Sign In Register

Motueka, New Zealand

Tasman District · New Zealand

Motueka is a small city in Tasman District, New Zealand with a population of 7,485. Elevation: 10 ft (3 m). Average temperature: 55°F (13°C).

2.0 /5.0
C Fair
7,485 Population 1/sq mi density
10 ft Elevation 3 meters
55°F Avg Temperature 13°C
49.3 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$18,600 Median Income
C
Overall
2.0 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.9 / 5.0
$18,600 median income, 3.1% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.0 / 5.0
$197,600 home value, $988/mo rent

Discover Motueka, 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

About Motueka

Motueka

Motueka is a town in the South Island of New Zealand, close to the mouth of the Motueka River on the western shore of Tasman Bay. It is the second largest in the Tasman Region, with a population of 8,290 as of June 2025.

People

Population7,485
Median Age48.1 yrs
Density1/mi²

Economy

C+
Median Income$18,600
Per Capita$18,600
Unemployment3.1%

Housing

F
Home Value$197,600
Rent$988
Ownership72.2%
Housing Units2,994

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain49.3 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation10 ft (3 m)
Population7,485
Population Density1 / sq mi
Elevation10 ft (3 m)
Coordinates-41.1333°, 173.0167°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceTasman District
Average Temperature55°F (13°C)
January Average64°F (18°C)
July Average46°F (8°C)
Annual Precipitation49.3 inches (1,253 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$18,600
Median Age48.1 years

About Motueka

Motueka is a small city in New Zealand (Tasman District) with a population of 7,485. The city sits at an elevation of 10 feet (3 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 55°F (13°C). Temperatures range from 64°F in January to 46°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 49.3 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Motueka has a population of 7,485 with a density of 1 people per square mile, spread across 5,287.6 square miles. The median age is 48.1 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9.

Population

7,485
Total Population
1
People / sq mi
48.1yrs
Median Age
24% above New Zealand avg
5,287.6mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Motueka vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Motueka is $18,600, which is 75% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,600 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $358, 75% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 689 business establishments.

Income: Motueka vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$18,600
75% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$18,600
Avg Weekly Wage$358

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.1%
14% below New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)689

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Motueka is $197,600, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $988 (15% below the national average of $1,163). 72.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,994 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 10.6x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$197,600
30% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$988
15% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership72.2%
Owner-Occupied72.2%
Renter-Occupied27.8%
Housing Units2,994

Property Tax

Motueka experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 64°F in January while summers reach 46°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 49.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 10 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

64°F Jan (18°C) 46°F Jul (8°C)
Annual Average55.2°F
2% above New Zealand avg
January Average64°F (18°C)
July Average46°F (8°C)
Sunny Days246 days/yr

Geography

Elevation10 ft (3 m)
Area5,287.6 sq mi (13,694.8 km²)
Population Density1/sq mi
Coordinates-41.1333°N, 173.0167°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 49.3"
30% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Aug) 6.65"
Driest Month (Feb) 2.52"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

929 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.5. Most recent: M4.3 on Aug 30, 2025.

Aug 16, 2013 29 km SE of Blenheim, New Zealand M6.5 116 km
Jul 21, 2013 38 km ESE of Blenheim, New Zealand M6.5 127 km
Jul 3, 2012 63 km S of Opunake, New Zealand M6.3 138 km
Apr 24, 2015 73 km S of Wakefield, New Zealand M6.1 103 km
May 27, 1992 21 km WSW of Blenheim, New Zealand M6.0 80 km
Feb 10, 1990 90 km N of Amberley, New Zealand M6.0 136 km
Aug 16, 2013 26 km SSE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.9 110 km
Aug 16, 2013 30 km ESE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.9 120 km
Jan 28, 1991 29 km SSE of Westport, New Zealand M5.9 147 km
Jul 20, 2013 38 km ESE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.9 127 km
Mar 22, 1995 27 km N of Picton, New Zealand M5.8 85 km
Jan 28, 1991 27 km SSE of Westport, New Zealand M5.7 145 km
Feb 10, 1990 90 km N of Amberley, New Zealand M5.7 139 km
Feb 15, 2023 55 km NW of Raumati Beach, New Zealand M5.7 143 km
Jul 18, 2013 38 km E of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.5 125 km
Aug 16, 2013 30 km SSE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.5 115 km
Aug 16, 2013 25 km SSE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.4 112 km
Jul 15, 2009 83 km SSW of Opunake, New Zealand M5.4 117 km
Jan 5, 2017 36 km SSE of Blenheim, New Zealand M5.4 117 km
Mar 13, 2005 83 km SSW of Opunake, New Zealand M5.4 116 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

5 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1868 NEW ZEALAND Earthquake 3.0 m 104 km
1913 TASMAN SEA Earthquake 1.5 m 147 km
2013 WELLINGTON Earthquake 0.1 m 116 km
2013 COOK STRAIT Earthquake 0.1 m 127 km
1855 WHARANUI Earthquake 126 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 64°F (18°C) 3.4 in
February 64°F (18°C) 2.5 in Warmest, Driest
March 62°F (16°C) 3.4 in
April 56°F (14°C) 4.4 in
May 51°F (11°C) 4.6 in
June 47°F (8°C) 4.7 in
July 46°F (8°C) 5.3 in Coldest
August 48°F (9°C) 6.7 in Wettest
September 51°F (11°C) 3.9 in
October 55°F (13°C) 3.7 in
November 58°F (14°C) 3.7 in
December 61°F (16°C) 3.2 in

Motueka has a seasonal temperature swing of 18°F / from 46°F in July to 64°F in February. Total annual precipitation is 49.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.7") and February the driest (2.5").

View full weather details →

Schools in Motueka

7 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Motueka High School
Motueka South School
Saint Peter Chanel Primary School
Tasman School
Lower Moutere School
Parklands School
Motueka Steiner School
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Motueka

2 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
Brian FM 105.6 Nelson NZ AAC 128 kbps
BeachFM 106.3 00s, 60s MP3 192 kbps

Museums in Motueka

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Maritime museum
Motueka Museum
Nelson Classic Car Museum

Libraries in Motueka

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Mapua Community Library0.0
Mapua Library0.0
Motueka Library0.0
Nightingale Library Tāhunanui0.0
Richmond Library0.0
Stoke Library0.0

Hotels in Motueka

2 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Hat Trick Lodge
Hotel Motueka

Restaurants in Motueka

10 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Chokdee
Elevation Cafe Restaurant Bar
Hotel Motueka
Lanna Thai Cuisine
Paper Nautilus
Pizza Kitchen
Simply Indian
Smoking Barrel
Taste of Turkey
The Sprig & Fern Tavern

Cafes in Motueka

12 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Celcius Coffee Espresso Bar + Roastery
Coops Café
Delicious simply good food
Hangar Round Cafe
Kōmitimiti - Riverside Cafe Project
Little Red Coffee Cart
Muses Cafe
Paper Nautilus Cafe
Revite Cafe
The Pah Street Cafe
The Tasman General Store
Toad Hall Cafe

Cinemas in Motueka

2 cinemas within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

State Cinema
The Gecko Cinema

Clinics in Motueka

1 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Motueka Maternity Clinic

Dentists in Motueka

2 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Steph Wills Dental
The Denture Clinic

Veterinaries in Motueka

1 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

NZ #11788945446

Gas Stations in Motueka

5 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

BP 2 Go
Caltex
npd
npd
NPD

Banks in Motueka

3 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

BNZ
NBS
Westpac

Golf Courses in Motueka

1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Motueka Golf Course

Airports Near Motueka

5 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Nelson AirportNSNMedium Airport
Lake Station AirportSmall Airport
Motueka AirportMZPSmall Airport
Murchison AirportSmall Airport
Takaka AirportKTFSmall Airport

Post Offices in Motueka

2 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
NZ Post
NZ Post

Churches & Religious Organizations in Motueka

5 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Motueka Baptist Church
Motueka Christian Fellowship
Motueka Church of Christ
Saint Peter Chanel Catholic Church
Saint Thomas Anglican Church

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 Motueka.

Get Report

Frequently Asked Questions About Motueka

What is the population of Motueka?

Motueka has a population of 7,485 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 1 people per square mile, spread across 5,287.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Motueka expensive to live in?

The median household income is $18,600, 75% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $197,600 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $988 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 10.6x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Motueka?

Motueka has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 64°F in January, while summers reach an average of 46°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 49.3 inches.

How is the job market in Motueka?

Motueka has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $358. There are 689 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Motueka?

The median home value in Motueka is $197,600. For renters, the median monthly rent is $988. The homeownership rate is 72.2%.

Nearby Cities

Compare Motueka with another city: