Moving to Wellington Guide 2025 | New Zealand's Capital City

Moving to Wellington: Your Complete 2025 Capital City Guide

Quick Summary

Best For

Government workers, tech professionals, culture enthusiasts, creative industries, compact city lovers

Population

215,900 (Wellington City), 542,000 (Greater Wellington region)

Cost of Living

High - NZ$4,800-6,500/month for a family of four

Climate

Temperate - windy, mild winters (7-13°C), warm summers (17-21°C)

Why Choose Wellington?

Wellington, New Zealand's capital and cultural heart, punches well above its weight as one of the world's most compact and liveable capital cities. Nestled between a stunning natural harbour and green hills, this vibrant city of 216,000 offers something unique: all the amenities and opportunities of a major city condensed into a highly walkable, human-scale environment. You can walk from harbour to hillside in 20 minutes, experience world-class coffee culture, catch a show at one of dozens of venues, and be hiking in native bush within 15 minutes of downtown.

Known affectionately as "Windy Wellington," the city embraces its blustery reputation with good humor while offering serious opportunities in government, technology, film, and creative sectors. As the seat of government, Wellington houses Parliament, government ministries, and public sector agencies, making it the obvious choice for public service careers. The tech scene is thriving, with Xero, Trade Me, and Weta Digital headquartered here, alongside a flourishing startup ecosystem supported by organizations like Creative HQ and the Wellington Innovation District.

Wellington's cultural credentials are formidable. The city boasts more cafes and restaurants per capita than New York City, a world-class museum (Te Papa Tongarewa), a vibrant craft beer scene, and is the home of Peter Jackson's film empire. The Cuba Street precinct offers bohemian vibes, while the waterfront development provides modern urban living. Wellingtonians are known for their engaged, progressive attitudes and strong sense of community identity.

Challenges include limited housing stock driving up prices (median house price now NZ$875,000), notorious wind that can make walking difficult on bad days, and earthquake risk requiring building standards that affect older housing stock. The compact geography means limited room for expansion, creating housing pressure. However, for those valuing culture, walkability, career opportunities in specific sectors, and a genuine city feel without overwhelming scale, Wellington is unmatched in New Zealand.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Housing Costs

Rental Market (October 2025):

Property Prices:

Food & Groceries

Transportation

Utilities & Services

Job Market & Key Industries

Wellington's economy is driven by government and knowledge-intensive industries. Unemployment sits at 3.5% (October 2025), with strong demand for skilled workers.

Dominant Industries:

  1. Government & Public Sector: Largest employer sector with 40,000+ jobs. Parliament, ministries (health, education, justice, transport), and public agencies. Excellent job security and benefits. Average salary: NZ$65,000-125,000
  2. Technology & Digital: Over 1,000 tech companies employing 15,000+ people. Xero (accounting software giant), Trade Me, Weta Digital, Datacom. Strong fintech and SaaS sectors. Average salary: NZ$80,000-135,000
  3. Film & Creative Industries: Weta Workshop, Park Road Post, numerous production companies. Animation, VFX, game development. Wellington is "Wellywood" for good reason. Average salary: NZ$55,000-110,000
  4. Professional Services: Legal, accounting, consulting firms supporting government and corporate sectors. Average salary: NZ$70,000-140,000
  5. Education: Victoria University of Wellington, Massey, numerous schools and polytechnics. Average salary: NZ$60,000-105,000
  6. Tourism & Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, tourism operators. Growing sector but lower wages. Average salary: NZ$45,000-65,000

Job Search Tips:

Salary Expectations: Entry-level: NZ$48,000-60,000 | Mid-career: NZ$70,000-105,000 | Senior roles: NZ$110,000-180,000

Neighborhoods & Suburbs Guide

Central Wellington

Te Aro (CBD, Cuba Street, Courtenay Place) - Apartment living, nightlife, restaurants, walking to everything. Median rent: NZ$550-750/week. Best for: Young professionals, students, car-free lifestyle.

Oriental Bay & Mt Victoria - Waterfront apartments, stunning views, prestigious addresses. Median house price: NZ$1.4-2.0 million. Best for: Affluent professionals, scenic living.

Inner Suburbs (2-5km from CBD)

Mt Cook & Aro Valley - Student areas near Victoria University, bohemian, affordable rentals. Median rent: NZ$500-700/week. Best for: Students, young renters, artists.

Newtown - Multicultural, hospital nearby, improving rapidly, great cafes. Median house price: NZ$850,000-1.1 million. Best for: First-home buyers, families, diversity seekers.

Brooklyn - Hills, character homes, wind turbine views, green surroundings. Median house price: NZ$950,000-1.3 million. Best for: Families wanting space, nature lovers.

Thorndon & Kelburn - Heritage character, near Parliament, university precinct, quiet. Median house price: NZ$1.1-1.6 million. Best for: Government workers, academics, character home lovers.

Eastern & Northern Suburbs

Miramar & Seatoun - Airport area, Weta Workshop, beach access, family-friendly. Median house price: NZ$950,000-1.3 million. Best for: Film industry workers, families, beach lifestyle.

Karori - Wellington's largest suburb, family-oriented, good schools, valley setting. Median house price: NZ$900,000-1.2 million. Best for: Growing families needing space.

Khandallah & Ngaio - Affluent, excellent schools, hillside homes, established. Median house price: NZ$1.2-1.7 million. Best for: Families prioritizing education.

Hutt Valley (Greater Wellington)

Lower Hutt (Petone, Eastbourne) - More affordable, flatter, growing arts scene in Petone. Median house price: NZ$700,000-950,000. Best for: Budget-conscious families, commuters.

Upper Hutt - Most affordable, rural feel, outdoor recreation nearby. Median house price: NZ$650,000-800,000. Best for: Affordability seekers, nature access.

Northern Gateway

Porirua & Tawa - Affordable entry points, good transport links, diverse communities. Median house price: NZ$600,000-800,000. Best for: First-home buyers, budget families.

Education & Schools

Early Childhood Education

200+ licensed centers and kindergartens. Costs: NZ$260-400 per week. Government subsidy of 20 hours/week for 3-5 year olds. Montessori and alternative education options well-represented.

Primary & Secondary Schools

Top State Schools:

Private Schools:

Tertiary Education

School Zones: Less competitive than Auckland but still important for popular schools. Check education.govt.nz before house hunting.

Healthcare Facilities

Public Hospitals

Private Facilities

Medical Centers

Over 80 medical centers across Wellington region. Most suburbs have at least one GP practice. After-hours clinics in Newtown, Johnsonville, Lower Hutt. Accident & Medical clinics throughout city.

Healthcare Costs

GP visits: NZ$45-70. Public system accessible but wait times for non-urgent procedures. Private health insurance recommended: NZ$90-280/month per person. Wellington Free Ambulance operates on donation model.

Transport & Getting Around

Public Transport

Metlink operates buses and trains. Snapper card for all services (also works at some cafes and shops).

Bus Network: Extensive coverage, frequent services on main routes. New electric double-decker buses on key routes. Night buses Friday and Saturday.

Train Services:

Cable Car: Iconic Wellington experience, connects Lambton Quay to Kelburn (Botanic Gardens, Victoria University). Tourist attraction and practical transport. NZ$5 one-way.

Walking & Cycling

Wellington is New Zealand's most walkable city. Central area highly pedestrian-friendly. Cycling growing with improved infrastructure but hilly terrain and wind are challenges. Great Harbour Way cycleway being extended. E-bikes increasingly popular for hills.

Driving

Less necessary than Auckland due to compact size and good public transport. However, hills, one-way streets, and limited parking make driving challenging. Resident parking permits required in many central suburbs (NZ$150-400/year). Wind can affect driving, especially on exposed routes and harbour bridge.

Wellington Airport

5km from CBD, one of the world's most scenic approaches. Domestic flights to all major NZ cities, international to Australia. Airport Flyer bus NZ$12, taxi/Uber NZ$30-45. Note: Wellington's wind can cause flight delays or diversions.

Ferry Services

Interislander and Bluebridge ferries to Picton (South Island) - essential link for road and rail. 3-hour crossing, bookings recommended especially for vehicles.

Lifestyle & Culture

Coffee Culture

Wellington is New Zealand's coffee capital with more cafes per capita than New York. Specialty roasters include Flight Coffee, Havana, Mojo, Supreme. Coffee is serious business - expect excellent flat whites everywhere.

Food & Dining

Over 600 cafes and restaurants in compact area. Cuba Street, Courtenay Place, Logan Brown, Ortega Fish Shack are institutions. Strong Asian food scene (Vietnamese on Tory Street, Chinese in Newtown). Thriving food truck culture. Moore Wilson's is the gourmet food destination.

Craft Beer Scene

Over 30 craft breweries including Garage Project, ParrotDog, Tuatara, Fork & Brewer. Beer culture is huge - brewery tours popular weekend activity.

Arts & Culture

Outdoor Activities

Events & Festivals

Climate & Weather

Wellington has a temperate maritime climate with famously strong winds and changeable conditions.

Seasonal Overview:

The Wind Factor

Wellington averages 178 windy days per year (gusts over 60km/h). Wind funnels through Cook Strait and around hills. Benefits: clean air, clear skies, natural air conditioning. Challenges: difficult walking, wind chill, occasional disruptions. Wellingtonians learn to lean into it.

Rainfall

Annual average: 1,250mm, fairly evenly distributed. Western hills receive more than eastern suburbs. Sudden weather changes common - "four seasons in one day" absolutely applies.

Earthquake Considerations

Wellington sits on major fault lines. Buildings must meet strict seismic standards. Many older buildings have been strengthened or demolished. Earthquake preparedness is part of life - have emergency kit, know your building's rating.

Pros & Cons of Living in Wellington

Advantages:

  1. Compact & Walkable: Everything accessible without a car, genuine urban lifestyle
  2. Culture Capital: Museums, galleries, theatre, festivals - punching above its weight
  3. Coffee & Food Scene: World-class dining and cafe culture in compact area
  4. Government Jobs: Stable employment, good benefits, career progression
  5. Tech Hub: Growing tech sector with major companies and startups
  6. Community Feel: Despite being a capital, maintains village atmosphere
  7. Progressive Values: Engaged, educated, environmentally conscious population
  8. Natural Access: Bush walks, beaches, nature within minutes
  9. Size: Big enough to be interesting, small enough to navigate easily

Challenges:

  1. Wind: Relentless and sometimes genuinely difficult to cope with
  2. Housing Shortage: Limited land means tight market and high prices
  3. Earthquake Risk: Constant awareness, building standards affect housing
  4. Cold Homes: Many older homes poorly insulated, heating costs high
  5. Weather Unpredictability: Can change drastically within hours
  6. Limited Industry Diversity: Heavy reliance on government and tech
  7. Small Job Market: Fewer opportunities than Auckland, especially in specialized fields
  8. Airport Limitations: Wind affects reliability, fewer international connections
  9. Expensive Dining Out: High-quality comes with high prices

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How bad is the wind really?

Honest answer: it's significant. Wellington averages 178 days per year with gusts over 60km/h. Some days you literally lean into it at 45-degree angles. Umbrellas are pointless. However, locals adapt quickly - invest in good windbreaker jackets, tie down outdoor furniture, and embrace it. The wind keeps the air incredibly clean, provides dramatic skies, and becomes part of your identity. Most residents grow to appreciate it, but if you hate wind, Wellington might not be for you.

2. Is Wellington cheaper than Auckland?

Housing is about 20% cheaper than Auckland (median NZ$875K vs NZ$1.085M), and rentals are also lower. However, food, entertainment, and daily expenses are similar. Transportation costs can be lower if you go car-free, which is viable in Wellington but not Auckland. Overall, expect 15-20% lower living costs, mainly from housing. Salaries are also typically 10-15% lower than Auckland equivalent roles, except in government where pay scales are national.

3. Do I need a car in Wellington?

No, if you live and work in central Wellington. It's New Zealand's most car-free-friendly city. Excellent bus network, walkable CBD, and suburban trains cover most areas. However, if living in outer suburbs (Porirua, Upper Hutt) or have kids in activities, a car becomes very useful. Many Wellington households manage with one car or none, supplemented by car-share services and rentals for weekend trips. Hills can make cycling challenging without e-bikes.

4. What's the job market like outside government?

Technology is the second-largest sector with companies like Xero, Trade Me, and numerous startups offering opportunities. Film/VFX through Weta and associated companies. Professional services (law, accounting, consulting) support government work. Education sector is substantial with universities. However, job market is smaller than Auckland - specialized roles may be limited. Networking is crucial in Wellington's tight-knit professional community. Remote work for Auckland or international companies is increasingly common.

5. How serious is the earthquake risk?

Wellington sits on active fault lines, with a major earthquake expected within 50 years (though could be tomorrow or in 100 years). However, building codes are world-leading. Post-2016, many older buildings were strengthened or demolished. New buildings are engineered to sway and survive major quakes. Residents maintain emergency kits and have evacuation plans. The risk is real but managed through preparation. If earthquake anxiety would significantly affect your quality of life, consider other cities. Most residents accept it as part of living in a spectacular location.

6. What are the best suburbs for families?

Top family suburbs: Karori (largest suburb, good schools, parks), Khandallah/Ngaio (excellent schools, affluent), Brooklyn (space, nature access), Miramar (family-friendly, beach access), Lower Hutt suburbs like Petone or Eastbourne (more affordable, good schools). Consider school zones, commute times, and amenities. Hutt Valley offers better value but longer commutes. Many families choose based on specific school zones - Wellington College, Wellington Girls, or Onslow College zones are popular.

7. Is the social scene welcoming for newcomers?

Wellington is friendly but can feel cliquey initially - it's a smaller city where many people know each other through work or university. Join clubs, sports teams, or interest groups (Meetup is active). The craft beer scene, running clubs, and volunteer organizations are great entry points. Work colleagues often socialize. The city's engaged culture means people are passionate about causes, arts, and community - find your niche and you'll make connections. It takes effort but most newcomers successfully integrate within 6-12 months.

8. Can you recommend a good area for young professionals?

Te Aro (CBD, Cuba Street area) is ideal - walkable to work, restaurants, bars, and culture. Mount Victoria offers character apartments with views. Newtown is edgier, cheaper, multicultural with great food scene. Thorndon suits those working near Parliament. These areas allow car-free living, access to everything Wellington offers, and align with the urban lifestyle most young professionals seek. Expect to pay NZ$500-700/week for a one-bedroom apartment. Flatting is common - check Trade Me and Vic Deals (Facebook) for shares.

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