Last updated May 2026
Newlands is a suburban valley community 8km north of Wellington’s CBD, located to the east of Johnsonville across a ridge. The suburb sits in a valley between two ridgelines — one side overlooking Wellington Harbour and the Hutt Valley — and has developed a strong community identity around its local shops, schools and transport connections. It is one of the more practical and complete northern suburbs in terms of day-to-day amenities.
About Newlands
| Location | 8km north of Wellington CBD, east of Johnsonville |
| Character | Valley suburb, family-oriented, strong community identity |
| Transport | Bus services to Wellington CBD via Metlink |
| Views | Some ridgeline properties overlook Wellington Harbour and Hutt Valley |
History
The area that Newlands occupies was originally known to Māori as Paparangi — “cluster of hills.” The land was sold during the 1840–41 New Zealand Company land ballots. From the 1920s to the 1950s the area was used mainly as a pig and dairy farm providing much of Wellington’s town milk supply. After the Second World War the Miles family subdivided the land for housing, initially on Wakely Road, then progressively across the valley.
The suburb’s name is thought to derive from Thomas Newland, who arrived in New Zealand from London in 1875 and ran a business in neighbouring Johnsonville.
The Suburb Today
Newlands town centre anchors community life, with a New World supermarket, a community centre, medical services, cafes and specialty shops. The suburb is served by bus routes connecting it to Wellington CBD and to neighbouring Johnsonville. Several schools serve the area, including Newlands School, Newlands College (a state coeducational secondary school on Bracken Road), and St Oran’s College.
Parts of Newlands sit on ridgelines with views across Wellington Harbour and into the Hutt Valley — an attractive feature for residential properties in the upper parts of the suburb.
What Residents Say
“Newlands has one of the best community feels of any Wellington northern suburb — the proximity to shops, schools and buses makes everyday life easy.” — oneroof.co.nz
“Living in Newlands you get a genuine neighbourhood feel — people know each other, the community centre runs events, and the schools are good.” — Wellington resident
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Newlands, Wellington covers the suburb’s geography, history and character.
Newlands Paparangi Progressive Association — History has detailed local history of the suburb and its development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Newlands?
8km north of Wellington’s CBD, east of Johnsonville, in a valley between two ridgelines.
What is the Māori name for the Newlands area?
Paparangi — meaning “cluster of hills” — was the original Māori name for the area.
What schools are in Newlands?
Newlands School (primary), Newlands College (secondary, state coeducational), and St Oran’s College (secondary) all serve the area.
What shops are in Newlands?
A New World supermarket, community centre, medical services, cafes and specialty retailers are all located in the Newlands town centre.
How do I get from Newlands to Wellington city?
By bus — Metlink Wellington services connect Newlands to the CBD. Journey time is around 30 minutes.
Does Newlands have views?
Yes — properties on the upper ridgelines can have views across Wellington Harbour and the Hutt Valley.
What was Newlands before it became a suburb?
Primarily pig and dairy farming from the 1920s to the 1950s, supplying much of Wellington’s town milk. Housing development began after World War II.
Is Newlands affordable?
Newlands is generally one of the more affordable northern Wellington suburbs, with a mix of older and newer housing stock.
The Wellington Suburbs hub covers all Wellington suburbs. Johnsonville is the main northern hub immediately to the west, with rail access and a larger shopping centre. Churton Park is a newer family suburb in the same northern area.
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