Newtown

This was one of the first areas in Wellington to be settled due to its sheltered position, friendly microclimate, central location and easy access; extensive gentrification has attracted young professionals for some years. Newtown was originally a working class area, with grander houses on its slopes. It’s a vibrant and colourful inner city suburb, well-serviced by the bus system (partly due to Wellington Public Hospital’s location in the suburb’s heart).

Newtown has some magnificent Victorian villas and quirky shops. Its ethnic and cultural diversity is reflected by the number of interesting restaurants (including Manon, a serious French restaurant) and several foodie meccas – Mediterranean Food Warehouse has the best and cheapest cold-smoked salmon in Wellington and Ranchhod Enterprises has everything needed for Indian cooking. Newtown has attracted some of the cities most individual, small retailers: Next Stop Earth (excellent florist), Prudence & Duncan for stylish jeans and t-shirts, and Paul Craig for inspired picture framing. It has a good library and, of course, the Wellington Zoo (with its excellent café, Eva Dixon’s). The hospital ensures the area is a mecca for young nurses and senior medical students whose work long hours meant they don’t want to commute.

Crn Adelaide Rd and Ridderford St