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Wellington's historic heritage sites

Find out what defines a heritage site, what items in Wellington are listed as heritage sites, and how we protect these.

Clyde Quay boat sheds at Oriental Bay.
Clyde Quay boat sheds

Under The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), the protection of historic heritage from inappropriate subdivision, use and development is a matter of national importance delegated to councils.

The Wellington Heritage Policy, guided by the RMA, sets out how we work to identify and protect Wellington’s heritage places.

What is historic heritage in the Resource Management Act?

The (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, structures, places and areas
  • archaeological sites
  • sites of significance to Māori, including wāhi tapu
  • surroundings associated with the natural and physical resources, eg land or setting around a heritage item.

Find out what's protected

Heritage items in Wellington 

The Wellington City 2024 District Plan (the District Plan) heritage schedules are the Council's primary means of identifying and protecting the city's heritage.

See the list of heritage items protected under the 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 7 – Ngā Wāhi Tapu o te Māori | Sites and Areas of Significance to Māori

Wellington City heritage inventory

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

It provides a full range of information, such as:

  • a brief summary of the heritage item, including address, map location, photographs; architects and builders
  • general history, including modifications, occupation and uses
  • architectural information, including original drawings sourced from Wellington City Archives
  • a statement of cultural value as assessed prior inclusion in the District Plan heritage schedules
  • site detail and any other relevant additional information, including WCC Inventory Report.

Access the heritage inventory


New Zealand Heritage List / Rārangi Kōrero

The Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 (HNZPT Act) that established the functions and powers of Heritage New Zealand (HNZPT) is the other main piece of legislation applying to historic heritage in New Zealand.

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.

Note that because the New Zealand Heritage List / Rārangi Kōrero (the List) and the Wellington City Heritage Schedules operate under different legislation, you may find some historic heritage items listed in the List that are not in the District Plan. schedules, and vice versa.

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 significant heritage value. 

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.

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 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 we protect heritage

Wellington City 2024 District Plan

The District Plan set up the heritage provisions in order to achieve the Council’s strategic objectives, such as:

  • significant buildings, structures, areas, and sites that exemplify Wellington’s historical and cultural values are identified, recognised and protected
  • built heritage is resilient and has a sustainable long-term use while ensuring heritage and cultural values are recognised and maintained.

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

To modify, relocate or demolish a scheduled heritage item, or to build on the site containing a heritage item, you may need a resource consent under the District Plan or an archaeological authority before work is carried out.

Find out if you need a resource consent.

Changes to the District Plan heritage schedules

The District Planning team is responsible for plan change processes within the Council.

Changes to the District Plan heritage schedules can occur through a public plan change (initiated by Council) or a private plan change (when a private individual or organisation requests a change).

Adding a heritage item to get it protected in the District Plan

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, and
  • photographs.

This information will be considered when the District Plan heritage schedules are reviewed.

Removing a heritage item from the District Plan heritage schedule

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

The Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill passed into law on 20 August 2025. This introduces a new Streamlined Planning Process (SPP) for delisting heritage buildings in District Plans. The Council is currently considering the implications of this legislation.

Contact us

For advice and guidance on how to look after Wellington’s heritage items, contact the Design and Heritage Review team.
Email: heritage@wcc.govt.nz

To discuss adding or removing an item from the heritage schedules, or for further information about the heritage schedules or the SPP, contact the District Planning team.
Email:district.plan@wcc.govt.nz