Interviewing to return to Wellington soon, and looking for neighborhood suggestions for a couple + dog. I posted a follow-up to an old thread from 4 years ago back before I took a fixed term position in 2012, but realize my new questions belong in the Locations topic (and I don't know how to move a thread.)
We did bring our pug over last time (in 2012) for 10 months and it went well. We ended up living in a nice little cottage in Roseneath that worked great for us and the dog... but still would like to be more central. Having lived in Wellington, I think our options close to the CBD are limited. Not only are there dog restrictions, but there is a distinct lack of grass in the CBD (and even in many inner suburbs.) What areas are both walkable into the CBD and walkable with a dog? I will be at the Hospital, and a direct bus link would also be handy.
So we are thinking our best options are Mt. Vic, Newtown, Thorndon above the Terrace and maybe parts of Mt Cook near Massey? I'd like to be in a spot that is a 20 min walk to most of the CBD, but that generally is Te Aro- and I get the sense that is a no go for dog owners- but maybe I'm wrong? Anywhere with green space that I'm missing? Some areas are looking to be too dear like much of Mt Vic and close in Oriental Parade.
The other thought would be picking a place that has great bus service to the CBD like Hataitai, Kelburn, Brooklyn or Miramar. But I guess that is my back-up plan for now. Do you think I am on the right track, or is it just not realistic to have both CBD living and a dog? We currently have an apartment in Chicago with its own dog-run and close to inner city parks- but I get the sense that is not an option in Wellington.