Last updated October 2026
Southgate is a small residential subdivision in Wellington’s southern hills. It forms part of the larger Houghton Bay area and lies in the Paekawakawa/Southern Ward. The suburb features hilly terrain with views toward Cook Strait and a quiet, primarily residential character. Most homes date from the 1970s, following earlier developments along Buckley Road in the 1950s and 1960s.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 940, down 8% since 2018
- Land area
- 0.44 km² (44 ha)
- Location
- 5.7 km south of central Wellington
- Council
- Wellington City Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Island Bay, Houghton Bay
- Getting there
- Buckley Road, the main street
- Main shopping
- Island Bay and Newtown shops, nearby
Who Lives in Southgate
About 940 residents in 360 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
About Southgate
Southgate occupies an elevated position in Wellington’s southern suburbs, providing residents with views across the surrounding hills and toward Cook Strait. It is a subdivision of Houghton Bay rather than a fully independent suburb, though it maintains its own distinct identity within the Paekawakawa/Southern Ward.
The area’s housing reflects phased development. A housing development appeared on Buckley Road in 1957, followed by another around 1967. The majority of the current housing stock was constructed in the 1970s, creating a consistent residential feel with some earlier twentieth-century homes mixed in.
Southgate remains almost entirely residential, with no significant commercial centre. Residents typically access shops, services, and amenities in nearby Island Bay or Newtown. The suburb’s compact size and hillside setting contribute to its quiet atmosphere.
According to the 2023 census, the statistical area recorded a median age of 43.2 years and a high proportion of residents holding tertiary qualifications. The area shows a diverse ethnic makeup, with strong representation of European, Asian, and other groups.
Near Southgate
Just outside Southgate, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Southgate, New Zealand: Detailed overview of location, history, demographics, and statistical data sourced from Stats NZ.
Stats NZ — Southgate place summary: Official census data on population, ethnicity, income, and housing for the Southgate statistical area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Southgate located?
Southgate is a subdivision of Houghton Bay in Wellington’s southern hills, within the Paekawakawa/Southern Ward.
What is the main road in Southgate?
Buckley Road serves as the suburb’s main street.
When was most housing in Southgate built?
Most houses date from the 1970s, following earlier developments on Buckley Road in 1957 and around 1967.
Does Southgate have shops or a commercial centre?
No, it is primarily residential. Residents use nearby Island Bay and Newtown for shopping and services.
What is Southgate’s character like?
It is a quiet hillside residential area with hilly terrain and views toward Cook Strait.
Which ward does Southgate belong to?
Southgate is part of the Paekawakawa/Southern Ward of Wellington City Council.
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Explore Wellington only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Southgate is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.