Karori is one of New Zealand’s most populous suburbs — a large, established community 4km west of Wellington’s city centre with a population of around 15,000. The name derives from the Māori phrase te kaha o ngā rore, meaning “the place of many bird snares,” reflecting the area’s pre-European use for hunting. Today Karori is best known as the home of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne — the world’s first urban fully fenced predator-free sanctuary, with more than 40 native bird species including 20 that have been reintroduced to Wellington.
About Karori
| Location | Western Wellington, 4km from CBD |
| Population | Approximately 15,100 |
| Māori name meaning | Te kaha o ngā rore — “the place of many bird snares” |
| Key attraction | Zealandia — world’s first urban predator-free ecosanctuary |
History
Originally forested and used for hunting by Māori, Karori began European settlement in the 1840s. In 1854 it became the site of Wellington’s Lunatic Asylum. A separate Borough of Karori was declared in 1891 following a petition by residents, and the borough was administered independently until it amalgamated with Wellington City in 1920. Karori Cemetery, opened in 1891, is New Zealand’s second-largest cemetery — covering 100 acres (40 hectares), it replaced Bolton Street Cemetery as Wellington’s main burial ground.
Zealandia
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne (the garden of Tāne, Māori god of the forest) is located just 10 minutes from Wellington’s city centre in Karori. It is the world’s first urban fully fenced predator-free wildlife sanctuary, surrounded by 8.6km of predator-exclusion fencing. Since the sanctuary opened, more than 40 native bird species have been recorded within it, including 20 reintroduced species. Kākā, tūī, kererū, tuatara and little spotted kiwi are among the species that have returned to Wellington’s urban environment as a result of the sanctuary’s success. Zealandia is open to the public daily.
What Visitors Say
“Zealandia is extraordinary — you’re 10 minutes from the city centre and you’re suddenly surrounded by kākā and kererū. The night tours are also incredible — tuatara wandering about, kiwi calling.” — TripAdvisor
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Karori covers the suburb’s history, borough and major features.
Zealandia Ecosanctuary has visitor information, tour bookings and details about the wildlife sanctuary and its species.
Karori Business Association — History has a history of the suburb and its development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Karori?
4km west of Wellington’s city centre, in the western suburbs.
What does Karori mean?
The name comes from the Māori phrase te kaha o ngā rore — “the place of many bird snares,” reflecting pre-European use of the area for hunting.
What is Zealandia?
The world’s first urban fully fenced predator-free wildlife sanctuary, located in Karori, 10 minutes from the city centre. Home to 40+ native bird species including 20 reintroduced to Wellington.
Is Zealandia open to the public?
Yes — Zealandia is open daily. There are daytime walks and night tours (for nocturnal species like kiwi and tuatara). Booking in advance is recommended, especially for night tours.
What is Karori Cemetery?
New Zealand’s second-largest cemetery, covering 100 acres (40 hectares). Opened in 1891, it replaced Bolton Street Cemetery as Wellington’s main burial ground.
When was the Borough of Karori formed?
In 1891, following a residents’ petition. It remained an independent borough until amalgamating with Wellington City in 1920.
Is Karori a large suburb?
Yes — with around 15,100 residents it is one of New Zealand’s most populous suburbs.
What wildlife can be seen from Karori?
Kākā, tūī, kererū and other native birds from Zealandia range across suburban Karori. Sightings of kākā in gardens and on streets are common.
The Wellington Suburbs hub covers all Wellington suburbs. Wilton is the adjacent suburb to the east, home to Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush native botanic garden. Crofton Downs is to the north, served by the Johnsonville train line.