa and shares its strong rail connectivity — Linden railway station, opened in 1940 on the Metlink Kāpiti Line, serves the area with regular trains to Wellington CBD and Porirua. The neighbourhood is residential in character, with housing from the 1940s through to more recent builds.
About Linden
| Location | Southern Tawa, northern Wellington |
| Character | Residential neighbourhood within Tawa, rail-served |
| Railway | Linden station (Metlink Kāpiti Line) — trains to Wellington CBD and Porirua |
| Station opened | 1940 (after more than 30 years of requests to the Railways Department) |
History
The railway line through Linden was part of the Wellington–Manawatu Line built by the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company, which opened in September 1885. For decades trains passed through the area without stopping, despite requests from local residents and developers. Linden station finally opened on 28 July 1940 — local lore records that passengers in earlier years would pull the emergency brake cord so the train would stop near Collins Avenue, with neighbours debating whose turn it was to pull it.
A new island platform station replaced the original shelter on 15 December 1957, when the railway line from Tawa to Porirua was duplicated. The Linden shopping centre developed on Collins Avenue on both sides of the railway after a stream diversion in 1954.
The Neighbourhood Today
Linden is well served by both the railway station and local shops on Collins Avenue. It is functionally part of Tawa’s community, sharing its schools, sporting facilities and broader amenities. The rail access makes it a practical base for Wellington commuters.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Linden, New Zealand covers the neighbourhood’s history and railway connections.
Wikipedia — Linden Railway Station has detailed history of the station’s opening and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Linden?
On the southern edge of Tawa, the northernmost suburb in Wellington, about 14km from the CBD.
Is Linden part of Tawa?
Yes — Linden is a neighbourhood within Tawa. It shares Tawa’s schools, amenities and community identity.
When did Linden railway station open?
28 July 1940 — after more than 30 years of requests from residents and developers.
What line serves Linden?
The Metlink Kāpiti Line, with regular trains to Wellington CBD (about 35 minutes) and north to Porirua and Waikanae.
What shops are at Linden?
A local shopping area on Collins Avenue developed after a stream diversion in 1954, on both sides of the railway line.
What is the story about the emergency brake cord?
Before the station opened in 1940, local passengers would pull the emergency brake cord so trains stopped near Collins Avenue — reportedly debating whose turn it was each time.
Is Linden good for commuters?
Yes — the railway station provides regular direct trains to Wellington, making it a practical location for commuters working in the city.
What housing is in Linden?
A mix of housing from the 1940s to more recent builds, typical of the wider Tawa–Linden area.
The Wellington Suburbs hub covers all Wellington suburbs. Tawa is the wider suburb of which Linden forms part, with four further railway stations and a Main Road village centre. Takapu Valley is the semi-rural community to the south along Takapu Road.
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