Petone

Positioned right on the Wellington harbour, the Māori name Pito-one translates to “end of the sand beach”. Here you’ll find beachside walking trails, lush parks, and a colourful mix of cafés and shops. Historic buildings and quaint cottages add to the suburb’s eclectic personality.

Petone is a mix of old and new. Steeped in Māori history, it was originally home to a fortified Māori village known as a pa. In 1840, it became the first colonial settlement in Wellington. Since then, hundreds of cultures, artisan producers, and creatives have made it their home. 

Petone’s diversity, creativity, and sense of fun are distilled in a single street. Jackson Street is the suburb’s vibrant shopping and dining destination. It’s home to more than 60 bars, cafés, and restaurants in just an 800-metre stretch. You’ll find a cuisine to fix any craving. Dozens of curated independent stores showcase vintage clothing, books, records, and second-hand furniture. Unsuspecting side streets host cinemas, shops, and more.

On a sunny day, Petone Esplanade offers soaring views across Wellington Harbour and the Cook Strait. This popular starting point for the Hutt River Trail is always busy with cyclists, runners, and locals out for a stroll with a coffee in hand. Halfway along the esplanade, you’ll find Petone Settlers Museum. This big white building houses artefacts and information about the history of the area. Stop by to learn more about Petone’s journey to becoming the busy area it is today.

Petone is also a source of pure artesian water. Every week, locals and craft brewers flock to Te Puna Wai Ora. They bring bottles to fill with water filtered through natural aquifers. You can spot the line of people waiting beneath a towering sculpture of traditional water vessels.