Last updated May 2026
Wadestown holds a particular place in Wellington’s story — it was the city’s first suburb, established in 1840 when early settler John Wade, who arrived on the vessel Integrity, acquired land on the northern slopes above Thorndon with fellow colonist James Watt. What began as divided one- and two-acre lots on steep hillsides has become one of Wellington’s most characterful residential areas, sitting about 2–3 km from the central city with views over the harbour and Ngaio Gorge.
Practical Information
| Location | Northern Wellington, ~2–3 km from CBD |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Bus No. 14 (Wilton route) from central Wellington |
| 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 | Wadestown Branch Library, corner of Lennel and Moorhouse Roads |
About Wadestown
Wadestown clings to the steep northern flanks of Te Ahumairangi Hill, with narrow streets — many just 10 metres wide, half a chain across — that were originally formed by pick, shovel and horse. Weld Street is reputedly one of the steepest streets in Wellington. The suburb’s hilly character means many homes look out over Thorndon rooftops to the harbour beyond.
Despite its working-class origins, Wadestown also attracted wealth early on. William Barnard Rhodes, one of the city’s most prosperous merchants, made his home here. In the 1920s, the Rhodes family subdivided their Highland Park farm on the upper slopes, and some of Wellington’s grandest houses were built on those sections — a layer of grand Edwardian and inter-war architecture sits above the older Victorian streetscape below.
Walking Through Wadestown
Wellington’s Northern Walkway passes through Wadestown, tracing a route from Kaiwharawhara Stream in Trelissick Park up Hanover Street and Weld Street before continuing onto Te Ahumairangi Hill. A popular half-day walk links Thorndon to Wadestown over the hill — a steep bush track with city and harbour views from the ridgeline that rewards the climb.
The suburb also has a small green space at Philip Myers Park, a landfilled former tip site near the branch library. The Wadestown Tennis Club, founded in 1924, operates from courts at Wadestown School.
What Visitors Say
“The walk up over Te Ahumairangi Hill from Thorndon to Wadestown is one of those Wellington walks that surprises you — steep, bushy, then suddenly you’re looking out over the whole harbour.”
Where to Learn More
Wadestown on Wikipedia — history, demographics and suburb overview.
Northern Walkway — Wellington City Council — route description and trail information through Wadestown and surrounding hills.
FAQ
Is Wadestown really Wellington’s first suburb?
Yes. The land was subdivided in 1841 by John Wade and James Watt, making it the city’s earliest suburban development outside central Wellington.
How do I get to Wadestown from the city?
Bus No. 14 (the Wilton route) serves Wadestown from central Wellington. The suburb is also a short drive or walk from Thorndon.
Is there a walk from Thorndon to Wadestown?
Yes — the Te Ahumairangi Hill track links the two suburbs with a steep bush walk. The ridgeline offers good harbour views before descending into Wadestown.
What is Weld Street known for?
Weld Street is reputedly one of the steepest streets in Wellington — it forms part of the Northern Walkway route through the suburb.
Are there schools in Wadestown?
Wadestown School (Years 1–8) is the local primary. Secondary students are zoned for Wellington College, Wellington Girls’ College, Onslow College or Wellington High School depending on their street.
Wadestown is part of the wider Wellington Suburbs guide. Nearby, Thorndon is Wellington’s oldest and most prestigious neighbourhood, and Ngaio offers a village-style atmosphere a short drive to the north.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.