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Hicks Bay, New Zealand

Gisborne · New Zealand

Hicks Bay is a small town in Gisborne, New Zealand with a population of 1,389. Elevation: 551 ft (168 m). Average temperature: 56°F (14°C).

4.1 /5.0
A Great
1,389 Population 6/sq mi density
551 ft Elevation 168 meters
56°F Avg Temperature 14°C
78.9 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$48,800 Median Income
A
Overall
4.1 / 5.0
Great overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.2 / 5.0
$48,800 median income, 5.1% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$91,000 home value, $455/mo rent

Discover Hicks Bay, New Zealand

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
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Full City Profile

About Hicks Bay

Hicks Bay

Hicks Bay or Wharekahika is a bay and coastal area in the Gisborne District of the North Island of New Zealand. It is situated 150 km east of Ōpōtiki and 186 km north of Gisborne city, along State Highway 35 between Potaka and Te Araroa.

People

Population1,389
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density6/mi²

Economy

B
Median Income$48,800
Per Capita$49,076
Unemployment5.1%

Housing

A+
Home Value$91,000
Rent$455
Ownership64.5%
Housing Units556

Climate

Avg Temp56°F (14°C)
Rain78.9 in/yr
Sunny Days193/yr
Elevation551 ft (168 m)
Population1,389
Population Density6 / sq mi
Elevation551 ft (168 m)
Coordinates-37.6000°, 178.3000°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceGisborne
Average Temperature56°F (14°C)
January Average64°F (18°C)
July Average49°F (9°C)
Annual Precipitation78.9 inches (2,003 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$48,800
Median Age37.2 years

About Hicks Bay

Hicks Bay is a small town in New Zealand (Gisborne) with a population of 1,389. The city sits at an elevation of 551 feet (168 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 56°F (14°C). Temperatures range from 64°F in January to 49°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 78.9 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Hicks Bay has a population of 1,389 with a density of 6 people per square mile, spread across 248.7 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9.

Population

1,389
Total Population
6
People / sq mi
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below New Zealand avg
248.7mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Hicks Bay vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Hicks Bay is $48,800, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,076 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $944, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 128 business establishments.

Income: Hicks Bay vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$48,800
35% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$49,076
Avg Weekly Wage$944

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.1%
41% above New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)128

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Hicks Bay is $91,000, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $455 (61% below the national average of $1,163). 64.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 556 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$91,000
68% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$455
61% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership64.5%
Owner-Occupied64.5%
Renter-Occupied35.5%
Housing Units556

Property Tax

Hicks Bay enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 64°F in January while summers reach 49°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 193 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 78.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 551 feet.

Temperature

64°F Jan (18°C) 49°F Jul (9°C)
Annual Average56.3°F
4% above New Zealand avg
January Average64°F (18°C)
July Average49°F (9°C)
Sunny Days193 days/yr

Geography

Elevation551 ft (168 m)
Area248.7 sq mi (644.1 km²)
Population Density6/sq mi
Coordinates-37.6000°N, 178.3000°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 78.9"
108% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Aug) 8.74"
Driest Month (Feb) 4.45"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

1,827 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M7.3. Most recent: M4.8 on Aug 11, 2025.

Mar 4, 2021 182 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M7.3 103 km
Feb 5, 1995 118 km NNE of Gisborne, New Zealand M7.1 44 km
Sep 1, 2016 175 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M7.0 79 km
Oct 21, 2001 178 km ENE of Opotiki, New Zealand M6.7 79 km
Feb 10, 1995 102 km NNE of Gisborne, New Zealand M6.5 39 km
Dec 15, 1994 83 km NNE of Opotiki, New Zealand M6.5 77 km
Aug 10, 1993 42 km WNW of Gisborne, New Zealand M6.4 121 km
Mar 6, 2021 183 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M6.3 114 km
Jun 21, 1992 31 km NNW of Whakatane, New Zealand M6.2 127 km
Sep 1, 2016 179 km NE of Opotiki, New Zealand M6.1 83 km
Nov 20, 1991 192 km NNE of Opotiki, New Zealand M6.1 121 km
Apr 5, 2021 194 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M6.1 119 km
Feb 13, 1995 125 km ENE of Opotiki, New Zealand M6.0 29 km
Feb 6, 1995 117 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.9 54 km
Sep 5, 2016 158 km NE of Opotiki, New Zealand M5.9 63 km
Feb 6, 1995 100 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.9 55 km
Mar 14, 2020 211 km NE of Opotiki, New Zealand M5.8 126 km
Aug 31, 2016 174 km NE of Opotiki, New Zealand M5.8 76 km
May 16, 1992 25 km NNW of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.8 103 km
Oct 8, 2016 154 km NE of Opotiki, New Zealand M5.8 61 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

7 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 10.0 m (33 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1947 OFF COAST OF NORTH ISLAND Eruption + Earthquake 10.0 m 148 km
1947 OFF COAST OF NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 6.0 m 104 km
2021 GISBORNE Earthquake 0.3 m 101 km
2016 GISBORNE Earthquake 0.2 m 79 km
1914 TOLAGA BAY, NORTH ISLAND Eruption + Earthquake 1 24 km
1880 GISBORNE Earthquake 147 km
1831 POVERTY BAY, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 125 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

4 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Whakaari/White Island (99 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Whakaari/White Island Stratovolcano(es) 294 m (965 ft) 2019 99 km
Okataina Lava dome(s) 1,111 m (3,645 ft) 1981 168 km
Mayor Island Shield 355 m (1,165 ft) -5060 185 km
Reporoa Caldera 592 m (1,942 ft) 1180 195 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 64°F (18°C) 5.2 in
February 64°F (18°C) 4.5 in Warmest, Driest
March 62°F (17°C) 7.3 in
April 58°F (14°C) 5.7 in
May 54°F (12°C) 6.7 in
June 50°F (10°C) 8.6 in
July 49°F (9°C) 8.5 in Coldest
August 49°F (10°C) 8.7 in Wettest
September 52°F (11°C) 7.0 in
October 55°F (13°C) 5.6 in
November 58°F (14°C) 5.4 in
December 61°F (16°C) 5.8 in

Hicks Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 15°F / from 49°F in July to 64°F in February. Total annual precipitation is 78.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (8.7") and February the driest (4.5").

View full weather details →

Schools in Hicks Bay

2 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kawakawa mai Tawhiti
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Hicks Bay

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Cafes in Hicks Bay

1 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Eastcape Manuka Cafe

Gas Stations in Hicks Bay

1 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Allied fuel

Airports Near Hicks Bay

1 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Ruatoria AirfieldSmall Airport

Post Offices in Hicks Bay

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
NZ Post Agent

Churches & Religious Organizations in Hicks Bay

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
St Stephen's Anglican Church

Explore Near Hicks Bay

Waterfalls
2
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

Quick Facts

Timezone
Pacific/Auckland

🇳🇿 About New Zealand

Capital Wellington
Population 4,885,500
Area 268,680 km²
GDP (USD) $255,194,972,673
GDP per capita $49,076
HDI 0.939
Life expectancy 83.0 years
Internet users 96.2%
Urban population 83.9%
Currency NZD (Dollar)
Languages English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
Calling code +64
TLD .nz
Driving side left

Public Holidays in New Zealand

23 public holidays this year

Date Holiday Local Name
Jan 1 New Year's Day New Year's Day
Jan 2 Day after New Year's Day Day after New Year's Day
Jan 19 Wellington Anniversary Day Wellington Anniversary Day
Jan 26 Auckland Anniversary Day Auckland/Northland Anniversary Day
Feb 2 Nelson Anniversary Day Nelson Anniversary Day
Feb 6 Waitangi Day Waitangi Day
Mar 9 Taranaki Anniversary Day Taranaki Anniversary Day
Mar 23 Otago Anniversary Day Otago Anniversary Day
Apr 3 Good Friday Good Friday
Apr 6 Easter Monday Easter Monday
Apr 7 Southland Anniversary Day Southland Anniversary Day
Apr 27 Anzac Day Anzac Day
Jun 1 King's Birthday King's Birthday
Jul 10 Matariki Matariki
Sep 28 Canterbury (South) Anniversary Day Dominion Day
Oct 23 Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day
Oct 26 Labour Day Labour Day
Nov 2 Marlborough Anniversary Day Marlborough Anniversary Day
Nov 13 Canterbury Anniversary Day Canterbury (North & Central) Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Chatham Islands Anniversary Day Chatham Islands Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Westland Anniversary Day Westland Anniversary Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day Christmas Day
Dec 28 Boxing Day Boxing Day

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hicks Bay

What is the population of Hicks Bay?

Hicks Bay has a population of 1,389 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 6 people per square mile, spread across 248.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years.

Is Hicks Bay expensive to live in?

The median household income is $48,800, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $91,000 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $455 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Hicks Bay?

Hicks Bay enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 64°F in January, while summers reach an average of 49°F in July. The area receives 193 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 78.9 inches.

How is the job market in Hicks Bay?

The unemployment rate in Hicks Bay is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $944. There are 128 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Hicks Bay?

The median home value in Hicks Bay is $91,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $455. The homeownership rate is 64.5%.

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