Last updated July 2026
Happy Valley is a southern Wellington area that serves as the main road corridor between the inner city and Wellington’s rugged south coast. It follows Happy Valley Road through a shallow valley carved by the Ōwhiro Stream, linking Ōwhiro Bay and Island Bay with the suburbs above. Although not an officially designated suburb on Wellington City Council maps, the name has been in local use since the 1840s and the area maintains a distinct community identity centred on the stream corridor.
Practical Information
| Location | Southern Wellington, between the city and the south coast |
| Main road | Happy Valley Road |
| Buses | Route 29 (all day); Route 39 (peak hours only) |
| Local school | Ōwhiro Bay School (Years 1–6), 96 Happy Valley Road |
| Waterway | Ōwhiro Stream runs through the valley |
| Landfill access | Southern Landfill via Happy Valley Road |
About Happy Valley
Happy Valley sits in the valley carved by the Ōwhiro Stream, which flows from the southern hills down toward the coast at Ōwhiro Bay. The valley became part of Wellington City in 1903 when the Melrose Borough Council, which administered Happy Valley, Brooklyn and the surrounding southern districts, amalgamated with the Wellington City Council.
The area today has an eclectic, community-focused character. A community garden operates near the main waterway between Ōwhiro Bay School and the coast. The northern section of Happy Valley is home to the Friends of the Ōwhiro Stream (FOOS), an environmental care group formed in 2003 that has carried out weed control and native planting along the stream banks, steadily restoring the riparian habitat that runs through the valley.
Ōwhiro Bay School, a co-educational contributing school for Years 1–6, is situated at 96 Happy Valley Road and serves the local community. As of May 2025 the school had a roll of 89 students and works collaboratively with the neighbouring Ōwhiro Bay Kindergarten as a single learning community.
Wellington’s municipal rubbish tip, the Southern Landfill (also known as the Happy Valley Tip), is accessed from Happy Valley Road. The Tip Shop adjacent to the landfill opened in 1997 and diverts around 1000 tonnes of materials from landfill each year through resale of second-hand goods.
The South Coast Connection
Happy Valley is most practically understood as the route south. Heading down Happy Valley Road takes you past the community garden and school before reaching the coast at Ōwhiro Bay, where the road continues along the southern shoreline. This makes the valley a frequent passing point for anyone heading to the south coast bays, Red Rocks, or the walking tracks that follow the coastal edge.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe Happy Valley as a quiet, green corridor that feels like a transition zone between city and wild coast, with easy access to coastal walks and a strong sense of local community.
People appreciate the stream-side plantings and the practical route it provides to Ōwhiro Bay and Red Rocks, noting the landfill tip shop as a useful stop for second-hand finds.
Where to Learn More
Happy Valley, Wellington (Wikipedia): history, community overview and geographic context.
Southern Landfill and Tip Shop (Wellington City Council): hours, location and recycling information.
Ōwhiro Bay School: school information and contact details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Happy Valley an official Wellington suburb?
Not formally. Wellington City Council does not list Happy Valley as an official suburb, but the name has been in local use since the 1840s and is widely recognised.
How do I get to Happy Valley?
Bus routes 29 (all day) and 39 (peak hours) serve Happy Valley from central Wellington. By car, follow Happy Valley Road south from Brooklyn or Ōwhiro Bay.
What is the Ōwhiro Stream?
The Ōwhiro Stream is the main waterway running through the valley. The Friends of the Ōwhiro Stream (FOOS) group, formed in 2003, has been working to restore native vegetation along its banks.
Is there a school in Happy Valley?
Ōwhiro Bay School (Years 1–6) is at 96 Happy Valley Road, serving children from the valley and surrounding southern suburbs. As of May 2025 it had a roll of 89 students.
What is at the bottom of Happy Valley Road?
Happy Valley Road reaches the coast at Ōwhiro Bay, from where the southern coastal road continues to Red Rocks and further along the coastline.
Is there a landfill in Happy Valley?
Yes, the Southern Landfill (Happy Valley Tip) is accessed from Happy Valley Road. The adjacent Tip Shop, opened in 1997, sells second-hand goods and diverts materials from landfill.
Are there community activities in Happy Valley?
A community garden operates near the Ōwhiro Stream between the school and the coast, and FOOS runs regular planting and restoration work along the stream banks.
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