If you are planning a move to Wellington, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make isn’t whether to go, it is where to settle. Wellington city is famously compact, but that doesn’t mean it’s one-size-fits-all.
Within a short drive of the harbour, you’ll find waterfront apartments, leafy hillside villages, and family-friendly pockets that feel a world away from the CBD.
Wellington offers such a wide mix of lifestyles that most people moving here can find a suburb that suits them almost too well. To help you narrow it down, we have put together a guide to some of the best suburbs in Wellington, if you are chasing city energy, stunning natural surroundings, or a quieter spot to raise a family.
Oriental Bay – Waterfront Living in the City Centre
If you want to live in Wellington and wake up to harbour views, Oriental Bay is hard to beat. Just a short walk from the city centre, this suburb offers golden-sand beaches and waterfront apartments. It also has some of the best cafes and bars in the capital.
It is a popular choice for professionals who want the convenience of city living without giving up a bit of coastal charm, and on a still summer evening, it’s easy to forget you are minutes from the office.
Thorndon and Kelburn – Character, Culture and the Botanic Garden
Just north of the CBD, Thorndon is one of Wellington’s oldest and most character-filled suburbs, packed with heritage villas, embassies and easy access to Parliament. Neighbouring Kelburn is home to Victoria University and the Wellington Botanic Garden. It has long been a favourite with young professionals and students. They want leafy surroundings without giving up easy transport links to the city centre. The Botanic Garden itself is one of Wellington’s true treasures, offering a genuine pocket of stunning natural beauty just minutes from the CBD.
Mount Victoria – Village Feel, Minutes from Everything
Mount Victoria is one of the best examples of Wellington’s village feel done well. Its tree-lined streets and villa-style homes sit right alongside a strip of much-loved cafes and bars, and the walk up to the summit rewards you with one of the best views in the city. It’s an easy favourite for those who want a genuine neighbourhood atmosphere while staying within walking distance of the city centre.
Miramar – The Home of New Zealand Film
Out on the Miramar Peninsula, this suburb offers a unique claim to fame as the heart of New Zealand’s film industry, home to Weta Workshop and the studios made famous by Sir Peter Jackson. Beyond the movie magic, Miramar has become increasingly popular with families and young professionals drawn to its relaxed, seaside feel, golf course, and easy access to the Wellington airport and eastern bays.
Karori – Family Friendly and Surrounded by Nature
Karori is one of Wellington’s largest suburbs and consistently ranks among the most family friendly. With good schools, plenty of parks, and the popular Zealandia eco-sanctuary on its doorstep, it is a natural draw for families wanting space and stunning natural surroundings without moving too far from the city centre. Reliable public transport into town keeps commuting straightforward, even with the hills.
Johnsonville and Tawa – North of Wellington, Close to Everything
For those looking north of Wellington, Johnsonville and Tawa offer a more suburban pace of life with strong transport links, including train stations that make the commute into the city centre simple. Both are popular with families thanks to their village feel, community amenities, and more accessible property prices compared to the inner suburbs.
Petone – Village Feel with a Waterfront Bonus
Technically part of Lower Hutt but firmly on the radar of anyone considering a move to Wellington, Petone offers a unique mix of heritage character, a long waterfront promenade, and one of the best strips of cafes and bars outside the CBD. Its genuine village feel, combined with solid transport links back into Wellington city, has made it increasingly popular with young professionals and families alike.
Upper Hutt – Space, Affordability and Family Living
Further north again, Upper Hutt is one of the more affordable options for those wanting more space for their money. It’s particularly popular with families thanks to its family friendly amenities, good schools and easy access to outdoor recreation in the surrounding hills.
The cost of living here tends to be noticeably lower than in central Wellington, and train links keep the city centre within easy reach for those who commute.
Finding the Right Fit
With many Wellington suburbs to choose from, start by thinking about what matters most to you. Consider proximity to the city centre, transport links, cost of living, or that village feel. If you are chasing the buzz of Oriental Bay’s cafes and bars, the community spirit of Karori, or the affordability of Upper Hutt, Wellington offers something for almost every stage of life.
Once you’ve settled on where you’d like to live in Wellington, NZ Van Lines is here to help make the move itself just as easy. With over 40 years’ experience helping people who have moved to Wellington from all over New Zealand, our team can take care of the packing, transport and logistics while you focus on getting to know your new neighbourhood. Request a free, no-obligation quote today, or call our team on 0800 362 236.
Request a moving quote online or call our Moving Specialists on: 0800 36 22 36