Maupuia is a hillside residential suburb on the Miramar Peninsula, overlooking Evans Bay from the ridge above the Miramar cutting. Developed in the 1970s, it is one of the peninsula’s newer suburbs — smaller and quieter than central Miramar, but well positioned with views across Evans Bay and the broader Wellington Harbour. The area has pre-European significance: Maupuia Pā was a stockaded village of Ngāti Hinepare, a hapū of Ngāti Kahungnunu, built on the narrow Rongotai Ridge near the Miramar cutting.
About Maupuia
| Location | Miramar Peninsula ridge, above Evans Bay |
| Population | Approximately 1,584 (2018 census) |
| Developed | 1970s |
| Mana whenua | Ngāti Hinepare (hapū of Ngāti Kahungnunu) |
History and Māori Heritage
Maupuia Pā, built by Ngāti Hinepare on the Rongotai Ridge, was a defensible position commanding the narrow land bridge between the Miramar Peninsula and the Wellington mainland — a strategically significant site given the movement of people and resources across this crossing.
The broader Miramar Peninsula was part of the Miramar Borough from 1904 to 1921, when it was incorporated into Wellington City. Maupuia itself was developed for residential use in the 1970s as part of Wellington’s expansion onto previously undeveloped hill land.
Character Today
Maupuia is a quiet, primarily residential suburb with a hillside character giving many properties good views across Evans Bay and Wellington Harbour. The suburb is served by bus connections to Miramar and the central city, and residents use Miramar’s shopping centre and Kilbirnie for broader retail needs.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Maupuia covers the suburb’s history and character.
Enterprise Miramar Peninsula — Peninsula History covers the broader history of the Miramar Peninsula, including Maupuia’s pre-European heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Maupuia?
On the Miramar Peninsula ridge above Evans Bay, on the approach to the Miramar cutting. Part of the eastern Wellington suburbs.
When was Maupuia developed?
In the 1970s, as one of the peninsula’s newer residential suburbs.
What is Maupuia Pā?
A pre-European stockaded village of Ngāti Hinepare (a hapū of Ngāti Kahungnunu) on the Rongotai Ridge near the Miramar cutting — a strategically important defensive site.
Who are the mana whenua of Maupuia?
Ngāti Hinepare, a hapū of Ngāti Kahungnunu, who built Maupuia Pā on the Rongotai Ridge.
What are the views like from Maupuia?
Many properties have views across Evans Bay and Wellington Harbour from the suburb’s elevated hillside position.
How do you get from Maupuia to the city?
By bus via Miramar and the Mount Victoria Tunnel, or by car on the same route. Journey time to the CBD is around 20–25 minutes.
What is the Miramar cutting?
A road cutting through the Rongotai Ridge that was made to improve road access to the Miramar Peninsula — visible from many parts of Maupuia.
Is Maupuia a large suburb?
It is small to mid-sized, with around 1,584 residents at the 2018 census.
The Wellington Suburbs hub covers all Wellington suburbs. Miramar is the main suburb of the peninsula, providing shopping and services. Rongotai is on the isthmus immediately to the west, adjacent to Wellington Airport.
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