Last updated May 2026
Horokiwi is one of Wellington’s more unusual suburbs — an outer northern area that sits between the city and the Hutt Valley without quite belonging to either. Small, semi-rural and accessible by a single road, it has a population of around 183 people (2023 census) spread across 7.26 square kilometres of hill country. For those who know it, Horokiwi is a quiet corner of the Wellington region with a long history as a travel corridor and a distinctly unhurried character.
Practical Information
| Location | Outer northern Wellington, between the city and Lower Hutt |
|---|---|
| Access | Via Horokiwi Road, which branches off the Petone–Wellington motorway |
| Population | 183 (2023 census), 72 dwellings |
| Area | 7.26 km² |
| Schools | No local school; primary zoning is for Korokoro School; most children attend schools in Lower Hutt |
| Median age | 50.7 years (compared with 38.1 nationally) |
About Horokiwi
Horokiwi sits in the hills north of Wellington, reached by Horokiwi Road — a single road that climbs away from the Petone–Wellington motorway and winds up into the valley. There is no other access point. The area is semi-rural, with a mix of houses and farms spread across the hillsides, and the suburb’s main commercial feature is Horokiwi Quarry, which has long been part of the area’s industrial character.
The Horokiwi and Korokoro area has a longer history as a travel corridor. Māori used routes through this terrain to move between the Hutt Valley and Porirua, following the natural landforms that thread between the two harbours. That passage-like quality still defines the area — it is not a destination so much as a landscape that sits between places.
With a median age of 50.7 years against the national figure of 38.1, Horokiwi’s population skews noticeably older, reflecting the kind of long-settled rural lifestyle character that appeals to those who want space and quiet within reach of the city.
Where to Learn More
Horokiwi on Wikipedia — background on the suburb’s geography, history and population data.
FAQ
Where exactly is Horokiwi?
Horokiwi is in the hills north of Wellington, accessed via Horokiwi Road off the Petone–Wellington motorway. It lies between the city and Lower Hutt in the Hutt Valley.
Is there only one road into Horokiwi?
Yes. Horokiwi Road is the only access to the suburb, climbing off the motorway into the valley.
Are there schools in Horokiwi?
There are no schools in Horokiwi. The suburb is zoned for Korokoro School, and most children attend schools in the Lower Hutt area.
What is the Horokiwi Quarry?
Horokiwi Quarry is the main commercial operation in the area, part of the suburb’s longstanding industrial character alongside its residential and farming land.
How small is Horokiwi?
The 2023 census recorded 183 residents across 72 dwellings — making it one of Wellington’s smallest and most sparsely settled suburbs by population.
Horokiwi is part of the wider Wellington Suburbs guide. Nearby northern suburbs include Newlands and Johnsonville, both of which offer more comprehensive services and connections to the city.
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