Ten minutes from the city, and a world of its own.
Sitting right on the shores of Wellington Harbour, Petone (Pito-one) is one of the region's most characterful spots, a place where heritage shopfronts, harbour views, great coffee and genuine community all sit side by side. It's just 10 minutes from central Wellington, yet it feels like a world of its own.
This is our local guide to making the most of a day here. Whether you're after somewhere lovely to eat, a browse through independent shops, or a wander by the water, here's where we'd point a friend.
Petone is refreshingly easy to navigate. Almost everything worth doing sits along one street, with the beach a block away.
A long, walkable stretch of Victorian and Edwardian shopfronts packed with cafés, restaurants and independent stores.
From the railway station to Cuba Street, with the beach and The Esplanade one block back.
Leave the car where it is and you can happily explore the whole street on foot.
Beach, museum, cinema and a spring of fresh water, all within a few blocks of each other. Here is where we would start.
The harbourside path is made for a gentle stroll or cycle, with some of the best views back across the water to the city. On a calm day the beach is lovely for families, and there's a dog-friendly stretch too. Keep an eye out for the ferries crossing to and from Cook Strait.
Halfway along The Esplanade, housed in the striking Wellington Provincial Centennial Memorial building, this free little museum tells the story of Pito-one, from the Māori chiefs who presided over the area to the first European settlers who arrived by ship in 1840. Small, thoughtfully done, and well worth an hour. Free entry, closed Mondays, and do check current opening hours before you visit.
On the corner of Jackson and Buick Streets, this artesian fountain draws naturally filtered water from deep beneath the Hutt Valley, and you're welcome to fill a bottle for free. Bring an empty vessel; you'll often spot locals doing exactly that.
Just off Jackson Street, this boutique cinema is a favourite for both new releases and independent films, and comes into its own during festival season.
Jackson Street is one of the best-preserved historic streetscapes in the country, and simply ambling along it, looking up at the facades and ducking into whatever catches your eye, is a pleasure in itself.
Petone is the town-end of the new Te Ara Tupua harbourside walking and cycling path to Ngauranga, and the gateway to the Remutaka Cycle Trail. Arrive under your own steam and Jackson Street makes the perfect reward.
Looking for something on while you're here? See our Experiences page for seasonal trails, family activities and events.
A few of our local favourites, from first coffee to a last drink.
Comes & Goes brings a stylish, modern take on the classics on Jackson Street, while Belén Plant Bakery is a must for anyone curious about just how good plant-based baking can be. Down on The Esplanade, Seashore Cabaret pairs a retro diner feel and a loaded cabinet with unbeatable harbour views, and coffee lovers should seek out House of Good Fortune, the home of Good Fortune Coffee, tucked into a mint-green cottage just off the main street.
Rata's Kitchen is an intimate spot blending Thai flair with French finesse; Viva Mexico serves up genuinely authentic Mexican; and Petone's classic pubs, The Empire, The Victoria Tavern and Speight's Ale House, are all good for a relaxed bite. For something with spice, Ruchi and Bikaner cover the Indian favourites, while The Hook is the pick for seafood.
Baylands Brewery pours a huge range on tap in a family-friendly taproom, with burger-and-diner spot Gear Street Union just around the corner. Sprig & Fern Tavern and the Abandoned Taproom round out the craft-beer scene. For something sweet, The Chocolate Story makes its chocolates on-site, so follow your nose, and don't leave without a hot chocolate.
Jackson Street is a browser's dream: a long run of independent stores you won't find on any high street.
Wanda Harland for sustainable, beautifully made home goods and fashion; Eclectic Design House for colour and one-off pieces; Mango Interiors and Harding's Furniture for homeware and vintage finds; and Goody Goodness for locally made gifts and customisable gift boxes.
Schrödinger's Books is a gorgeous independent bookshop; Hatlantis showcases Petone's own Hills Hats; and food lovers are spoilt with Bin Inn, The Dutch Shop, UK Goodies, Tea Atelier, House of Knives and Village Beads.
Petone is a genuine destination for op-shopping and vintage. We've pulled the best of it together in our Guide to Sustainable Shopping on Jackson Street, a self-guided trail through the street's charity shops, vintage boutiques and upcycled treasures.
Want the full list? Browse every café, shop and eatery in our Business Directory.
Petone is genuinely easy to reach: a short drive, a quick train ride, or a scenic walk or cycle along Te Ara Tupua from Wellington. However you arrive, there's more than enough to fill a day: coffee and brunch, a wander along the beach, an afternoon browsing the shops, and dinner and a drink to finish.
Come and see for yourself why Petone is worth the journey.
