Founded in 1975 by Peter Gray and proudly family-operated ever since, Nada Bakery has been a beloved fixture of Wellington for over fifty years. What began in Hataitai has flourished into a treasured local institution, with its Johnsonville branch serving as a warm, bustling neighbourhood bakery where generations of locals drop in for daily bread, savoury morning teas, and sweet afternoon treats.
Now carried forward by Judith and Peter's son Michael Gray alongside a dedicated team, Nada remains deeply tied to the region, sourcing local ingredients such as Wellington-milled flour, Whittaker's chocolate, and Eastbourne-roasted Karamu Coffee. Whether you are after their gold-medal award-winning pies, pillowy creamed doughnuts, or hand-crafted sourdough loaves, the bakery balances half a century of time-honoured baking tradition with modern convenience, offering both cabinet service and online ordering for pickup and delivery.
For more than fifty years, Nada Bakery has stood as an essential cornerstone of Wellington's food community. The story began in 1975 when sixteen-year-old Peter Gray realised his dream of opening his own bakery, starting out in Hataitai before expanding across Wellington and eventually laying down deep roots in Johnsonville. While Peter passed away in 2005, his legacy continues strongly through his wife Judith and their son Michael, keeping Nada true to its heritage as a welcoming, family-run craft bakery.
At the core of Nada's baking ethos is a steadfast commitment to supporting the regional community. Wherever possible, the kitchen partners with local purveyors to source premium ingredients. Batches of bread and pastry are made using Wellington-milled flour, sweet creations feature rich Whittaker's chocolate, and the cafe counter pours coffee roasted just across the harbour by Karamu Coffee in Eastbourne. This emphasis on quality ingredients is evident in every bite across their sweet and savoury collections.
Ask any Wellington local what to order first at Nada Bakery, and the conversation will almost certainly turn to their hot pie warmer. Renowned across the region and frequent recipients of accolades at the Bakels New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards, their pies are famous for their golden, flaky pastry and generous fillings. The Gold Medal Steak and Cheese pie remains an absolute standout, balancing tender braised beef with gooey, melted cheddar. Other beloved counter fixtures include their classic Potato Top pie, Mince and Cheese, and the spicy Steak, Cheese and Jalapeno pie.
On the sweet side of the cabinet, Nada is celebrated for its famous creamed doughnuts. Fluffy, golden, and packed with fresh whipped cream, they have been a staple afternoon treat for generations of Wellingtonians. Alongside their doughnuts, you will find an assortment of traditional cafe slices, muffins, scones, quiches, and bespoke celebration cakes crafted for birthdays and family milestones.
Stepping into Nada Bakery in Johnsonville provides a comforting, traditional bakery experience where trays of fresh bread, from crusty white sourdough to their signature Nadaburg loaf, sit ready alongside busy takeaway cabinets. Locals swing by early in the morning for hot sausage rolls and fresh coffee on the go, or drop in at lunchtime to pick up made-to-order club sandwiches and savoury bites.
To complement the walk-in cabinet experience, Nada Bakery operates a modern online store offering click-and-collect pickup at the Johnsonville shop alongside regional and nationwide courier delivery. Beyond everyday baked goods, they have become an indispensable local caterer, preparing generous sandwich and savoury platters for corporate meetings, private parties, and pre-packed outdoor picnics.