Jackson Street, Petone, in the 1930s
Part of the Wellington Heritage Festival

Heritage Month
on Jackson Street

Celebrate Petone's history this spring, with walks, talks, open days and a family scavenger hunt.

When 24 October – 15 November
Where Historic Police Station, 274B Jackson Street
Entry Free, or koha for guided events
This spring

Petone steps back in time

As part of the Wellington Heritage Festival, the Jackson Street Programme is throwing open the doors of our historic street with a month of walks, talks, open days, and a family scavenger hunt, all celebrating the stories, people and places that shaped Pito-one.

From the Old Jail Museum to the tales behind Jackson Street's oldest shopfronts, there's something for curious minds of every age. Most activities start right at our home, the Historic Police Station at 274B Jackson Street, so it's an easy base for a day of discovery.

The Historic Police Station, home of the Jackson Street Programme, 274B Jackson Street
Free · all ages
Family scavenger hunt · 24 October – 15 November

The Jackson Street Quest

Bring the kids and become a Jackson Street detective! The Quest is a free, self-guided scavenger hunt that takes families up and down the street, uncovering clues and curiosities along the way. Do it at your own pace, any day that suits you during the festival.

Pick up a printed copy from
Jackson Street Programme office, Historic Police Station, 274B Jackson Street
The Old Jail Museum
Bin Inn Petone
Download the Quest (PDF)
Led by locals

Walks, talks & open days

Our guided walks and talks are led by locals who know Jackson Street's stories inside out. Places are limited and fill quickly, so booking ahead is essential.

Open day · no booking needed

Old Jail Museum Open Days

Step inside the historic Old Jail and discover what life was like behind its walls. Drop in anytime during opening hours.

Dates31 October, 1, 7 & 8 November
Time10am–2pm
EntryFree, self-guided
Walking tour · booking essential

The Evolution of Jackson Street

A guided wander tracing how Jackson Street has changed through the decades, from its earliest days to the vibrant heritage strip it is today.

DatesFriday 30 October & Sunday 1 November
Time10am–11.30am
EntryKoha welcome
Walking tour · booking essential

Walk of Champions

Discover the local sporting heroes connected to Jackson Street on this guided tour celebrating Petone's proud sporting history.

DatesWednesday 28 October & Sunday 8 November
Time10am–11.30am
EntryKoha welcome
Heritage talk · booking essential

Still Going Strong

Hear the stories of the oldest businesses and families on Jackson Street, the people who've kept the street thriving for generations.

DatesWednesday 4 & Wednesday 11 November
Time10am–11am
EntryKoha welcome

Please note: walking tours are limited to 6 people and talks to 8 people. Koha is warmly welcomed for all guided walks and talks.

Around the corner

Also happening in Petone

A couple more local heritage experiences worth adding to your day, just around the corner on Britannia Street.

Open day

Petone Community House Open Day

Explore inside one of Petone's heritage buildings.

Friday 30 October & Sunday 1 November · 10am–2pm Free, self-guided · 6 Britannia Street
Walking tour

Historic Petone Walking Tour

A guided tour of Petone's historic churches and chapels.

Friday 30 October & Sunday 1 November · 1.30pm–3.30pm Free, booking required · 6 Britannia Street

Booking & getting here

Guided walks and talks have limited places and need to be booked ahead. You can book through the Wellington Heritage Festival website, or get in touch with us at the Jackson Street Programme by phone or email.

Petone is just 10 minutes from Wellington by car or train, and once you're here, everything is within an easy stroll along Jackson Street. Make a morning or afternoon of it, there's plenty of great coffee and kai along the way to keep you going.

Come and discover the stories behind the street. It's worth the journey.

The Jackson Street Programme, founded in 1992, representing over 235 businesses along the Jackson Street and around Petone.
It's Worth The Journey!
© 2026 Jackson Street Programme