Stroll
The beach and The Esplanade
Harbour views back to the city, a dog-friendly stretch, playgrounds and picnic spots along the waterfront path.
One street, and everything around it.
Petone (Pito-one) sits on the shore of Wellington Harbour, where heritage shopfronts, harbour views and genuine community all sit side by side. Jackson Street is the heart of it: a long, walkable run of Victorian and Edwardian verandahs filled with independent stores, cafés, eateries and services you won't find anywhere else.
Whether you're here to shop, to eat, to explore the waterfront or to catch what's on, there's more than enough to fill a day. Park once and the whole street is yours on foot.
This is the reason most people make the trip. Jackson Street runs on independent retail: homeware and design stores, bookshops, hat makers, specialty food, outdoor gear, jewellery and gifts, nearly all of it locally owned.
It is also one of the best op-shopping and vintage runs in the country, with charity shops, pre-loved boutiques and upcycled treasures within a few blocks of each other.
Furniture, ceramics, textiles and one-off pieces, from carefully made new to genuine vintage.
Charity shops and vintage boutiques worth a morning of proper rummaging.
Books, hats, knives, tea, beads, bulk foods and the imported shops locals swear by.
Petone punches well above its weight for food. Roasters and brunch spots on the main street, harbour-side cabinets on The Esplanade, Thai, Mexican, Indian and seafood for dinner, and classic pubs, taprooms and a chocolate maker for afterwards.
Find somewhere to eatThe beach is two blocks from the shops, the museum is free, and the heritage street itself is one of the best preserved in the country.
Harbour views back to the city, a dog-friendly stretch, playgrounds and picnic spots along the waterfront path.
The story of Pito-one, from the Māori chiefs who presided over the area to the settlers who arrived by ship in 1840. Free entry, closed Mondays.
Victorian and Edwardian verandahs, cast-iron brackets and shopfronts worth looking up at. Galleries, a boutique cinema and a spring of fresh water along the way.
Seasonal trails, family activities and what's on while you're here: see our Experiences page.
Staying a little longer? There are places to stay in and around Petone, from motels to bed and breakfasts, all within reach of the street.
