Last updated October 2026
Tawa is the northernmost suburb within the Wellington city boundary, located roughly 15 km north of the CBD. Named after the tawa trees that once filled the valley, the suburb developed around its rail connection and now features a strong community identity with a village-style Main Road centre and well-developed local amenities.
Five suburban rail stations serve the area on the Metlink Kāpiti Line, providing convenient access for commuters. The suburb offers family-friendly facilities including schools, parks and retail while maintaining easy links to central Wellington.
Tawa also takes in the local area known as Linden.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 14,460, up 1% since 2018
- Land area
- 10.09 km²
- Location
- 13.6 km north of central Wellington
- Council
- Wellington City Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Kenepuru, Takapu Valley, Ohariu, Rānui, Glenside, Churton Park, Grenada North
- Ward or local board
- Takapū/Northern General Ward (Wellington City Council)
- Getting there
- Takapu Road, Redwood, Tawa, Linden and Kenepuru stations on the Metlink Kāpiti Line, about 15 to 20 minutes to Wellington Station
- Main shopping
- Main Road village centre, between Lyndhurst Road and Lincoln Avenue, plus Linden shops on Collins Avenue
- Schools
- Greenacres School, Hampton Hill School, He Huarahi Tamariki, Linden School, Redwood School (Tawa), St Francis Xavier School (Tawa), Tawa College, Tawa Intermediate, Tawa School
- Nearby landmarks
- Bucket Tree, Old Porirua Road, Tawa station
Who Lives in Tawa
About 14,460 residents in 4,970 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
About Tawa
Tawa occupies a valley setting with residential areas spreading across the flat floor and surrounding hills. The suburb includes named subdivisions such as Linden, Redwood, Lindenvale and Greenacres. It is known for its large number of churches representing many Christian denominations and for the iconic Bucket Tree, a macrocarpa shaped like an upside-down bucket.
The iwi with mana whenua are Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Taranaki Whānui. Ngāti Toa Rangatira have received returned land parcels in Tawa and Linden through a housing partnership with the Crown. Māori people historically passed through the valley on tracks between Porirua and Te Whanganui-a-Tara, later developed as the Old Porirua Road.
European settlement began in the mid-19th century under the New Zealand Company. The area remained largely rural until the early 20th century, with significant growth tied to improved rail services from the 1930s onward.
History
The original single-track railway through Tawa was built by the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company and opened in September 1885. The Tawa Flat deviation, completed in the 1930s, created a shorter and faster double-tracked route with new tunnels.
Freight services began using the deviation in 1935 and passenger services from June 1937. This realignment severed the direct rail link to Johnsonville and enabled electrification of the line in 1940, making commuting to Wellington practical.
Before 1959 the suburb was known as Tawa Flat, referring to both the tawa trees and the flat valley floor. The New Zealand Geographic Board approved the name change to Tawa effective 23 February 1959 as the built-up area extended beyond the original flat.
The Suburb Today
Tawa’s Main Road village centre runs between Lyndhurst Road and Lincoln Avenue and provides everyday retail including a supermarket, pharmacy, cafes and specialty shops. Additional retail is available at Linden on Collins Avenue. The suburb has its own secondary school, Tawa College, and several primary schools including Tawa School and Linden School.
The five rail stations mean most residents live within walking distance of a train. Journey times from Tawa station to Wellington Station are typically around 15–20 minutes on direct services.
Near Tawa
Just outside Tawa, within 10 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Tawa, New Zealand: Detailed overview of history, geography, demographics and development.
Tawa Historical Society: Local archives, street histories and photographs documenting the suburb’s past.
Wellington City Council: Official information on community boards, services and local planning for Tawa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tawa?
Roughly 15 km north of Wellington’s CBD. It is the northernmost suburb within the Wellington city boundary.
How many train stations does Tawa have?
Five stations on the Metlink Kāpiti Line: Takapu Road, Redwood, Tawa, Linden and Kenepuru.
How long does the train take from Tawa to Wellington?
Direct services from Tawa station typically take 15–20 minutes to Wellington Station.
Why was it called Tawa Flat?
The original name referred to the tawa trees that grew in the valley and the flat valley floor. The name changed to Tawa in 1959.
What is the Tawa Flat deviation?
A 1930s railway realignment that created a shorter, faster double-tracked route with tunnels, enabling electrification in 1940 and improving commuter services.
What schools are in Tawa?
Tawa College (secondary) and primary schools including Tawa School and Linden School.
What shopping is available in Tawa?
Main Road village centre between Lyndhurst Road and Lincoln Avenue with supermarket, cafes, pharmacy and services, plus retail at Linden.
Is Tawa good for families?
Yes, with good schools, rail access, local shops, parks and a strong community identity.
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Explore Wellington only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Tawa is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.