Karori
| Suburb: | Karori |
| City: | Wellington |
| Island: | North Island |
Surrounded by
- to the north
- to the east
- to the south
- to the west |
-
Kelburn, Northland
-
Makara |
 |
City-end Karori from Wrights Hill |
Karori is a
suburb located at the western edge of the urban area of
Wellington,
New Zealand, some four km from the city centre.
Karori is significantly larger than most other suburbs, and has an estimated population of around 10,000 people.
Before the arrival of European settlers, the valley of Karori was considered to be good hunting grounds for various types of birds. The name Karori is believed to derive from a
Maori term related to
snares. The first settlers came to Karori in
1840, having bought the land from the
New Zealand Company.
Karori was originally established as a separate settlement, not an extension of Wellington proper. As such, it had a separate political existence, and was officially established as a
borough in
1891. Gradually, as both Wellington and Karori expanded, the two urban areas connected, and the Borough of Karori was amalgamated into the City of Wellington in
1922.
Karori is home to
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, an enclosed habitat for the now-rare birds which inhabited the valley before extensive human settlement. Several other parks and reserves can be found on the hills surrounding Karori.
Wrights Hill Fortress, a network of tunnels and gun emplacements overlooking the valley, is an important historical site.
The centre of Karori contains a shopping mall, public library, and other amenities. Karori is also home to a campus of
Victoria University of Wellington, formerly the
Wellington College of Education. Karori West Normal School is one of the best primary schools in New Zealand according to New Zealand school survey (2002).
Karori Cemetery is one of the largest in New Zealand; opened in 1891, it was formerly the main burial ground for the inhabitants of Wellington, and covers 100 acres / 40 hectares.
