Melrose is a residential suburb in southern Wellington, located south of Newtown and Berhampore, on the eastern side of the ridge above Lyall Bay. Despite being adjacent to Lyall Bay, the suburb does not have direct seafront access. Its most distinctive feature is the Wellington Town Belt reserve, which runs along the top of Melrose and backs onto the Wellington Zoo — and where Mt Albert, part of the reserve, provides walking, biking and access to the Southern Walkway. The suburb takes its name from the Melrose Estate, auctioned in 1879.
About Melrose
| Location | Southern Wellington, east of the ridge above Lyall Bay |
| Character | Hillside residential, Town Belt access, Southern Walkway |
| Named after | The Melrose Estate, auctioned 1879 |
| Key feature | Wellington Town Belt and Mt Albert reserve at the suburb’s top |
History
The Melrose Estate was put up for auction in 1879, having previously been the land of Alexander Sutherland (who died in 1877) and then sold to Mace and Jackson before a syndicate called the Melrose Proprietors took it on. In the early years few sections sold, largely because of difficult access. The Melrose Borough was established in 1888 from the earlier Kilbirnie Road Board, covering a broad horseshoe-shaped area that stretched from Upland Farm (later Kelburn) through Brooklyn, Island Bay and into what are now Hataitai and Roseneath. In June 1902 a poll of Melrose residents voted to join Wellington City Council, and amalgamation proceeded in 1903.
Town Belt and Walkways
The Wellington Town Belt reserve runs along the top of Melrose, backing onto the Wellington Zoological Gardens. Mt Albert is part of this reserve and includes mountain biking and walking tracks, including a section of the Southern Walkway — Wellington’s long-distance walking route along the ridge connecting the southern and eastern suburbs to the city.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Melrose, New Zealand covers the suburb’s history, borough and character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Melrose?
In southern Wellington, south of Newtown and Berhampore, on the eastern side of the ridge above Lyall Bay.
Does Melrose have beach access?
Despite being adjacent to Lyall Bay, Melrose does not have direct seafront access to the beach.
What is the Wellington Town Belt?
A continuous belt of reserve land wrapping around Wellington’s inner suburbs. In Melrose, it runs along the top of the suburb, backing onto the Wellington Zoo and including Mt Albert.
What is Mt Albert in Melrose?
Part of the Wellington Town Belt reserve at the top of Melrose, with mountain biking and walking tracks including a section of the Southern Walkway.
What is the Southern Walkway?
Wellington’s long-distance walking route along the ridge connecting the southern and eastern suburbs to the city. It passes through Mt Albert above Melrose.
When was Melrose Borough established?
In 1888, covering a broad area including what are now Brooklyn, Island Bay, Hataitai and Roseneath. It amalgamated with Wellington City in 1903.
Why is it called Melrose?
Named after the Melrose Estate, auctioned in 1879 by the Melrose Proprietors syndicate.
How do I get to Melrose?
By bus via Newtown or Kilbirnie routes. By car from the southern suburbs through Berhampore or Kilbirnie.
The Wellington Suburbs hub covers all Wellington suburbs. Island Bay is the south coast suburb on the other side of the ridge. Kilbirnie is to the north, the main hub of the eastern suburbs.