APARTMENT GUIDE.

 

A quick overview of Wellington city apartments, a small guide for you. Always happy to hear from you about others.

Oriental Bay & Oriental Parade

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1. Clyde Quay Wharf 

Address: Clyde Quay Wharf, Te Aro/Oriental Bay waterfront (former Overseas Passenger Terminal wharf)

Year built: Completed 2014

Architect / Developer: Athfield Architects (design); Willis Bond & Co (developer); LT McGuinness (builder)

Units: 76 apartments (some sources say 75) plus retail/office

 

Why people like living here:

• Built out over the water on its own wharf - genuinely unlike anywhere else in the city

• Walk to Oriental Bay beach in one direction, the CBD in the other

• Nautical-inspired design referencing the wharf's history as a 1960s cruise-ship terminal

• Concierge, gym, business centre and a 16-seat private cinema on site

 

Resident comments:

“Waking up to the harbour every morning never gets old - best decision we made.”  — Grace, 2-bed owner-occupier

“Love that I can walk to work in the CBD in ten minutes and still feel like I'm on holiday by the water.”  — Mitchell, 2-bed

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2. Oriana Flats

Address: Oriental Parade (sources vary between 248 and the general block)

Year built: 1963

Architect / Developer: Porter & Martin (architects); developed by Oriana Flats Ltd

Units: 10 flats

 

Why people like living here:

• Tiny building - just 10 flats - so it has a real neighbourhood feel

• Directly on Oriental Parade, footsteps from the beach and promenade

• Modernist styling, part of a cluster of 1950s-60s buildings alongside Wharenui and Fountain Court

 

Resident comments:

“I run along the Parade every morning before work, straight out the front door.”  — Tama, 2-bed

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3. Wharenui Apartments

Address: 274 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay

Year built: Completed 1960

Architect: Structon Group Architects (W.E. Lavelle and Keith Cooper, lead designers)

Units: 40 apartments - 10 floors x 4 apartments per floor

 

Why people like living here:

• Clever triangular floor plan means every apartment gets a sea view

• 100% owner-occupied - a genuinely settled, long-term community rather than a revolving door of tenants

• Solid reinforced-concrete build with real mid-century character

• Beachfront position on Oriental Parade

 

Resident comments:

“Every apartment gets a sea view thanks to the triangular layout - clever 1960s design.”  — Margaret, long-term owner

“Being fully owner-occupied means it actually feels like a neighbourhood, not a revolving door of tenants.”  — Peter, owner

“It's dated inside if you want ultra-modern, but you're paying for the location and the bones.”  — Sarah, owner

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4. Fountain Court Apartments

Address: 48-54 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay

Year built: 1935 (one source suggests 1930)

Architect / Developer: Not publicly identified; "Port Haven Limited" and "Fountain Court Flats" appear in council archives

Units: Not confirmed as a total; unit numbering suggests roughly 17+ units

 

Why people like living here:

• Art Deco/Moderne styling with a broad U-shaped plan that lets light into every unit

• Directly opposite Waitangi Park - weekend markets, dog walks and green space on your doorstep

• Recently refurbished units blend original Deco character with modern finishes

 

Resident comments:

“Waitangi Park right across the road is brilliant for the dog and weekend markets.”  — Nina, 1-bed

“Recently refurbished units are lovely - original Deco details with modern finishes.”  — Josh, 2-bed

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Te Aro & Cuba Street

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5. Hannah's Factory Apartments

Address: 14-16 Leeds Street (adjoining East Building at 5 Eva Street), Te Aro

Year built / converted: Built 1923 as the R. Hannah & Co. shoe factory; converted to loft-style apartments 1995-96

Architect / Developer: Conversion led by developer Ian Cassels, designed by Sir Ian Athfield

Units: 24 apartments

 

Why people like living here:

• Genuine New York-loft feel - original factory windows, open-plan floors and exposed structure

• Steps from Cuba Street and Courtenay Place nightlife

• A new pedestrian walkway connects Eva and Leeds Streets right through the site

 

Resident comments:

“Feels like a New York loft - huge windows and the original factory beams are still there.”  — Isla, 1-bed loft

“Character over convenience - no lift, but honestly worth it for the space and light.”  — Theo 

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6. Chews Lane Apartments  

Address: 9 Chews Lane, Wellington Central

Year built: Precinct completed 2009

Architect / Developer: Athfield Architects; developer Willis Bond with Wellington City Council; builder LT McGuinness

Units: 97 apartments in the 12-storey residential tower

 

Why people like living here:

• In-house gym, theatrette/cinema and outdoor BBQ areas, plus a live-in building manager

• Right in the Chews Lane shopping precinct between Victoria and Willis Streets

• Upper floors get dual harbour and city views

• Active, well-run body corporate with its own resident community events

 

Resident comments:

“Having a gym and cinema in the building sounds gimmicky until you actually use them regularly.”  — Charlotte, 2-bed

“Best body corporate I've dealt with - genuinely responsive and well run.”  — David, 3-bed

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7. Pinnacle Residences

Address: 160 Victoria Street, Te Aro

Year built: Completed May 2021

Architect / Developer: Stratum Management (director Craig Stewart); 17-storey new build

Units: Reports vary; commonly cited as 86 one/two/three-bedroom apartments

 

Why people like living here:

• Floor-to-ceiling windows and double glazing throughout - genuinely light, quiet interiors

• Edge of the CBD business district, close to cafes and dining

• Flexible living - some units run as furnished long-term/corporate rentals if you want a turnkey option

 

Resident comments:

“Being able to walk to work and still have floor-to-ceiling windows and a lift is huge.”  — Jordan, 1-bed

“Loved the flexibility - we rented furnished for six months while house-hunting and it was seamless.”  — Kate, corporate rental

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8. Victoria Lane Apartments 

Address: 161 Victoria Street, Te Aro (Cuba Precinct)

Year built: Completed / residents moved in March 2023

Architect / Developer: Athfield Architects; developer Willis Bond; builder LT McGuinness

Units: 123 apartments (1-3 bedroom), above a commercial podium and ground-floor retail

 

Why people like living here:

• Base-isolated - real peace of mind for anyone who thinks about Wellington's seismic risk

• Homestar 7 sustainable design - noticeably lower energy bills than an older building

• Cuba Street cafes and bars two minutes from the front door

 

Resident comments:

“Cuba Street cafes two minutes away, and the apartment barely gets any street noise.”  — Felix, 1-bed

“Energy bills are noticeably lower than my old place - the Homestar rating isn't just marketing.”  — Grace, 3-bed

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9. Wakefield Apartments 

Address: Corner Cuba Street/Manners Street area, Te Aro

Year built: 2001 rooftop addition atop a 1906 warehouse

Architect: Chris Kelly & James Fenton, Architecture Workshop

Units: Just 3 apartments

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Why people like living here:

• Only three apartments in the entire building - essentially a private rooftop enclave above the city

• Striking glassy "skybox" design with a rooftop terrace and harbour views

• Right in the middle of the Cuba/Manners action, but private once you're inside

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10. Left Bank Apartments

Address: 6 Left Bank / 116 Cuba Street, Cuba Mall, Te Aro

Year built: 1999 (replacing the old Cubacade arcade)

Units: Small component - around 4 units at 116 Cuba Street

 

Why people like living here:

• Steps from Cuba Mall's buskers, cafes and boutiques - about as central as Wellington gets

• Arcade-style building with genuine street character

 

Resident comments:

“You step outside and you're already in the middle of Cuba Mall's buskers and cafes.”  — Dee

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11. 251-255 Cuba Street Apartments  

Address: 251-255 Cuba Street, Te Aro

Year built: 1930s, built for the Downes family

Architect: J.M. Dawson and King

 

Why people like living here:

• Original 1930s Moderne detailing in the heart of Cuba Street

• You're paying for the address as much as the apartment - walk everywhere from here

 

Resident comments:

“Original 1930s details throughout - cornices, the works.”  — Iris, 1-bed

“You're paying for the address as much as the apartment, and honestly it's worth it.”  — Marcus, owner

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12. Cuba Court  

Address: 267-273 Cuba Street, Te Aro

Year built: 1940-41, also a Downes family development (companion building to 251-255 Cuba St)

 

Why people like living here:

• Sister building to 251 Cuba Street a few doors down - same great central position

• Well-renovated interiors in places, with genuine period character retained

 

Resident comments:

“Great little kitchens for an old building, someone's clearly renovated well.”  — Anya, 1-bed

“Walk everywhere from here, we haven't needed a car once.”  — Rewi, 2-bed

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13. Edisons 

Address: 40 Cuba Street, Te Aro

Year built / converted: Built 1930s for the Municipal Electricity Department; refurbished 2021-22

Developer: The Wellington Company

Units: 13 boutique apartments (2-4 bedroom)

 

Why people like living here:

• Only 13 apartments - a genuinely boutique building rather than a big complex

• Original Crittall-style windows and matai flooring, beautifully restored

• Right on Cuba Street's cafe strip

 

Resident comments:

“Only 13 apartments, so it feels boutique rather than like a big complex.”  — Georgia, owner

“The original windows and floors are gorgeous - properly done heritage refurb.”  — Hemi

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14. 83 Abel Smith Street  

Address: Corner Abel Smith Street / Karo Drive, Te Aro

Year built: 2016

Architect: Archaus Architects

Units: 14 one- and two-bedroom apartments

 

Why people like living here:

• Small, boutique building on a distinctive triangular site with vertical cedar cladding

• Central Te Aro without being right on the noisy Cuba Street strip

 

Resident comments:

“Small and boutique - only 14 apartments, so it never feels crowded.”  — Jack

“Good central Te Aro spot without the noise of Cuba Street itself.”  — Freya, tenant

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15. Sunset West  

Address: Corner Karo Drive / Victoria Street, Te Aro (Cuba Quarter)

Year built: Completed April 2021

Architect: Designgroup Stapleton Elliott

Units: 64 one-bedroom apartments

 

Why people like living here:

• Won a 2022 NZIA Wellington Architecture Award

• Private balconies and clever sliding divider walls that let you open the apartment right up

• Cuba Quarter location with good afternoon sun - not a given in Wellington

 

Resident comments:

“The sliding walls mean I can open the apartment right up on a nice day - really clever design.”  — Isla, 1-bed

“Won an architecture award for a reason - genuinely well designed for a one-bed.”  — Connor, 1-bed

“Balcony gets good afternoon sun, which is rare to find in Wellington apartments.”  — Bethenny, tenant

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16. Republic Apartments

Address: 10-11 Lorne Street / Tennyson Street, Te Aro

Year built: 2010

 

Why people like living here:

• Two buildings addressing both streets, with ground-floor retail/commercial below

• Directly opposite Moore Wilson's - dangerously convenient for groceries

• Close to Te Aro's cafes and bars

 

Resident comments:

“Moore Wilson's across the road is dangerously convenient.”  — Holly, 1-bed

“New enough to feel low-maintenance, central enough to walk everywhere.”  — Jesse, 2-bed

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17. Century City Apartments  

Address: 69-72 Tory Street, Te Aro

Year built: 2005

 

Why people like living here:

• On-site pool and gym - genuinely rare for a Wellington apartment building

• Five-minute walk to Te Papa, Courtenay Place and the waterfront

 

Resident comments:

“Five minutes to Courtenay Place for dinner, five minutes to the waterfront for a walk.”  — Aisha

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Waterfront, CBD, Pipitea & Thorndon

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18. Waterloo on Quay Apartments 

Address: 28 Waterloo Quay, Pipitea

Year built / converted: Built 1910 as a wool store; converted to apartments 2001-02

Architect: James Marchbanks (WHB Chief Engineer, original building); built by Sanders Brothers

Units: 44 apartments

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Why people like living here:

• Exposed brick, huge arched windows and a sawtooth glazed roof - genuinely unique interiors

• Two minutes to the railway station, harbour-adjacent

• Nationally significant heritage building (Category 1 listed)

 

Resident comments:

“Exposed brick and those huge arched windows make this place feel like nowhere else in Wellington.”  — Oliver

“Two minutes to the train station is unbeatable if you commute out to the Hutt.”  — Aroha, 2-bed

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19. Odlins Building  

Address: Waterloo Quay, Pipitea

Year built: 1907, for C&A Odlin Timber & Hardware Co, on reclaimed land

 

Why people like living here:

• Ground-floor retail/restaurant with apartments and offices above

• Right next to the railway station and a short walk to Parliament

• Big original warehouse windows flood the apartments with afternoon light

 

Resident comments:

“Big warehouse windows flood the place with light all afternoon.”  — Meera

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20. Stadium Garden

Address: 107 Thorndon Quay, Pipitea

Year built: 1965; converted early 2000's

 

Why people like living here:

• Distinctive open central atrium that floods the interior with natural light

• Close to Sky Stadium, Thorndon Pool, Parliament and the railway station

 

Resident comments:

“The central atrium fills the whole building with light - really clever 1960s design.”  — Karen, owner

“Walk to the stadium for events, walk to the station for work - couldn't be better placed.”  — Liam, tenant

“It's an older building so don't expect luxury finishes, but the bones and the light are great.”  — Meg, owner

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21. Pipitea Point 

Address: 163 Thorndon Quay, Pipitea

Units: 22 apartments (2-bed/2-bath, ~70m²)

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Why people like living here:

• Industrial-chic refurbishment with oak flooring and subway tiling

• Harbour views, five-minute walk to the railway station and close to Victoria University

 

Resident comments:

“Industrial finishes done really well - exposed elements without feeling cold.”  — Ethan

“Five-minute walk to the station makes the daily commute painless.”  — Chloe

“Good option if you're at Vic uni and want something a step up from a flat.”  — Mason, tenant

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22. Kate Sheppard Apartments 

Address: 42 Molesworth Street, Thorndon

Year built: 2004 (one secondary source says 2005)

Units: 64 apartments over 10 levels; 75m squared two-bedroom units up to a 375m squared penthouse

 

Why people like living here:

• Quiet, leafy Thorndon setting close to Parliament, the ministries and the Botanic Garden

• Landscaped roof garden, dual passenger lifts and a resident building manager

• Genuinely generous storage - rare in Wellington apartments

 

comments:

“Perfect for anyone who works at Parliament or the ministries - I'm at my desk in eight minutes flat.”  — Daniel

“The rooftop garden is a real suntrap on a still day, and it's so quiet up here compared to the CBD.”  — Helen

“Storage was the seller for us - most Wellington apartments have none, this place actually thought about it.”  — Sam & Josh, 2-bed

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23. Cornerstone Apartments 

Address: 36 Customhouse Quay, CBD waterfront

Year built: Office tower completed 1987; penthouses added above

Units: 4 two-level penthouse apartments

 

Why people like living here:

• Only four apartments in the whole building - a genuine curiosity perched atop a CBD office tower

• Sweeping harbour and city views from two-level penthouses

• About as central as Wellington living gets

 

Resident comments:

“The views from up top are honestly some of the best in Wellington.”  — Vic, owner

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24. Chaffers Dock Apartments 

Address: Herd Street / Chaffers Street, Te Aro waterfront (former Post & Telegraph Building)

Year built / converted: Built 1939, converted to apartments mid-2000s

Architect: Edmund Anscombe (original building, on ~400 concrete piles)

 

Why people like living here:

• Genuine "best of both" position between the harbour and Waitangi Park

• Imposing Art Deco massing - a real Wellington landmark

• Waterfront walkway right at the door

 

Resident comments:

“Waitangi Park on one side, the harbour on the other - you can't beat the position.”  — Renee, 2-bed

“The Deco facade is stunning, and inside they've kept some lovely original details.”  — Hamish, 2-bed

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25. Pharmacy Building Apartments  

Address: 59 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro

Year built / converted: Built 1932 for the NZ Pharmacy Board; converted to apartments 1994

 

Why people like living here:

• Restrained, elegant Art Deco in the Courtenay Place Heritage Area

• Ten-minute walk to Te Papa and the waterfront

 

Resident comments:

“Nothing flashy, just a solid, well-proportioned old building that's aged well.”  — Tania, owner

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26. Oriental Chambers 

Address: 21-23 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro

Year built: 1920s, as the Wellington East Post Office

Architect: John Mair (Government Architect)

 

Why people like living here:

• Grand inter-war Classical civic architecture - eight storeys at the centre flanked by six-storey wings

• High ceilings and huge windows carried over from its post office days

• Central Te Aro position, surprisingly quiet inside those thick old walls

 

Resident comments:

“The scale of the building is amazing - you feel like you're living in a piece of civic history.”  — Grant

“High ceilings and huge windows from its post office days give it a real sense of grandeur.”  — Aroha

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Mount Victoria & Mount Cook

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27. Belvedere 

Address: 82 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria

Year built: 1937-38

Architect: Edmond Anscombe

Units: 9 apartments over three floors, with ground-floor garaging

 

Why people like living here:

• Only nine apartments - a genuinely quiet, boutique building where neighbours look out for each other

• Five minutes to the Mt Victoria bush walkways with the whole town laid out below

• Streamlined Moderne styling with curved corners and original ironwork

• Rare ground-floor garaging, ahead of its time when built

 

Resident comments:

“Nine apartments total, so it's dead quiet and everyone looks out for each other.”  — Isobel, owner​

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28. Hazel Court Apartment Building  

Address: 4 Claremont Grove, Mount Victoria

Year built: 1954-56

 

Why people like living here:

• Accessed via a narrow old right-of-way winding down the slope of Mt Victoria - genuinely tucked away

• One of the earliest examples of purpose-built private apartments in New Zealand

• City and harbour views from a quiet hillside position

 

Resident comments:

“You'd never know it was here unless you knew - properly tucked away and peaceful.”  — Eleanor, owner

“The walk up is a workout, but the view over the harbour from the living room makes it worth it.”  — Noah, tenant

“Feels like a secret garden suburb inside the city - really special.”  — Manaia, owner

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