Your guide to Wellington’s northern suburbs | Things to do, eat and explore

Northern suburbs’ Essentials Kit

Looking for the must-visit spots in the northern suburbs? Here’s where to begin.

Hike up the Skyline on Wellington’s Northern Walkway.
Be enchanted by the native sights and sounds at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush.
Get your pastry fix at artisan Dough Bakery or award-winning Nada Bakery.
Johnsonville satisfies every appetite at 1841 Restaurant & Bar, Puku Pies, and Common Ground.
Gobble up cinnamon rolls from Urban Eatery by the celebrated Tawa Bucket Tree.

People gathered around a table sharing a meal at Station Kitchen in Ngaio, with plates of food and drinks in a bright café setting.

Station Kitchen, Khandallah.

It’s a native wonderland at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush

Before State Highway 1 existed, Māori and Pakeha would travel along the Ngaio Gorge. Today, when heading north, pop up over the ridge to see houses scattered along forested ridgelines. Take a left to start your journey at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush. In the 1800s, the Wilton family saved this precious parcel of land from development. Now it’s New Zealand’s only native botanical garden. Breathe in the fresh air and find the 800-year-old Rimu tree, or spot tuna in the stream.

Get arty in Ngaio Village

Travel north to the suburb of Ngaio, named after the beloved Ngaio tree. Stop off for a coffee and treat at Dough Bakery or sit down for brunch at The Villa Café. When your puku is satisfied, check out the Fee Thompson Gallery. Here, you can browse artwork from Fee herself and take a piece home as a northern suburbs memento. Or, even better, create your own piece of art at Sam’s Art House.

The Skyline peaks at Mount Kaukau

Stretch those legs and venture to the Skyline Walkway for an epic view of the city, but where is the best entrance to Mount Kaukau? The most popular trailheads can be accessed from Simla Crescent or Khandallah Pool. Regardless, all paths will lead to the 445-metre summit. On a clear day, the Kaikoura range on the South Island is visible over the hills. Every year, this city playground hosts hundreds of trail runners for Faultline Ultra.

Browse the Khandallah shops

The next stop along Old Porirua Road is Khandallah. The name is an ode to early Indian settlers, meaning ‘resting place of the gods’. An apt reflection of its elevated position. In the village, find a new fit at the Hamilton & Murray boutique or buy a gift for a loved one at Tea Pea. Nearby, locals gather at Station Kitchen for quality pizza and Wellington beers on tap. Wine lovers, check out Cashmere Lounge for evening dining.

Johnsonville, tried and true

Curve around the hillside to meet the suburb known as ‘J-Ville’. Here you can find something delicious for everyone. 1841 Bar and Restaurant, named after the year the suburb was first developed, offers a classic pub meal. Hankering for a bakery? Get your fix at award-winning Nada Bakery or popular Puku Pies. At the wonderful library complex, Common Ground Café is a favourite for all ages and stages. Sip a barista coffee or dig into one of their 30 rotating salads. Not on the health grind? Order some fish and chips from Johnsonville Mall Fish Supply. The Northern Walkway Trailhead and Seton Nossiter Park are both excellent picnic spots.

The tree-mendous finale in Tawa

Named after another native tree, Tawa is the last stop on your northern suburbs journey. At the entrance to this sprawling suburb is the Tawa Bucket Tree, awarded New Zealand Tree of the Year in 2026. If you’re keen to stay indoors, pick up a bargain at Tawa Outlet. In the main village, visit Urban Eatery for a final treat. Their cinnamon scrolls and quality menu are worth travelling for. Complete your day with a walk up the Te Ngahere-O-Tawa track. The views look back to the northern suburbs and towards Porirua. You might get inspired for your next adventure.

A large bouquet of pink and white lilies and roses on a table at Common Ground Café.

A shopper browses the clothing racks at Hamilton & Murray Boutique.

A person frolics in front of the Tawa Bucket Tree.

A pistachio cream-topped cinnamon scroll on a plate beside a coffee at Urban Eatery in Tawa.

How to get to the northern suburbs

Ride a bike

For keen cyclists, dedicated cycleways run from Wellington CBD up Ngaio Gorge. From there, explore the suburbs at your own pace.

Public transport

Metlink buses and trains run frequently to the northern suburbs. Catch bus Route 14 for Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush and the Johnsonville train line for Ngaio, Khandallah and Johnsonville. For Tawa, catch the Kāpiti train line or bus routes 59, 60 and 60e.

Self-drive

Drive up Ngaio Gorge for Old Porirua Road. You can also cut through Wadestown or Aro Valley to start at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush. The drive from central Wellington to Tawa typically takes 20 minutes.

Hannah Carr holds a baby while browsing in a bookstore, with colourful children’s books and shelves filled with books in the background.

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Skyline Walkway

Skyline Walkway trails from Mākara Saddle to the summit of Mount Kaukau ending in Churton Park with views of the Wellington City and Harbour.

A pastry chef in a white coat and grey apron looks down while making cheese scones at Pravda Café & Grill. There are two racks of scones cooling on racks on the counter.

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Two people walk along a grassy hilltop on the Skyline Walkway with a view of Wellington harbour in the background.

Mount Kaukau Summit / Khandallah Park Loop

Mount Kaukau is a favourite Wellington walk. At 445 metres above sea level, it is the most visible high point in Wellington with the best views of the region.

A runner wearing an orange teeshirt and white cap looks out over the hills of Wellington.

A Wellington runner embraces the city’s hills

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The view from Te Ara Paparāngi ki te Tonga over the Newlands hills out to the Wellington Harbour and Eastbourne.

Te Ara Paparārangi / Te Ara Paparāngi ki te Tonga

Take in views of Wellington harbour on this easy walk for all ages in Newlands.

The view overlooking Wellington and the harbour from the summit of Mount Kaukau on the Skyline Walkway.

Northern Walkway

Northern Walkway is a half-day walk through Wellington's outer green belt. Discover abandoned railway tunnels, great views and scenic reserves.

Section of trail covered in rust coloured pine needles, surrounded by rows of tall pines and new plantings on either side.

Te Ngahere-o-Tawa

A hidden uphill trail through native bush, starting from Kiwi Crescent in Tawa, with views over Tawa and Porirua.

Redwood Bush Loop

Redwood Bush Loop is an easy one-hour walk in Tawa through mature tawa, matai, and rata trees. The ridgeline provides great views over northern Wellington.

Two people walking along a pebbled beach near the shoreline, with calm water, boats, and a tree-covered hillside in the background. One person is holding a takeaway coffee cup.

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Your guide to the northern suburbs