Last updated July 2026
Melrose is a residential suburb in southern Wellington, located south of Newtown and Berhampore on the eastern side of the ridge above Lyall Bay. Although adjacent to Lyall Bay, the suburb has no direct seafront access. Its defining feature is the Wellington Town Belt reserve that runs along the top of the suburb and backs onto Wellington Zoo. Mt Albert, part of the reserve, offers walking and mountain biking tracks including a section of the Southern Walkway. The suburb takes its name from the Melrose Estate auctioned in 1879.
Practical Information
| Location | Southern Wellington, Eastern Ward |
| Population | 1,240 (June 2025 estimate) |
| Area | 33 hectares |
| Named after | Melrose Estate auctioned 1879 |
| Key features | Wellington Town Belt, Mt Albert, Southern Walkway, Melrose Park, Truby King Park |
| Access | Bus via Newtown or Kilbirnie routes; car from southern suburbs |
About Melrose
Melrose occupies a hillside position with views across the Cook Strait and Miramar Peninsula. The suburb developed from rural land in the late 19th century and retains a quiet residential character while providing easy access to the Town Belt above it.
The Wellington Town Belt reserve forms the upper boundary of Melrose and includes Mt Albert. This ridge-top area supports walking tracks, a specialised mountain biking track built by volunteers, and an off-leash dog exercise area. The Southern Walkway passes through the reserve, linking Oriental Bay in the north with Island Bay in the south.
Melrose Park on Sutherland Crescent provides sports facilities including football grounds, an artificial cricket surface, a playground and changing rooms. Truby King Park nearby preserves the historic homestead and gardens associated with the founder of the Plunket Society, with the couple interred in a mausoleum on the site.
The suburb participates in the Predator Free Lyall Bay, Rongotai and Melrose community trapping programme aimed at supporting native wildlife. A large underground water reservoir at Mt Albert supplies surrounding areas and replaced earlier infrastructure in 2016.
Walkways and Recreation
The Southern Walkway offers an 11 km route along the Town Belt with panoramic views. From Melrose Park the path climbs behind Wellington Zoo to the Mt Albert ridge before continuing south. A 2 km loop walk from the park takes approximately 90 minutes and includes the Four Cross mountain bike track suitable for intermediate riders.
Tracks on the Mt Albert ridge provide opportunities for walking and biking with views of the south coast. The area forms part of the broader Town Belt network managed by Wellington City Council.
What Visitors Often Say
Walkers appreciate the Southern Walkway section above Melrose for its ridge-top views and proximity to the city while feeling like a proper escape into nature. The loop around Mt Albert is described as a pleasant short outing with good signage and varied terrain.
Locals and visitors note the convenience of combining a visit to Wellington Zoo with a walk or bike ride on the adjacent Town Belt tracks. The off-leash dog area and sports facilities at Melrose Park receive positive mentions for family use.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council: Details on the Mt Albert loop walk, access from Melrose Park and Southern Walkway connection.
Wikipedia — Melrose, New Zealand: Comprehensive suburb history, demographics and notable features with cited sources.
Wellington City Council: Overview of Mt Albert tracks, views and Town Belt context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Melrose located?
Melrose is a suburb in southern Wellington, south of Newtown and Berhampore on the eastern side of the ridge above Lyall Bay, within the Eastern Ward.
Does Melrose have beach access?
Although adjacent to Lyall Bay, Melrose has no direct seafront access to the beach.
What is the Wellington Town Belt in Melrose?
The Town Belt reserve runs along the top of the suburb, backing onto Wellington Zoo and including Mt Albert with its walking and biking tracks.
What activities are available at Mt Albert?
Mt Albert offers walking tracks, a specialised mountain biking track, an off-leash dog exercise area and forms part of the Southern Walkway with views of the Cook Strait.
What is the Southern Walkway?
It is an 11 km walking route along the Town Belt connecting Oriental Bay to Island Bay and passes through the reserve above Melrose.
When was Melrose Borough established and amalgamated?
The borough was established in 1888 from the Kilbirnie Road Board and amalgamated with Wellington City in 1903 following a 1902 poll.
Why is the suburb called Melrose?
It takes its name from the Melrose Estate, put up for auction in 1879 after previously belonging to Alexander Sutherland.
What parks and facilities are in Melrose?
Melrose Park provides football, cricket, playground and changing facilities. Truby King Park preserves the historic homestead and gardens of Sir Truby King.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.