Last updated October 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.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 3,690, down 2% since 2018
- Land area
- 1.40 km²
- Location
- 2.7 km north of central Wellington
- Council
- Wellington City Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Ngaio, Thorndon, Wilton, Kaiwharawhara, Crofton Downs, Pipitea
- Ward or local board
- Wharangi/Onslow-Western General Ward (Wellington City Council)
- Getting there
- Bus route 14 (Wilton service) from central Wellington; a short drive or walk from Thorndon
- Nearby landmarks
- Te Ahumairangi Hill, Northern Walkway, Weld Street, Ōtari Wadestown Library
Who Lives in Wadestown
About 3,690 residents in 1,370 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Wadestown
One school sits inside the Wadestown boundary.
Also zoned for Wadestown
Show all 7 zoned schools
Source: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), October 2026. Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.
Bin Day in Wadestown
Wellington City Council sets collection days street by street. Look up your address to get your day and which bins go out.
Find your bin day and what goes in each binSafety and Hazards
Lower than the Wellington average for the number of people who live here. Another 4 reports were at shops and businesses.
Sources: NZ Police victimisation data, CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026 (crimes inside homes are only published for burglary); Greater Wellington tsunami evacuation zones; Wellington City District Plan 2024 flood hazard overlays.
Buses from Wadestown
24 bus stops inside the suburb.
Source: Metlink timetable data, CC BY 4.0. Typical weekday daytime frequency.
Handy Facilities
Source: Wellington City Council public toilets; NZTA EVRoam charging sites.
Weather and Rent at a Glance
Sources: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (MBIE), CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026. City-wide figures.
In Wadestown
Places and businesses inside the official Wadestown boundary.
Places
About Wadestown
Wadestown clings to the steep northern flanks of Te Ahumairangi Hill (formerly known as Tinakori Hill).
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.
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.
Near Wadestown
Just outside Wadestown, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Businesses
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.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Wellington only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Wadestown is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.