Hataitai
Character family homes a short distance to the city
Overview
An affluent suburb on the eastern fringe of the city, Hataitai is hugely popular with families who seek well-proportioned character homes. Many stay in the suburb and simply upgrade, or buy another house down the road. The area has excellent amenities and a shopping village that is well supported by loyal locals. It’s handy to Wellington airport too, if you travel often. It’s not cheap here, though. Be prepared to spend in excess of $1 million if you want something well presented with character appeal.
Best Suited To
Families and professionals who want to stay close to the city while maintaining some privacy and space.
Population Profile
Hataitai folks are a fairly typical representation of Wellingtonians as a whole, mostly in professional careers and with above average incomes. The suburb is not ethnically diverse, with European backgrounds making up almost 86% of the population. Much money is spent here on renovating and maintaining character homes, sending children to good schools, and driving nice cars.
It’s not all families though. There are a number of 20 to 30 year olds here due to its proximity to Wellington City, and for the fact that rents are normally more affordable than inner city suburbs, like Mt Victoria.
Typical Homes
Developed from the late 1800s onward with most building occurring 1910 to 1940, Hataitai is a haven for anyone wanting a character home – villas and bungalows galore! Many of these have sympathetically restored exteriors. Internally you’ll find a mixture of styles from 1960s fit outs through to top-end bespoke kitchens and bathrooms. There is a lot of money spent here on home renovation.
You will find some less appealing infill housing from the 1970s and 1980s, although it’s much less prevalent than other suburbs. Hataitai does contain a number of purpose built, concrete apartment buildings. Containing anywhere between four and twelve units, these blocks are normally well maintained, often occupied by older residents who have given up on maintaining large homes and gardens, or young professionals looking to get a foot on the property ladder, close to the city.
Amenities
Hataitai is well known for its central shopping village on Moxham Avenue. This contains a superette, dairy, tavern, liquor store, bakery, pharmacy, hair salons, beauty salons, interior decor shop, bathroom design shop, laundrette and a good range of restaurants, cafes and fast-food outlets. In 2011 Wellington City Council added Hataitai Village to the District Plan list of heritage buildings. A heritage listing means the buildings are recognised and protected for their heritage value and any major changes, or demolition, would require consent. The Realm is a popular pub/tavern that has operated in Hataitai since the 1930s.
Hataitai has two state primary schools, Kilbirnie School (years one – six) and Hataitai School (years one – eight). There is also a play centre and two kindergartens. The nearest high schools are St Patricks College Wellington (boys), Wellington College (boys), Wellington East College (girls), St Catherine’s College (girls) and Rongotai College (boys). The closest mixed sex high school (girls and boys) is Wellington High School, about 10 minutes away in Mt Cook.
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Hataitai has many recreation and leisure activities on its doorstep. These include Hataitai Park, which borders Mt Victoria. The park has a cycling velodrome, tennis courts and rugby fields. Treasure Grove, Waipapa Road and Alexander Road all contain children’s playground areas. Hataitai has a community centre on Waipapa Road with bookable rooms. The area is a short distance from the Evans Bay waterfront with boating, fishing, windsurfing and other aquatic activities.
Real Estate Trends
Hataitai continues to be a popular locality for well-heeled families, happy to pay in excess of $1.5 million for the perfect home. The highest sale recorded here in the last 12 months was $2.4 million for a four bedroom character home. There have been 10 other sales over a $1.8 million. Hataitai probably won’t ever top Mt Victoria for property values. However, it is preferred by those who need more outdoor space and larger gardens.
Best Streets
Waipapa Road for its collection of grand character homes and excellent direct sunlight. Matai Road and Overtoun Terrace for a good collection of renovated character homes with water views over Evans Bay.
House Prices
Three bed character houses from $1 million.
Four bed houses from $1.2 million.
Travel Times
Central city – driving, five minutes non-peak, 15 minutes peak.
Airport – driving, five minutes non-peak.
Hutt Valley – driving 15-20 minutes non-peak.
Weather
Hataitai has a mixture of climates, depending on where you are in the suburb. The sunniest parts are on the eastern ridge. These areas enjoy all day sun and some shelter from northerlies, being in the lee of Mt Victoria. The western side of the suburb can suffer shading from Mt Victoria, particularly in winter. The valley floor (William Street and surrounding streets) gets great sun and is quite sheltered, while being an easy walk to local shopping.