Welcome to Ohariu, a quiet haven in the heart of Wellington, New Zealand. Take a deep breath and feel the fresh air, a stark contrast to the bustle of the city just a short distance away. Ohariu is a rural area, a place where time seems to slow down, and the pace of life is gentler. Ohariu might not hold the same bustling atmosphere as the city centre, but it’s far from deserted. The area is called Ohariu because of the Maori legend of Kupe, a legendary explorer, who dried his sails here. It wasn’t always so peaceful.
In fact, Ohariu went through a period of upheaval and change when European settlers arrived in the 19th century. They cleared the native forests for farms and homesteads, transforming the landscape. The name ‘Ohariu Valley’ might be unfamiliar to you, but it features in some of Wellington’s history books. Did you know that Ohariu was once divided into Country Sections? You won’t see any of those today, but remnants of those early days can be found in the area.
There used to be a St Joseph’s Chapel nestled in this valley, built in 1876 as a memorial to the first Bishop of Wellington. But time, and the changing needs of the community, led to its demolition in 1949. Today, all that remains are a few gravestones and a gate leading to the site. They offer a glimpse into the valley’s past. Ohariu might not be a place bursting with excitement, but it offers a peaceful retreat with whispers of its fascinating past.