Mt Cook
An early Wellington suburb with a young and vibrant population
Overview
Character homes on the edge of the city and a world class university in the neighbourhood make Mt Cook a very desirable locality. The population here is young, due to the number of students. Smaller sections and ongoing densification mean there’s not a kiwi quarter-acre section in sight. But if you don’t mind noise from the occasional student party and are keen on a renovation project with excellent potential for capital growth, then Mt Cook could be for you.
Best Suited To
Character home lovers, students, capital gain seekers
Population Profile
Mt Cook has one of the youngest demographics in Wellington City. The 18-24 year age group makes up 42% of the population – the Wellington average just 14%. It’s all about the influence of Massey University’s Mt Cook Campus. The area also features above average numbers of 25-34 year olds – the young workforce. Parents and homebuilders are here but in significantly less numbers than the outer suburbs.
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This is growth in numbers of empty nesters and retirees, as proximity to the theatre, cinema and other cultural treasures appeals. Ethnically the area is not dissimilar from Wellington averages, but there are significantly larger numbers from China and Korea – likely to be foreign students studying in Wellington. Many homes here are rented – 71% compared to the Wellington average of 37%, another clear reflection of the younger population here.
Typical Homes
Mt Cook is one of Wellingtonian’s earliest suburbs, developed from the 1870’s onward. Housing built at this time was typically small cottages and many of these still exist today. Villas were built from the early 1900s and any remaining sites were developed in the 1920s – your typical Californian bungalow. Some of these bungalows are quite grand, built by well-to-do merchants of the period. During the 1960s and 1970s, when there was little concern for heritage, some of the less well kept homes were demolished to make way for block of townhouses and units. These are more prevalent in the southern portion of the suburb, closer to Adelaide Road and Newtown.
Amenities
Mt Cook is a little too close to the city to have its own shopping area. If locals prefer to stay out of the city, they will often spend time in the nearby suburb of Newtown. Handily placed about halfway between Mt Cook and Newtown, New World supermarket is an easy walk for most Mt Cook residents.
Wallace Street is a main thoroughfare south from the central city and here you’ll find Massey University’s main entry point. The eastern portion of Mt Cook is dominated by busy Adelaide Road. Here you’ll find several destination style stores including furniture and appliance outlets, takeaway food, cafes, and the always busy Wellington after-hours Medical Centre.
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Mt Cook School is a full state primary school with a role of approximately 200 students. Its enrollment zone covers Mt Cook, Te Aro and the central city area. St Marks Church School is a private Anglican based school, from pre-school to year eight. There are several secondary schools nearby including Wellington High School (mixed), Wellington College (boys) and Wellington East Girls (girls).
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The Basin Reserve has been home to Wellington Cricket since 1868 and is still the venue for test matches. One day matches are normally held in the larger capacity, Westpac Stadium. The Basin is an ideal place to watch cricket with the choice of seating on covered stands or on the raised, grassy embankments. There are several parks and level playing fields in the area including Nairn Street Park (football and lacrosse), Wellington High Schools playing fields, and the Prince of Wales Park which forms part of the Wellington Town Belt. Mt Cook is also home to the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, reopened in 2015 after major reconstruction work and in time to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the World War One Gallipoli landings.
Real Estate Trends
It is possible to pick up a very run down cottage here for something in the region of $800,000, but you should expect plenty of work. Most well-presented, average sized cottages providing compact three or spacious two bedrooms will sell in the $850,000 to $1 million range. Larger homes here will normally set you back at least $1.2 million. Character homes with city views such as those on Bidwill Street, can attract prices over the $1.5 million dollar mark.
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Mt Cook has always played second fiddle to Mt Victoria, and this tends to keep a check on price levels. There are also a wide range of townhouses and apartments on offer. These always draw attraction from investors as there is a ready pool of tenants looking to live in the locality. Prices start from about $350,000 for something quite small and basic, up to about $1.25 million for a newish, spacious townhouse with integral garaging
Best Streets
Bidwill Street is favored for views over the city and harbour. Wright Street contains a large collection of renovated character homes, just off the main traffic route. Homes in quiet, no-exit streets like Salisbury Terrace, Findlay Street and Yale Road, are always sought after.
House Prices
Basic small cottage needs full renovation, from $800,000.
Renovated cottage, good character, modern interior, from $950,000.
Larger character home, from $1.2 million
Flat, unit, or townhouse from $400,000 to $1 million
Travel Times
Central city – driving 3 minutes non-peak, up to 15 minutes peak.
Airport – driving 15 minutes non-peak.
Hutt Valley – driving 20 minutes non-peak.
Weather
Mt Cook is well positioned for sunlight and doesn’t get too battered by prevailing northerlies unless you’re on one of the hill tops.