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First Impressions

Petone is a suburb of Lower Hutt with a population of 5,598. The suburb is located along the northern shore of the Wellington Harbour on the southern end of the Hutt Valley. Settlers first arrived on the Petone Foreshore in 1840, making it the first European settlement in the Wellington region. Quaint and quirky with a small-town vibe, the suburb retains many of its historical buildings and landmarks.

The suburb is steeped in history, with the Petone Settlers Museum and Old Petone Police Station providing a glimpse into the area’s settler past. With its pebbly beach, iconic wharf, and child-friendly parks, the Petone Foreshore and Esplanade offer the ultimate setting for rowing, walking, and playing by the sea. The heart of the suburb centres around Jackson Street, a long stretch of road running parallel to the beach. Featuring original weatherboard buildings, Jackson Street has a colourful array of trendy eateries, boutique stores, vintage op-shops, and specialty food producers.

Throughout the year, Jackson Street acts as the backdrop for a number of community events, including the popular Petone Rotary Fair and the family-friendly Petone Winter Carnival. People visit from across Wellington to attend these events, as well as to drink from the taps at Te Puna Wai Ora – a public artesian water supply filtered naturally by layers of sand and gravel. Petone is the epitome of vibrant, village culture. While only a short car, train, or bus ride away from Wellington City, Petone has a diverse and eccentric atmosphere that draws visitors from across the region. With a mix of older villas alongside newly constructed apartments, Petone offers a range of housing options suitable for working professionals, young families, and home builders alike.