Last updated July 2026
Karori is one of New Zealand’s most populous suburbs, located 4 kilometres west of Wellington’s city centre. It has an estimated population of 15,100 as of June 2025. The name derives from the Māori phrase te kaha o ngā rore, meaning “the place of many bird snares,” reflecting its 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. The suburb features established residential areas, historic sites and easy access to native wildlife.
Practical Information
| Location | Western Wellington, 4 km from CBD |
| Population | 15,100 (June 2025 estimate) |
| Māori name meaning | Te kaha o ngā rore — “the place of many bird snares” |
| Key attraction | Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne ecosanctuary |
| Cemetery | Karori Cemetery, nearly 40 hectares, opened 1891 |
About Karori
Karori occupies a valley setting on the western edge of Wellington’s urban area. Originally forested, the area saw no permanent Māori settlement when Europeans arrived in the 1840s. Early settlers cleared land for farming and the suburb grew steadily through the late 19th and 20th centuries.
European development included the construction of Wellington’s Lunatic Asylum in 1854. Residents petitioned successfully for borough status, and the Borough of Karori operated independently from 1891 until amalgamation with Wellington City in 1920. The suburb expanded further after the Karori Tunnel opened in 1900 and trams reached the area by 1907.
Karori remains a large residential community with a mix of housing, schools and local services. Native birds from the nearby sanctuary are frequently seen in gardens and streets, extending the benefits of the predator-free zone into the suburb itself.
History
Karori’s recorded European history began in the 1840s with land clearance by the first settlers. The area became the site of Wellington’s Lunatic Asylum in 1854. In 1891 the Borough of Karori was established following a residents’ petition, and it functioned as an independent local authority until 1920 when it joined Wellington City.
Karori Cemetery opened on 1 August 1891 to relieve pressure on the overcrowded Bolton Street Cemetery. It is New Zealand’s second-largest burial ground, covering nearly 40 hectares, and has been the final resting place for approximately 83,000 people. The cemetery includes heritage structures and serves today as a peaceful public space for walking and historical exploration.
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne lies within Karori, approximately 10 minutes’ drive from Wellington’s city centre. The 225-hectare ecosanctuary is enclosed by an 8.6 km predator-exclusion fence, the first of its kind in an urban setting. Since the fence was completed in 1999, more than 40 native bird species have been recorded inside the sanctuary, with 20 species reintroduced to the Wellington region.
Species now thriving include kākā, tūī, kererū, tuatara and little spotted kiwi. The sanctuary is open daily to the public, offering daytime walks and night tours focused on nocturnal wildlife. Its success has allowed native birds to recolonise surrounding suburbs, including Karori.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe Zealandia as an extraordinary escape only minutes from the city centre, where native birds such as kākā and kererū are abundant. Many highlight the night tours for close encounters with tuatara and the sound of kiwi calling in the dark.
People appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of Karori Cemetery for reflective walks and its rich collection of Wellington history. Residents and visitors note the convenience of living near the sanctuary and the regular sightings of native birds in suburban gardens.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council — Karori Cemetery: Official details on history, size and current use of the cemetery.
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne: Visitor information, opening hours, tour bookings and wildlife updates for the ecosanctuary.
Karori Business Association — History: Overview of the suburb’s development, borough period and key milestones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Karori?
Karori lies 4 km west of Wellington’s city centre in the western suburbs.
What does the name Karori mean?
The name comes from the Māori phrase te kaha o ngā rore, meaning “the place of many bird snares,” reflecting pre-European hunting use of the area.
What is Zealandia?
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is the world’s first urban fully fenced predator-free ecosanctuary, located in Karori. It is home to more than 40 native bird species, including 20 that have been reintroduced to Wellington.
Is Zealandia open to the public?
Yes, Zealandia is open daily with daytime access and night tours available. Advance booking is recommended for night tours.
What is Karori Cemetery?
Karori Cemetery is New Zealand’s second-largest burial ground. It opened in 1891, covers nearly 40 hectares and has been the resting place for around 83,000 people.
When was the Borough of Karori formed?
The Borough of Karori was established in 1891 following a residents’ petition and remained independent until amalgamation with Wellington City in 1920.
How large is Karori’s population?
Karori has an estimated population of 15,100 as of June 2025, making it one of New Zealand’s most populous suburbs.
What wildlife can be seen in Karori?
Native birds such as kākā, tūī and kererū from Zealandia are commonly sighted in gardens and streets throughout suburban Karori.
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