Khandallah, a suburb in Wellington, is well-known for its charming mix of long-standing businesses and essential services. Over the years, this community has seen both subtle and significant changes, making it a distinctive place to live and shop. With its bustling village atmosphere, Khandallah Village serves as the heart of the suburb, offering a small yet vibrant retail and commercial centre that continues to adapt to the needs of its residents.

The Evolution of Khandallah

Khandallah has long been recognised for its strong sense of community. Its businesses, some of which have been operating for decades, provide a diverse range of day-to-day services. The village features three cafés, four takeaway outlets, a pharmacy, a supermarket, and a butcher, among other essential services. Long-established community facilities like the library and town hall further enrich the social fabric of the suburb.

Picture source: Khandallah Village(Facebook)

In recent years, Khandallah has witnessed changes brought about by retirements, the rise of technology, and new businesses entering the scene. This is particularly evident in Khandallah Village, where some older businesses have either evolved or been replaced by more contemporary offerings, contributing to the village’s dynamic yet homely character.

The Retail Landscape of Khandallah Village

Khandallah Village stands out as one of the best small retail centres in Wellington. The Northern and Southern sides of the main street are home to an eclectic mix of businesses. The retail centre offers a well-rounded selection of essential services to meet the diverse needs of the community. In addition to shopping, visitors have easy access to a range of nearby facilities, including medical and dental clinics, child care centres, fitness studios, car repair and maintenance services, legal and accounting offices, and various other support services. This mix of retail and essential services creates a convenient, all-in-one location for both daily needs and specialised services.

Picture source: tommysrentals.co.nz

The Main Street Northern Side

The Northern side of the village is anchored by Parsons Café, previously known as Parsons Nose, a local favourite that has had several owners but remains a cornerstone of the area. Nearby, Village Pharmacy and Ray White Real Estate Agents have also been part of Khandallah’s business landscape for a long time.

Picture source: Parsons cafe and bakery (Facebook)

Khandallah Dairy and Khandallah Physiotherapy, both long-standing establishments, had their buildings rebuilt in 2017, marking a phase of renewal. Additionally, H&M, a fashion store replacing an art gallery in 2024, adds a fresh, classy touch to the village’s offerings. H&M remains committed to supporting the local arts community by hosting regular art exhibitions. These exhibitions will continue to showcase a variety of works, offering visitors an opportunity to enjoy and engage with local and international art. The exhibitions aim to enrich the shopping experience, providing an inspiring and culturally relevant atmosphere within the retail space, all while supporting emerging and established artists.

Picture source: Khandallah village (Facebook)

The community’s gathering points, such as the Khandallah Town Hall and Village Quality Meats butchery, remain timeless fixtures. Taylors Dry Cleaning, Chinese Takeaway, and FAB Hair Company have also served locals for many years, maintaining the village’s reputation for reliability.

Picture source: Khandallah town hall and cornerstone community centre (Facebook)

Recent changes include the closure of the once-popular Videotime, now replaced by Dominos Pizza, highlighting the evolution of consumer habits as video stores disappeared. Likewise, the former NZ Post Shop has made way for Namaste Khandallah, an Indian restaurant that has been operating for two years. Many locals felt the loss of the Post Shop, especially its paper goods section, which had been a beloved feature.

Picture source: tripadvisor.com

Other long-standing businesses in the area include Hells Pizza and the Khandallah Trading Company, a popular pub/restaurant that continues to serve the local community with food and drinks.

The Main Street South Side

On the Southern side, New World Supermarket stands as a vital part of the community, serving locals for a considerable time. Other long-time businesses such as St Vincent de Paul Society Charity, Asian Takeaway, and The Village Patisserie Café contribute to the village’s thriving food and service scene.

Picture source: tripadvisor.com

Businesses like Tea Pea (a home and gifting store), Animates Vetcare, and the Khandallah Library have also cemented their place in the community, offering essential services to locals. A notable new addition is Village Shoes (Gubbs), which opened in 2024, bringing stylish footwear to the area.

Picture source: gubbsshoes.co.nz

Change, however, is always on the horizon. Bread & Butter Eatery, which replaced the beloved Taste Restaurant in 2022, marks the passing of a much-loved long-serving establishment. These shifts reflect both the loss of nostalgia and the excitement of new ventures that continue to breathe life into the village.

Is Khandallah Village the Best Small Retail Centre in Wellington?

Khandallah Village could certainly make a claim for being Wellington’s best small retail and commercial centre. With its broad range of essential services, the village ensures that locals have everything they need within walking distance, from cafés and takeaways to pharmacies, real estate agents, and even a vet care facility.

Picture source: villagepharmacy.co.nz

Recent years have brought about a renewal of the village’s retail landscape. Some businesses have given way to new faces, yet the heart of Khandallah remains intact—steadfast, reliable, and ready to adapt to future demands.

This combination of heritage and forward-thinking additions has helped the village retain its charm while keeping pace with modern needs. For a small retail centre, Khandallah offers an exceptional array of services and experiences, all within a compact and accessible setting. Whether it’s the friendly faces behind long-standing businesses or the excitement of fresh ventures, Khandallah Village embodies the spirit of its community in a way that few other places can.