Makara-Ohariu Valley
Rural living only 20 minutes from the capital city
Overview
Makara and Ohariu Valley offer two excellent lifestyle choices, both less than 30 minutes drive from the city and ideal for those who need space for horses, or just for the peace and quiet that the countryside offers. The popularity of these areas continues to rise and while not yet sky-high, the price of a rural lifestyle is well above the Wellington average, and likely to keep rising.
Best Suited To
Horse and pony people, vintage car collectors, those who prefer a quiet, rural setting
Population Profile
These are two of the largest suburbs in Wellington, but they have the lowest population densities. Census statistics tell us there is a higher than average representation of 5 to 17 year olds, but a lower than average number in the 18 to 34 age group. The young workforce tend to leave the area for more opportunities in the city.
Ethnicity is very skewed toward Europeans, who make up 89% of the population. Occupations lean toward hands-on roles; agricultural, architectural, building and engineering careers to the fore. The number of self-employed people here is almost double the Wellington average. This is not surprising given the distance to the city and the very limited public transport options.
Typical Homes
The styles of housing are quite varied. There are a few villas and bungalows – the first farmhouses built in the locality – many of these now extended and renovated. The most densely developed areas at Makara Village and Makara Beach contain a wide variety of bungalows, cottages and weatherboard homes from the 1950s and 1960s.
Makara Beach bears the brunt of the coastal conditions and here the housing is mostly of a quite basic, bach style. Lifestyle blocks (ranging from one to over 50 hectares) rise from Makara Road, onto the surrounding hillsides.
Ohariu Valley features larger lifestyle blocks and the houses are likely to be newer, architecturally designed family homes, reflecting the wealth of the occupants.
Amenities
Shopping services are very limited in these rural localities. Makara Beach has a small rustic café which runs irregular hours but is often open on the weekend. Ohariu Valley has a well-regarded restaurant/café that is open Friday and Saturday evenings for dinner, and brunch on weekends.
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Makara Model School is situated in the Makara Village, catering for years one to eight, taking children from around Makara and also some from nearby Karori. Ohariu Valley does not have its own primary school and children normally travel to Johnsonville or Churton Park. Secondary students from Makara would normally travel into Wellington via Karori, while Ohariu Valley students attend Onslow College in Johnsonville.
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Rural living offers many leisure options. Many will choose to live in the locality for its open space, taking up activities like horse riding. There are riding clubs, pony clubs and other equestrian activities in both Makara and Ohariu Valley. Makara Beach is a popular destination for weekend drivers. Many walk the Makara clifftop track that offers stunning views over the west coastline and to the South Island. Karori Golf Club is an 18 hole course set in South Makara. Ohariu Valley has a nine hole course that is situated in the heart of the valley, approximately 15 minutes drive from Johnsonville.
Real Estate Trends
Lifestyle sites in Ohariu Valley are harder to come by and prices are likely $1 million and over. Basic 1950s and 1960s dwellings in Makara Village will attract prices in the $600,000 to $900,000 range, depending on their size, quality and the amount of land on offer.
Dwellings on larger lifestyle sites (a few hectares or more) will fetch anywhere between $1.2 million and $2 million, again depending on the dwellings overall size, style, and the amount of land available.
Makara Beach housing is fairly basic, and these don’t hit the market very often.
Best Streets
There are only a few roads in Makara and Ohariu Valley, so wherever you can find what you’re looking for.
House Prices
Vacant lifestyle site (approximately one hectare), from $1 million.
Basic three bedroom home, 1/4 acre site in Makara Village, from $600,000.
Larger homes on at least one hectare, from $1.2 million.
Travel Times
Central city – driving, 20 minutes non-peak, up to 50 minutes peak.
Airport – driving, 40 minutes non-peak.
Hutt Valley – driving 25 minutes non-peak.
Weather
Both localities are set in valleys. Properties on the valley floor will likely be more sheltered than those on hilltops, especially those that face toward the northerlies. Conversely, the shelter of the valley and the inland positioning will mean frosty mornings in winter. Makara Beach is exposed to the harsh climate of the ocean and will suffer the most wind.