Hataitai is the closest family-friendly suburb to Wellington City, only two bus clicks from Courtenay Place
It is situated at the top of the Ngauranga Gorge, on the main route to Porirua. Johnsonville is a decently-sized residential and commercial suburb, with everything you could need nearby. Johnsonville is always a hub of activity. Slotted into the valley at the top of the Ngauranga Gorge, cars stream along the main street, and around the triangle that forms the suburb’s heart.
The largest of the northern suburbs, it is the stomping ground for people from the surrounding areas, providing the closest shopping area outside Wellington. Hataitai is on important transport links between the central city and Wellington International Airport, to the south of Evans Bay on the isthmus at Rongotai. It is at the eastern end of the Mount Victoria Tunnel and the bus-only Hataitai Tunnel, built in 1907 for trams, making Hataitai a popular place to live.
Schools
Hataitai School
Hataitai School is a full primary school just south of Wellington city in the Eastern suburbs. We currently have a roll of 347 students and being a full primary means we have students from when they begin school at the age of five, until they are in Year 8. Hataitai School is situated on a triangle of 3 roads- Hataitai Road, Arawa Road and Hohiria Road. The main office is off the Hohiria Road entrance. We love that we are big enough to offer our students lots of variety, but still small enough to have a real family feel. Our senior students take special interest and care in our junior students.
Whanau Manaaki
Whanau Manaaki is the not-for-profit organisation behind 85 kindergartens in Horowhenua, the Kapiti Coast, Wairarapa, Upper Hutt, Eastbourne, Petone, Porirua and Wellington. We also offer a home-based service in Porirua. We are an incorporated society governed by our board – an elected group of parents and staff representatives – which sets policy and strategic direction. Whanau Manaaki Kindergartens operate within the policies and guidelines the board sets, with the support of a senior management team. We offer high quality teaching and learning with our 100% qualified and registered kindergarten teachers and our highly skilled and trained educators.
Recreation
Hataitai Park
Nestled in the nature of Mt. Kaukau with easy access into the park, Johnsonville Park is a beautiful spot.
With Glow Worms visible at night and only a 5 minute walk away, or if you want to venture further up the track up to Mt Kaukau, this nature clad park is for you!
Treasure Island/Kainui Reserve
Treasure Island/Kainui Reserve, which links Evans Bay with Hataitai, is of good quality and also provides a track link between the suburbs. With beautiful views of the bay and plenty of different tracks to explore with the family and dogs, it is a great public space to stretch your legs and get some fresh air for a couple of hours.
Skyline Walkway Trail
Allow up to 5 hours to traverse 12kms of Wellington’s ridge tops following the Outer Green Belt onto Mount Kaukau, the Crow’s Nest, Kilmister Tops and Johnston Hill. Take time to indulge in the stunning rural, city and coastal views along the way. On a clear day, views of the Kaikoura ranges, the Marlborough Sounds, Wellington city and harbour, and the Tararua and Orongorongo ranges will take your breath away. The completion of the track link between Makara Saddle and Chartwell was made possible with the support of Meridian Energy who agreed to grant public access over their Otari property and shared the costs of the track development.
Hataitai Community House
Welcome to Hataitai Community House at 112 Waipapa Road. Warm, safe, spacious and affordable, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and wellbeing in our community and provide a space that is welcoming to locals and visitors. The facilities include: two bookable spaces in the community house, a range of activities and classes, playgroups 8 times weekly, a public playground open at all times to children and parents, a large sandpit and small modern kitchens both upstairs and downstairs. All supported and supervised by our part-time House Co-ordinator, Playgroup organiser, Kindergarten teachers and Plunket nurse.
