Kilbirnie
The diverse and multi-cultural eastern hub
Overview
Multi-cultural Kilbirnie is a relatively compact, but vibrant hub of activity, the gateway to the eastern suburbs. Its’ large and well established village shopping area attracts many during the day. The major sporting facilities of The Regional Aquatic Centre and the Akau Tangi Sports Centre see the suburb remain as busy on weekends, as it is during the week. Housing development is quite intensive, especially on the valley floor and renting is popular.
Best Suited To
Those wanting easy access to a vibrant and cosmopolitan village shopping experience. Airport workers.
Population Profile
One of the most diverse suburbs of Wellington, Kilbirnie is a cultural melting pot including above average representation of Maori, Pacific Island, Indian, Middle Eastern, Latin American and African backgrounds.
Age groups are much on par with other Wellington suburbs, although there is a significant senior and elderly population. We suspect this is due to the existence of a large retirement home here. Statistics data shows that occupations are more likely to be sales workers, community workers, machinery operators and labourers, so the area has a working-class nature to it.
Typical Homes
Kilbirnie contains a typical mix of villas and bungalows, although they tend to be smaller and less grand than other Wellington localities. There are a number of smaller cottages, set on compact sites, especially in those streets surrounding the shopping area. Bungalows are set mostly within the south portion of the suburb, around Palm Avenue.
Villas and larger homes are likely to be set on the elevated western foothills (including Rodrido Road), overlooking the shopping area. There are also localised areas of modern, infill housing. The Wellington City Council is actively considering Kilbirnie as an option for increased housing densification.
Amenities
Kilbirnie has one of the largest suburban shopping areas in Wellington. This is set primarily around Bay Road and the western end of Rongotai Road. Here you’ll find all your daily needs catered for including cafes, restaurants, bookshops, post office, supermarkets, hairdressers, clothing and footwear stores, together with most of the major banks.
Kilbirnie School is the local primary school, actually located just north of the suburb’s boundary, in Hamilton Road, Hataitai. Nearby Lyall Bay School has a zoning system which allows attendance from pupils living in the Kilbirnie area. Evans Bay intermediate is located in central Kilbirnie, covering years six and seven. There are three local secondary schools including St Catherine’s (girls’ Catholic), St Patricks (boys’ Catholic) and Rongotai College (boys’ state secondary).
Kilbirnie is home to the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre, a large, indoor swimming pool complex, used for local, national and international events. The Akau Tangi Sports Centre, with over 12,000 square metres with 12 sprung floor courts, is a recent addition to the suburb. The centre is used for regular sporting programs hosted by the city council, and general sports leagues including basketball, netball, volleyball, and more unusual court sports like futsal (five-a-side football) and korfball (a combination of netball and basketball). The facilities can also be hired by the public. Kilbirnie Park is a large and popular outdoor space, used for rugby in winter and cricket during the summer months. Evans Bay Marina is set to the north-eastern edge of the suburb . This is used for permanent moorings, together with a launching area for pleasure boats and other water based activities.
Real Estate Trends
Kilbirnie prices show the highest recoded sale at $1.5 million for a renovated, four bedroom villa with some water view to Evans Bay. The elevated western foothills overlooking Kilbirnie tend to have larger character homes, and this is where the highest prices are achieved. Well proportioned family homes in this part of Kilbirnie will typically be priced from $1 million. Bungalows on the valley floor will be priced on their size and condition, with very well presented homes achieving over $1.2 million.
Modern infill housing is also popular in this locality with prices for two or three bedroom units and townhouses ranging from $550,000 to $850,000. Kilbirnie has a number of flats, constructed in the 1960s and 1970s. When available these will typically sell in the $400,000 to $600,000 range.
Best Streets
Rodrigo Road, Upper Bourke Street and Naughton Terrace are all placed to the western foothills overlooking Kilbirnie. Here you are likely to find a larger, character home, possibly with views over Evans Bay.
House Prices
Average sized flats and units, attached to others, from $400,000.
Small cottages on the flat, walk to Kilbirnie shopping centre, from $750,000.
Well-presented homes on western foothills, from $1 million.
Large homes, renovated character, views to the east, from $1.25 million.
Travel Times
Central city – driving,10 minutes non-peak, up to 25 minutes peak.
Airport – driving, five minutes non-peak.
Hutt Valley – driving, 25 minutes non-peak.
Weather
Kilbirnie is somewhat sheltered from the prevailing northerly winds, due to Mt Victoria and the Town Belt on its northern flanks. The suburb is exposed to the south but doesn’t tend to suffer the wind as badly as nearby Lyall Bay.