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Kaikoura, New Zealand

Canterbury · New Zealand

Kaikoura is a small town in Canterbury, New Zealand with a population of 685. Elevation: 125 ft (38 m). Average temperature: 54°F (12°C).

2.6 /5.0
C+ Fair
685 Population 1/sq mi density
125 ft Elevation 38 meters
54°F Avg Temperature 12°C
36.7 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$19,860 Median Income
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.0 / 5.0
$19,860 median income, 2.1% unemployment
C
Affordability
2.2 / 5.0
$156,000 home value, $780/mo rent

Discover Kaikoura, 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.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile

People

Population685
Median Age53.5 yrs
Density1/mi²

Economy

B
Median Income$19,860
Per Capita$19,860
Unemployment2.1%

Housing

C
Home Value$156,000
Rent$780
Ownership69.5%
Housing Units274

Climate

Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
Rain36.7 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation125 ft (38 m)
Population685
Population Density1 / sq mi
Elevation125 ft (38 m)
Coordinates-42.4167°, 173.6833°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceCanterbury
Average Temperature54°F (12°C)
January Average62°F (17°C)
July Average46°F (8°C)
Annual Precipitation36.7 inches (933 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$19,860
Median Age53.5 years

About Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a small town in New Zealand (Canterbury) with a population of 685. The city sits at an elevation of 125 feet (38 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 54°F (12°C). Temperatures range from 62°F in January to 46°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 36.7 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Kaikoura has a population of 685 with a density of 1 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 53.5 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9.

Population

685
Total Population
1
People / sq mi
53.5yrs
Median Age
38% above New Zealand avg
2.6mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Kaikoura vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Kaikoura is $19,860, which is 74% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,860 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $382, 73% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 63 business establishments.

Income: Kaikoura vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$19,860
74% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$19,860
Avg Weekly Wage$382

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.1%
42% below New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)63

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Kaikoura is $156,000, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $780 (33% below the national average of $1,163). 69.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 274 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.9x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$156,000
45% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$780
33% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership69.5%
Owner-Occupied69.5%
Renter-Occupied30.5%
Housing Units274

Property Tax

Climate in Kaikoura

Kaikoura has an average annual temperature of 12.6°C (55°F). The hottest month is Feb (16.6°C), the coldest is Jul (8.3°C). Average annual precipitation is 706 mm.

Month Avg °C / °F Min / Max °C Rain (mm)
Jan 16.5°C / 62°F 12.9° / 20.1° 45.1
Feb 16.6°C / 62°F 13.2° / 20° 41.6
Mar 15.3°C / 60°F 11.9° / 18.7° 66.0
Apr 13.2°C / 56°F 10.1° / 16.2° 66.5
May 11.5°C / 53°F 8.5° / 14.5° 51.1
Jun 9.3°C / 49°F 6.4° / 12.2° 79.8
Jul 8.3°C / 47°F 5.6° / 11° 87.7
Aug 9°C / 48°F 6.1° / 11.8° 58.1
Sep 10.7°C / 51°F 7.2° / 14.2° 54.0
Oct 11.8°C / 53°F 8.1° / 15.5° 59.3
Nov 13.4°C / 56°F 9.7° / 17° 53.3
Dec 15.5°C / 60°F 11.8° / 19.2° 43.1
Kaikoura experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 46°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 269 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 36.7 inches. The city sits at an elevation of 125 feet.

Temperature

62°F Jan (17°C) 46°F Jul (8°C)
Annual Average54.3°F
1% above New Zealand avg
January Average62°F (17°C)
July Average46°F (8°C)
Sunny Days269 days/yr

Geography

Elevation125 ft (38 m)
Area2.6 sq mi (6.8 km²)
Population Density1/sq mi
Coordinates-42.4167°N, 173.6833°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 36.7"
3% below New Zealand avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Apr) 4.17"
Driest Month (Feb) 2.20"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

848 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.5. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 30, 2025.

Jul 21, 2013 38 km ESE of Blenheim, New Zealand M6.5 96 km
Aug 16, 2013 29 km SE of Blenheim, New Zealand M6.5 85 km
Apr 24, 2015 73 km S of Wakefield, New Zealand M6.1 68 km
Feb 10, 1990 90 km N of Amberley, New Zealand M6.0 73 km
May 27, 1992 21 km WSW of Blenheim, New Zealand M6.0 89 km
Jul 20, 2013 38 km ESE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.9 104 km
Aug 16, 2013 26 km SSE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.9 81 km
Jun 13, 2011 9 km ESE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.9 149 km
Aug 16, 2013 30 km ESE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.9 96 km
Feb 14, 2016 12 km ENE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.8 140 km
Feb 10, 1990 90 km N of Amberley, New Zealand M5.7 90 km
Oct 4, 1990 25 km SE of Brooklyn, New Zealand M5.6 148 km
Jul 18, 2013 38 km E of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.5 114 km
Aug 16, 2013 30 km SSE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.5 81 km
Jan 5, 2017 36 km SSE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.4 72 km
Aug 16, 2013 25 km SSE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.4 87 km
Jul 21, 2013 34 km E of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.3 113 km
Feb 9, 2016 79 km S of Wakefield, New Zealand M5.2 60 km
Jan 1, 2012 21 km ENE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.2 135 km
Feb 21, 2022 36 km SW of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.2 74 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

6 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 6.5 m (21 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
2016 OFF EAST COAST OF SOUTH ISLAND Earthquake 6.5 m 2 63 km
1922 SE. NEW ZEALAND Earthquake 0.4 m — 86 km
2013 WELLINGTON Earthquake 0.1 m — 85 km
2013 COOK STRAIT Earthquake 0.1 m — 96 km
1978 OFF EAST COAST OF SOUTH ISLAND Meteorological — — 94 km
1855 WHARANUI Earthquake — — 64 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 62°F (17°C) 2.3 in Warmest
February 62°F (17°C) 2.2 in Driest
March 60°F (16°C) 3.7 in
April 56°F (13°C) 4.2 in Wettest
May 51°F (11°C) 3.5 in
June 47°F (8°C) 2.8 in
July 46°F (8°C) 4.1 in Coldest
August 47°F (8°C) 3.6 in
September 51°F (10°C) 2.9 in
October 54°F (12°C) 2.6 in
November 57°F (14°C) 2.4 in
December 60°F (16°C) 2.3 in

Kaikoura has a seasonal temperature swing of 17°F / from 46°F in July to 62°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 36.7 inches, with April being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.2").

View full weather details →

Schools in Kaikoura

5 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Kaikōura High School — — — —
St Joseph's School — — — —
Kaikōura Primary School — — — —
Hapuku School — — — —
Kaikoura Suburban School — — — —
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Kaikoura

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Museums in Kaikoura

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Fyffe House
Harmon's Classic Car Museum
Kaikoura Marine Aquarium
Kaikoura Museum

Libraries in Kaikoura

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Kaikōura District Library0.0

Hotels in Kaikoura

15 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Austin Heights Scenic Bed & breakfast
Barnacle Bills Accomodation
Bendamere House B&B
Churchill Park Lodge
First Light Kaikoura
Inn The Bay Bed & breakfast
Kaikoura
Koura Bay Golf Resort
St. Kildas Beach Bungalow
Sudima Hotel
The Pier Hotel
The white morph
The White Morph - Heritage Boutique Collection
Waves on the Esplanade Kaikoura
Willowbank Motel

Restaurants in Kaikoura

17 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Bernie's Diner
Donegal Restaurant & Pub
Green Dolphin Restaurant and Bar
Groper Garage
Indian Restaurant & Bar
Kaikoura Seafood BBQ
King Tide Eatery
Lobster Inn Tavern
Sime's Kitchen
Slam Club
Te Ana – The Caves Kaikōura Cafe
The Craypot
The Pier Hotel
The Whaler Bar and Restaurant
The White Morph Restaurant
Tuti's Restaurant & Bar
Zephyr

Cafes in Kaikoura

8 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Beach House Cafe
Dolphin Encounter
Flo & Co
Kaikoura Food Company
Lavender Farm
Poppy’s Parlour
The Fluke
The Why Note Cafe

Cinemas in Kaikoura

1 cinemas within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

The Mayfair Arts & Culture Centre

Monuments in Kaikoura

1 monuments within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

ANZAC memorial

Train Stations in Kaikoura

1 train stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Kaikōura

Gas Stations in Kaikoura

5 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

BP
Caltex
McKeown Kaikoura CardFuel 24/7
npd
Z

Banks in Kaikoura

2 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Bank of New Zealand
Westpac

Golf Courses in Kaikoura

2 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Kaikoura Golf Club
Koura Bay Golf Resort

Breweries in Kaikoura

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Emporium Brewing

Ski Resorts Near Kaikoura

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Mount Lyford Alpine Resort 0.0 — — $0 — — —

Airports Near Kaikoura

3 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Cape Campbell airstrip—Small Airport
Kaikoura AirportKBZSmall Airport
Molesworth Airport—Small Airport

Post Offices in Kaikoura

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
New Zealand Post

Churches & Religious Organizations in Kaikoura

5 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Church and Hall
Kaikoura New Life Church
St Josephs
St Peter's Anglican Church, Kaikoura
St. Pauls Presbyterian Curch

Explore Near Kaikoura

UFO Sightings
1
Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database
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

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Kaikoura.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Kaikoura

What is the population of Kaikoura?

Kaikoura has a population of 685 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 1 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Kaikoura expensive to live in?

The median household income is $19,860, 74% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $156,000 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $780 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.9x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Kaikoura?

Kaikoura has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 62°F in January, while summers reach an average of 46°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.7 inches.

How is the job market in Kaikoura?

The job market in Kaikoura is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $382. There are 63 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Kaikoura?

The median home value in Kaikoura is $156,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $780. The homeownership rate is 69.5%.

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