Last updated October 2026
Ohariu (also known as Ohariu Valley) is a rural lifestyle suburb in Wellington’s northwest, located about 5 kilometres from Khandallah. It occupies a broad valley along Ohariu Valley Road and forms part of the Mākara/Ōhāriu Community Board area.
Residents enjoy a mix of farms and lifestyle blocks in a quiet setting while remaining within reasonable reach of northern suburbs such as Johnsonville and Churton Park.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 410, up 1% since 2018
- Land area
- 52.71 km²
- Location
- 10.0 km north of central Wellington
- Council
- Wellington City Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Mākara, Churton Park, Colonial Knob, Ngaio, Tawa, Mākara Beach, Kenepuru, Johnsonville, Khandallah, Broadmeadows, Crofton Downs
Practical Information
| Getting there | Ohariu Valley Road; no direct bus service, with the closest buses in Khandallah or Churton Park |
Who Lives in Ohariu
About 410 residents in 140 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Ohariu
There is no school inside the Ohariu boundary, but these schools have enrolment zones that cover some or all of it.
Zoned for Ohariu
Show all 8 zoned schools
Source: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), October 2026. Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.
Bin Day in Ohariu
Wellington City Council sets collection days street by street. Look up your address to get your day and which bins go out.
Find your bin day and what goes in each binWeather and Rent at a Glance
Sources: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (MBIE), CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026. City-wide figures.
About Ohariu
Ohariu lies in a north-south valley on Wellington’s western side.
Ohariu lies in a north-south valley on Wellington’s western side. The landscape features wide paddocks, sheltered sections and lifestyle properties that attract those seeking semi-rural living close to the city. The area remains predominantly agricultural, with grazing livestock on many blocks.
The name Ohariu is a corruption of Owhariu, a site of significance in Māori tradition. According to tradition, the explorer Kupe dried the sails of his canoe there during his legendary voyage. This connection adds historical depth to the valley’s quiet rural character.
European settlement began in the 19th century when the New Zealand Company divided the land into country sections. Early resident settlers included James Smith, James Hallett and James Holder by 1854, followed by others in the 1860s who established sheep and beef farms. Dairying became prominent from 1916 and continued for about fifty years.
The suburb connects northward toward Johnsonville and Churton Park, while the valley road links southward to Makara Road and the coast.
History
Ohariu Valley has a long record of Māori occupation in the Wellington region.
Ohariu Valley has a long record of Māori occupation in the Wellington region. European farming developed through the late 1800s with sheep, beef and later dairy operations.
Access improved over time, from early tracks to the Old Coach Road in the 1860s and Ironside Road in 1908. A 2001 Ohariu Valley Rural Community Plan prepared by Wellington City Council continues to guide local environmental and community priorities.
Access and Transport
Ohariu Valley Road provides the main access route through the suburb.
Ohariu Valley Road provides the main access route through the suburb. There is no direct public bus service into the valley itself. The closest bus connections are available in Khandallah or Churton Park. The area is governed by the Mākara/Ōhāriu Community Board under Wellington City Council.
Near Ohariu
Just outside Ohariu, within 10 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Ohariu on Wikipedia: Detailed overview of geography, history, demographics and governance with citations to primary sources.
Wellington City Council – Ohariu Valley Rural Community Plan: 2001 community plan outlining local vision, environment and future priorities.
Stats NZ – Wellington City summaries: Official census data and demographic profiles for the Wellington region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ohariu in Wellington?
Ohariu is a rural suburb in northwest Wellington, about 5 km from Khandallah along Ohariu Valley Road. It connects northward to Johnsonville and Churton Park.
What does the name Ohariu mean?
Ohariu is a corruption of Owhariu, a place in Māori tradition where the explorer Kupe is said to have dried the sails of his canoe.
Is Ohariu a rural area?
Yes. It is a sparsely settled rural lifestyle suburb with farms and lifestyle blocks.
Is there public transport to Ohariu?
Ohariu Valley has no direct public bus service. The closest connections are in Khandallah or Churton Park.
Who governs Ohariu?
The suburb is part of the Mākara/Ōhāriu Community Board area under Wellington City Council.
What is the history of settlement in Ohariu?
European settlement began in the 19th century with sheep and beef farms. Dairying became important from 1916 and continued for around fifty years.
Are there any community plans for the area?
Wellington City Council adopted the Ohariu Valley Rural Community Plan in 2001 to guide environmental management and community priorities.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Wellington only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Ohariu is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.