Wellington's historic heritage sites

What is historic heritage?

The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) defines historic heritage as natural or physical resources that help us to understand or appreciate New Zealand's history and cultures. Heritage sites may have archaeological, architectural, cultural, historic, scientific or technological qualities. 

Historic heritage includes:

• historic sites, areas and structures, including trees
• archaeological sites
• places of significance to tangata whenua and Māori, including wāhi tapu
• surroundings associated with the natural and physical resources, eg land around a heritage building.

Find out what's protected

Heritage items in Wellington 

See the list of heritage items protected under the Wellington City District Plan:

Schedule 1 – Ngā Whare Aronehe | Heritage Buildings
Schedule 2 – Ngā Hanganga Aronehe | Heritage Structures
Schedule 3 – Ngā Wāhi Aronehe | Heritage Areas
Schedule 4 – Ngā Wāhi Mātai Whaipara Tāngata | Scheduled Archaeological Sites
Schedule 6 – Te Hōtaka o Ngā Rākau Rangatira | Notable Trees
Schedule 7 – Ngā Wāhi Tapu o te Māori | Sites and Areas of Significance to Māori

These District Plan schedules are the Council's primary means of identifying and protecting the city's heritage.

Updates to the list of heritage items

Changes to the District Plan heritage schedules can occur through a public (Council) plan change or when a private individual or organisation requests a change. A full review of all buildings, items and areas with heritage protection must occur every 10 years.

To discuss updates to the District Plan please contact the District Plan Team:
Phone: 021 198 7136
Email: district.plan@wcc.govt.nz

Wellington City heritage inventory

The heritage inventory is an online tool you can use to search for detailed information on heritage buildings and objects that appear in the District Plan heritage schedules. 

It provides a full range of information, including:

• address and map location
• construction date, general history and subsequent consents / modification
• architects and builders (including over 150 biographies)
• occupation and uses
• contemporary and historic photographs
• original drawings sourced from Wellington City Archives
• heritage listing information and statement of cultural value

Access the heritage inventory

Archaeological sites

Archaeological Sites are places associated with pre-1900 human activity where there may be evidence relating to the history of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The New Zealand Archaeological Association (NZAA) holds a database of all the archaeological sites in the country. This is accessible through our online Property map, under the Layer ‘Archaeological Sites’. 

Three archaeological sites are also scheduled in the Wellington City District Plan 2024 due to their regional significance. 

All archaeological sites are protected by the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014. It is a requirement of the Act that an Archaeological Authority (consent) is granted if a site may be modified or destroyed.

Contact Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga for:

• information and resources on archaeological sites
• archaeological site protection and the Law, and,
• if you are planning to undertake works that involve disturbance of a site occupied before 1900, as you may need an archaeological authority before works start.

For more information on archaeological research and a consultant directory, visit: New Zealand Archaeological Association.

New Zealand Heritage List / Rārangi Kōrero

The New Zealand Heritage List / Rārangi Kōrero is a heritage information tool maintained by Heritage New Zealand. It identifies and provides information on significant heritage places throughout New Zealand.

Search the list - Rārangi Kōrero - Heritage NZ

Note:
Because the New Zealand Heritage List / Rārangi Kōrero and the Wellington City Heritage List operate under different legislation, you may find some historic heritage items listed here that are not on the Wellington City Heritage List, and vice versa.

Heritage studies and reports

Mount Victoria Heritage Study

In 2016 and 2017, the Council undertook a study of Mount Victoria heritage buildings to get an understanding of what typifies the historic character of the suburb and how, for example, the buildings in Mount Victoria differ from houses in other parts of the city. 

See the results in the Mount Victoria Heritage Study report.

Historic themes report

Historic themes are aspects in the history of a place that have shaped it physically, culturally, socially and politically.

Wellington's 2013 historic theme framework

Wellington's 2013 historic theme framework can be used as a tool to help us identify new heritage sites, see where there are gaps in knowledge, and where further research, documentation or management may be needed.

See this study of the four historic themes that have shaped Wellington city. 

How to get a heritage item protected

Nominate a heritage item to protect it

If you would like to nominate a heritage item for protection, email district.plan@wcc.govt.nz and include the following details:

• name and address of place
• historical information
• why the place is significant and should be protected
• photographs

This information will be considered when the District Plan Heritage List is reviewed.

Heritage orders

Heritage orders can protect places of special value or significance. They can only be done through heritage protection authorities. For more information, see Heritage orders in district plans - Ministry for the Environment.

To view the list of buildings in Wellington that are protected by Heritage Orders, see our 2024 District Plan website.

What to do if you want to make changes to a listed heritage item

To demolish, modify or build on a District Plan listed heritage item, you may need a resource consent under the Resource Management Act 1991 or an Archaeological Authority before work is carried out. For more information, see: Advice and guidance.

Why we protect historic heritage sites

Under the RMA, the Wellington City Council is required to recognise and protect the heritage value of sites, buildings, places or areas. The Council therefore maintains a list of heritage areas, buildings, objects and trees.

According to the RMA, the protection of historic heritage from inappropriate subdivision, use and development is a matter of national importance.

Removing heritage items from the heritage schedule 

Heritage items can only be removed from the schedule through a change to the District Plan. Items are typically only removed when an item no longer meets the criteria for listing, and detailed information is required explaining why this is the case.

To discuss removing an item from the District Plan email district.plan@wcc.govt.nz.