Last updated July 2026
Wadestown is Wellington’s first suburb, established in the early 1840s on the steep northern slopes above Thorndon. John Wade, who arrived on the vessel Integrity in 1840, and fellow colonist James Watt subdivided the land into one- and two-acre lots. The suburb sits about 2–3 km from the central business district and offers views over the harbour and Ngaio Gorge. Its narrow, hilly streets and mix of Victorian and later architecture give it a distinctive character.
Practical Information
| Location | Northern Wellington, about 2–3 km from the CBD |
| Getting there | Bus route 14 (Wilton service) from central Wellington stops in Wadestown |
| Parking | Street parking available throughout the suburb |
| Schools | Wadestown School (Years 1–8); secondary zones include Wellington College, Wellington Girls’ College, Onslow College and Wellington High School |
| Library | Ōtari Wadestown Library, corner of Lennel Road and Moorhouse Street |
About Wadestown
Wadestown clings to the steep northern flanks of Te Ahumairangi Hill (formerly known as Tinakori Hill). Many streets are narrow, originally formed at about 10 metres wide. Weld Street is one of the steepest streets in Wellington, with a gradient listed among the city’s steepest at around 1 in 4.4. Homes on the slopes often look out over Thorndon rooftops toward the harbour.
Early development included both working-class housing and wealthier residences. Merchant William Barnard Rhodes lived in the area, and in the 1920s the Rhodes family subdivided their Highland Park farm on the upper slopes. This created sites for some of Wellington’s grander Edwardian and inter-war houses above the older Victorian streetscape.
The suburb retains a residential feel with community facilities including the local school and library. Philip Myers Park, a former landfill site next to the library, now serves as a small green space for residents.
Walking in Wadestown
The Northern Walkway passes through Wadestown. It climbs from the Kaiwharawhara Stream area in Trelissick Park via Hanover Street and Weld Street before continuing onto Te Ahumairangi Hill. A popular section links Thorndon to Wadestown over the hill on a steep bush track that offers city and harbour views from the ridgeline.
Te Ahumairangi Hill features additional loop tracks, such as the Elephant Loop and Stellin Loop, providing options for shorter walks with panoramic outlooks. The ridgeline track connects from Northland through to Wadestown.
What Visitors Often Say
The walk over Te Ahumairangi Hill from Thorndon surprises walkers with its steep bush sections that open suddenly to wide harbour views from the ridgeline.
Visitors appreciate the quiet residential streets and the mix of historic homes, noting the suburb feels like a village despite its proximity to the city centre.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council Northern Walkway page: official route descriptions and maps for the walkway through Wadestown and Te Ahumairangi Hill.
Wadestown on Wikipedia: suburb history, demographics and overview drawing on primary sources.
Wellington City Council Te Ahumairangi Hill Loop page: details on loop walks and ridgeline tracks in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wadestown Wellington’s first suburb?
Yes. John Wade and James Watt subdivided the land in 1841, making it the city’s earliest suburban development outside the central area.
How do I get to Wadestown from the city?
Bus route 14 (the Wilton service) stops in Wadestown. The suburb is also a short drive or walk from Thorndon.
Is there a walk from Thorndon to Wadestown?
Yes. The Northern Walkway and Te Ahumairangi ridgeline tracks link the two areas via a steep bush climb with harbour views.
What is Weld Street known for?
Weld Street is one of Wellington’s steepest streets and forms part of the Northern Walkway route through the suburb.
Are there schools in Wadestown?
Wadestown School (Years 1–8) serves the area. Secondary students attend zoned schools including Wellington College, Wellington Girls’ College, Onslow College or Wellington High School.
Is there a library in Wadestown?
Yes. The Ōtari Wadestown Library is located at the corner of Lennel Road and Moorhouse Street.
Does Wadestown have tennis facilities?
The Wadestown Tennis Club, founded in 1924, operates junior-focused courts at Wadestown School.
What is Philip Myers Park?
It is a small green space next to the library on a former landfill site, used for community events and recreation.
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