You’re looking at the hillside suburb of Vogeltown, nestled on the eastern slopes of Brooklyn. It’s a tranquil haven, overlooking Newtown and sometimes considered part of Mornington, but its peaceful existence hides a fascinating history.
Vogeltown takes its name from Sir Julius Vogel, a prominent figure in New Zealand’s 19th-century politics. Vogel, who served as the country’s Premier from 1873 to 1875, had a strong connection to this area. He married Mary Clayton, the daughter of Sir William Clayton, a renowned architect who gifted the couple Finnimore House. This stately home, still standing at the corner of Finnimore Terrace and Dransfield Road, overlooks Vogeltown. But before Vogeltown became a suburb, the area was a crucial part of the Maori landscape.
Before European settlement, the land that now includes Vogeltown was used by the Te Aro hapu, a sub-tribe of the Te Atiawa, for cultivation. They called it Omaroro, and it remained under their control until 1859. That year, a man named John H. E. Wright leased the land for fourteen years. Then, in 1873, Wright purchased the freehold, and the development of Vogeltown began.
Most of the homes in Vogeltown were built in the 1920s, giving the suburb a distinct character. Although its growth nearly led to its absorption into adjacent suburbs in the early 21st century, Vogeltown remains a distinct and vibrant community. With its charming streets, lush greenery, and a legacy tied to a significant figure in New Zealand’s history, Vogeltown offers a glimpse into the past while being a quiet and friendly place to live today.