Last updated July 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. The suburb covers 46.80 square kilometres with a population of 414 recorded in the 2023 census, making it one of Wellington’s most sparsely populated areas. 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.
Practical Information
| Location | Northwest Wellington, approximately 5 km from Khandallah |
| Main road | Ohariu Valley Road |
| Population | 414 (2023 census) |
| Area | 46.80 km² |
| Character | Rural lifestyle suburb with farms and lifestyle blocks |
| Community board | Mākara/Ōhāriu Community Board |
| Nearest centres | Khandallah (~5 km), Johnsonville and Churton Park to the north |
About Ohariu
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.
Population has grown gradually. The 2023 census recorded 414 residents, up from 360 in 2013 and 408 in 2018. 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. 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. 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.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe Ohariu as a peaceful rural escape with open farmland and a genuine sense of space, ideal for those wanting quiet countryside close to Wellington’s northern suburbs.
People appreciate the scenic valley drives and the contrast between rural lifestyle blocks and nearby urban amenities, noting the area’s sparse development and tranquil atmosphere.
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 covering 46.80 km² with farms and lifestyle blocks. The 2023 census recorded only 414 residents.
How many people live in Ohariu?
The 2023 census recorded 414 residents, an increase from 360 in 2013 and 408 in 2018.
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.
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