Ohariu (also known as Ohariu Valley) is a rural lifestyle suburb in Wellington’s northwest, sitting about 5 kilometres from Khandallah in a broad valley that runs alongside Ohariu Valley Road. With a population of 414 (2023 census) spread across 46.80 square kilometres, it is one of Wellington’s most sparsely settled areas — a landscape of farms and lifestyle blocks where residents trade proximity to the city for open land and quiet surroundings.
Practical Information
| Location | Northwest Wellington, ~5 km from Khandallah |
|---|---|
| Main road | Ohariu Valley Road |
| Population | 414 (2023 census) |
| Area | 46.80 km² |
| Character | Rural lifestyle suburb — farms and lifestyle blocks |
| Nearest centre | Khandallah (~5 km) |
About Ohariu
The name Ohariu is a corruption of Owhariu — a place of significance in Māori tradition where the explorer Kupe is said to have dried the sails of his canoe during his legendary voyage around the New Zealand coast. That association with one of Polynesian navigation’s foundational stories gives the valley a deeper historical layer than its quiet rural character might suggest.
The earliest residential housing in Ohariu dates to 1900–1909, though the majority of the current housing stock was built in the 1970s. The valley runs roughly north–south and is characterised by wide paddocks, sheltered sections and the kind of lifestyle properties that appeal to those wanting semi-rural living within reasonable reach of Wellington’s suburbs. Properties range from modest homes to larger blocks used for grazing livestock.
The population is small but has been growing gradually — the 2023 census recorded 414 residents, up from 360 in 2013, a 15% increase over a decade. Ohariu connects at its northern end toward Johnsonville and Churton Park, and the valley road eventually reaches Makara Road to the south, linking through to the coast.
Where to Learn More
Ohariu on Wikipedia — overview of the suburb’s geography, history and demographics.
FAQ
Where is Ohariu in Wellington?
Ohariu is in northwest Wellington, about 5 km from Khandallah and reached via Ohariu Valley Road. It connects to Johnsonville and Churton Park to the north.
What does the name Ohariu mean?
Ohariu is a corruption of Owhariu, a place in Māori tradition where the explorer Kupe dried his sails. The name reflects the area’s significance in Polynesian navigation stories.
Is Ohariu a rural area?
Yes. Ohariu is a rural lifestyle suburb — a mix of farms and lifestyle blocks with sparse residential development across a large area (46.80 km²) relative to its small population.
How many people live in Ohariu?
414 people were recorded in the 2023 census, up from 360 in 2013.
Is there public transport to Ohariu?
Ohariu Valley has no direct public bus service. The closest bus connections are at Khandallah or Churton Park.
Ohariu is part of the wider Wellington Suburbs guide. Nearby suburbs include Khandallah to the southeast and Churton Park to the north, both with more services and public transport connections.