Timberlea

Gazing up at the gentle slopes, can you feel the quiet hum of Timberlea? This Wellington suburb, nestled in the Upper Hutt area, whispers stories of growth and community. Timberlea emerged in the late 1960s. It blossomed into a residential haven. The heart of Timberlea saw its major development between the 1960s and early 1980s. Timberlea offers a blend of history and modern living. It sits on a plateau in the Eastern Hutt Valley Hills. Most of the suburb lies between 115 and 135 meters above sea level. Imagine arriving via Norana Road, branching off from State Highway 2. You’ll find yourself embraced by a community with a unique character. While Timberlea itself doesn’t boast shops, the nearby Brown Owl suburb caters to everyday needs. A short trip to Upper Hutt’s city center, about 3 to 6 kilometers away, offers more retail options. Timberlea isn’t just a single entity. It comprises three distinct areas. The central part, between Mount Marua Drive and Garth Lane, showcases the original development. A newer, more upmarket section stretches between Mount Marua Drive and SH2. Houses there primarily sprung up between 2007 and the present. Mount Marua, rising above Mount Marua Drive, represents exclusivity. This area, developed from 2010 onwards, boasts large homes on expansive sections. Many offer stunning uninterrupted views of the Upper Hutt or Mangaroa Valley. Within Mount Marua, Mount Marua Way stands out as a private gated community. It even has a communal tennis court and a small pond. Timberlea residents enjoy three parks. Speargrass Park, tucked away off Speargrass Grove and Blueberry Grove, has a playground for children. Gentian Reserve, off Gentian Street, invites exploration with its forested slopes and walking trails. Timberlea Park, accessible from Norana Road, serves as a central hub. It features a playground, a community hall, and a sprawling lawn next to bush-covered hills. For those relying on public transport, the Te Marua commuter bus route, number 112, connects Timberlea to the wider region. Timberlea, part of the Maoribank statistical area, housed 1612 residents in 2013. As you stand here, imagine the lives lived, the community built, and the ongoing story of Timberlea. It is a suburb where history meets the present. It continues to evolve, nestled within the beauty of Wellington’s landscape.