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EAST SUBURBS · TE-WHANGANUI-A-TARA · NEW ZEALAND

The Eastern Suburbs

Browse the 11 suburbs ↓

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AN OVERVIEW

Views | Adventure | Variety

Exit Mt Victoria tunnel and you’re into Wellington’s eastern suburbs. There are plentiful bus links into the city, or you can take the popular walking/jogging/biking route from Evans Bay to Oriental Bay and into the city.

Kilbirnie is the main eastern hub with everything for your daily shopping needs. Hit the beach at Lyall Bay or Karaka Bay for a bit of rest and relaxation. There’s great coffee at both these destinations too.

Miramar is home to Weta, the film studio behind the Lord of The Rings movies, The Hobbit, and many other well-known films. There’s also the refurbished Roxy cinema within the Miramar shopping precinct.

Take a drive around the coastline and stop off along the way for a picnic, more great coffee, or just enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the scenery here.

STEP 2: PICK A SUBURB

Explore the Eastern Suburbs

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breaker bay views

Breaker Bay

A waterfront lifestyle that won't break the bank? While the climate can be harsh in winter, the trade-offs are well worth it: often deserted beaches, the sounds and scents of the ocean, and an active local community.

hataitai houses

Hataitai

A favourite among families searching for well-proportioned character homes, close to the city. Excellent amenities and a vibrant shopping village supported by loyal locals. Plus it's handy to Wellington Airport for frequent flyers.

karaka bays houses

Karaka Bays

Boasting the finest suburban beach, making it a hotspot during the summer months, charming cottages to grand multi-storey mansions fetch eye-watering prices in this sought after Wellington waterfront location.

kilbirnie houses

Kilbirnie

A vibrant and multicultural neighbourhood with a busy village shopping hub, Kilbirnie has density and activity more like a central city suburb. Perfect for those who like to be involved and in a close and diverse community.

lyall bay beach

Lyall Bay

Wellington's longest sandy beach and perhaps the flattest suburb you'll find in Wellington. Charming character cottages to cozy flats offer something for everyone. And four exceptional cafes for all the coffee addicts reading this.

maupuia views

Maupuia

Maupuia contains a unique blend of townhouses, flats, and some large family homes. While lacking a distinct cohesiveness, Maupuia is a more affordable option, particularly for larger homes. Some impresisve views too!

melrose houses

Melrose

Affordable character bungalows cling to hillsides, enjoying stunning views of Lyall Bay. Wellington Zoo on the western edge provides further sights, sounds and adventures! Walking home here will keep you fit, but the views are worth it.

miramar cinema

Miramar

Convenient local services, flat terrain, and proximity to Wellington Airport make Miramar a practical choice for many. A diverse range of property options from flats, townhouses and detached homes, offer something for everyone.

rongotai airport

Rongotai

On the western edge of the airport runway, Rongotai can offer more affordable options to nearby Lyall Bay and Kilbirnie. Character homes here appeal, but overcapitalisation can be an issue. A plane spotters heaven!

seatoun houses

Seatoun

A sought-after seaside gem, nestled on flat land with an inviting climate, Seatoun is one of Wellington's most expensive suburbs. Despite the affluence, it maintains a laid-back, holiday vibe, distanced from the hustle of the city.

strathmore houses

Strathmore

A fantastic sunny aspect, solid and reliable ex-state houses, mixed in with charming Art Deco residences and some newer homes. There are diverse options here, either on the valley floor or with added views from the elevated hillsides.

wellington book on table

THE DEFINITIVE LOCAL GUIDE

Where to Live in Wellington
- the guide

All 51 Wellington City suburbs profiled in one beautifully produced volume. Population profles, schools, amenities, community feel, property trends, best streets and property values.

If these pages save you a few hours, the book will save your weekends!

Where to Live in Wellington

An independent, locally-written guide to the 51 suburbs of Wellington City, New Zealand. Companion site to the book of the same name.

©2026. Where to Live in Wellington. All Rights Reserved.

Contact

wheretoliveinwellington@gmail.com

Wellington, Aoteoroa NZ

About the Author

Made with care in Te Whanganui-a-Tara

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