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Opunake, New Zealand

Taranaki Region · New Zealand

Opunake is a small town in Taranaki Region, New Zealand with a population of 1,495. Elevation: 105 ft (32 m). Average temperature: 55°F (13°C).

2.5 /5.0
C+ Fair
1,495 Population 6/sq mi density
105 ft Elevation 32 meters
55°F Avg Temperature 13°C
76.7 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$19,560 Median Income
C+
Overall
2.5 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.4 / 5.0
$19,560 median income, 6.6% unemployment
C+
Affordability
2.6 / 5.0
$141,400 home value, $707/mo rent

Discover Opunake, 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 Opunake

Opunake High School is a state secondary school for years 9 to 13 boys and girls in Ōpunake, New Zealand. It has a roll of 319 as of November 2015, the school crest features the Cape Egmont Lighthouse, open book and the torch of the spirit, and Mt Taranaki the motto "Ut prosim patriae" which translates to "that I may be worthy of my country". The school colours are blue and yellow. Most of the school's approximately 319 students are from Ōpunake and surrounding townships such as Manaia, Kaponga, and Rahotu.

People

Population1,495
Median Age45.9 yrs
Density6/mi²

Economy

C
Median Income$19,560
Per Capita$19,560
Unemployment6.6%

Housing

C+
Home Value$141,400
Rent$707
Ownership72.3%
Housing Units598

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain76.7 in/yr
Sunny Days197/yr
Elevation105 ft (32 m)
Population1,495
Population Density6 / sq mi
Elevation105 ft (32 m)
Coordinates-39.4556°, 173.8583°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceTaranaki Region
Average Temperature55°F (13°C)
January Average62°F (17°C)
July Average47°F (9°C)
Annual Precipitation76.7 inches (1,948 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$19,560
Median Age45.9 years

About Opunake

Opunake is a small town in New Zealand (Taranaki Region) with a population of 1,495. The city sits at an elevation of 105 feet (32 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 55°F (13°C). Temperatures range from 62°F in January to 47°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 76.7 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Opunake has a population of 1,495 with a density of 6 people per square mile, spread across 247.3 square miles. The median age is 45.9 years, 18% older than the national median of 38.9.

Population

1,495
Total Population
6
People / sq mi
45.9yrs
Median Age
18% above New Zealand avg
247.3mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Opunake vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Opunake is $19,560, which is 74% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,560 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $376, 74% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.6% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 138 business establishments.

Income: Opunake vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$19,560
74% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$19,560
Avg Weekly Wage$376

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment6.6%
83% above New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)138

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Opunake is $141,400, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $707 (39% below the national average of $1,163). 72.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 598 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.2x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$141,400
50% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$707
39% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership72.3%
Owner-Occupied72.3%
Renter-Occupied27.7%
Housing Units598

Property Tax

Opunake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 47°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 197 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 76.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 105 feet.

Temperature

62°F Jan (17°C) 47°F Jul (9°C)
Annual Average55.0°F
2% above New Zealand avg
January Average62°F (17°C)
July Average47°F (9°C)
Sunny Days197 days/yr

Geography

Elevation105 ft (32 m)
Area247.3 sq mi (640.5 km²)
Population Density6/sq mi
Coordinates-39.4556°N, 173.8583°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 76.7"
102% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Oct) 8.07"
Driest Month (Feb) 4.29"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

735 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.3. Most recent: M4.1 on Jun 3, 2025.

Jul 3, 2012 63 km S of Opunake, New Zealand M6.3 64 km
Sep 19, 1995 15 km SW of Hawera, New Zealand M5.8 38 km
May 18, 1999 54 km S of Otorohanga, New Zealand M5.8 149 km
Feb 15, 2023 55 km NW of Raumati Beach, New Zealand M5.7 135 km
Jan 12, 2022 22 km ENE of Eltham, New Zealand M5.7 59 km
May 24, 2020 29 km WNW of Foxton, New Zealand M5.6 139 km
Sep 8, 1991 29 km WSW of Bulls, New Zealand M5.6 135 km
May 24, 2001 38 km WNW of Turangi, New Zealand M5.5 148 km
Mar 13, 2005 83 km SSW of Opunake, New Zealand M5.4 84 km
Jun 9, 1991 38 km SSW of Patea, New Zealand M5.4 85 km
Jul 15, 2009 83 km SSW of Opunake, New Zealand M5.4 83 km
Sep 25, 1996 57 km ENE of Eltham, New Zealand M5.4 94 km
Sep 22, 2022 63 km N of Picton, New Zealand M5.2 143 km
Feb 18, 1992 41 km SW of Patea, New Zealand M5.2 64 km
Jul 13, 2007 29 km WSW of Hawera, New Zealand M5.1 30 km
Jan 25, 2020 49 km NW of Paraparaumu, New Zealand M5.1 144 km
Jun 19, 2005 57 km ESE of Waitara, New Zealand M5.1 95 km
Apr 20, 1998 60 km W of Turangi, New Zealand M5.1 118 km
Aug 10, 2023 88 km SSW of Opunake, New Zealand M5.1 88 km
Sep 24, 2000 22 km WNW of Waiouru, New Zealand M5.1 136 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

1 tsunami 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 111 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

4 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Taranaki (25 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Taranaki Stratovolcano 2,518 m (8,261 ft) 1800 25 km
Ruapehu Stratovolcano 2,797 m (9,177 ft) 2007 148 km
Tongariro Stratovolcano(es) 1,978 m (6,490 ft) 2012 156 km
Taupo Caldera 760 m (2,493 ft) 260 198 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 62°F (17°C) 5.5 in
February 63°F (17°C) 4.3 in Warmest, Driest
March 61°F (16°C) 5.2 in
April 57°F (14°C) 6.3 in
May 52°F (11°C) 7.7 in
June 49°F (9°C) 7.0 in
July 47°F (9°C) 6.7 in Coldest
August 49°F (9°C) 6.9 in
September 51°F (11°C) 6.9 in
October 54°F (12°C) 8.1 in Wettest
November 57°F (14°C) 7.1 in
December 60°F (16°C) 5.1 in

Opunake has a seasonal temperature swing of 15°F / from 47°F in July to 63°F in February. Total annual precipitation is 76.7 inches, with October being the wettest month (8.1") and February the driest (4.3").

View full weather details →

Schools in Opunake

4 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Opunake High School
Opunake School
Saint Josephs School
Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Tamarongo
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Opunake

1 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
The Most FM 104.4 alternative, taranaki MP3 160 kbps

Museums in Opunake

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Historic Cape Light museum

Libraries in Opunake

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Opunake LibraryPlus0.0

Hotels in Opunake

1 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Headlands Hotel and Restaurant Opunake

Cafes in Opunake

2 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Arty Tarts Café
Sugar Juice Café

Cinemas in Opunake

1 cinemas within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Everybody's Theatre

Clinics in Opunake

1 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Opunake Medical Centre

Veterinaries in Opunake

1 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Costal Vets

Gas Stations in Opunake

1 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Allied Petroleum

Banks in Opunake

1 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

TSB

Golf Courses in Opunake

1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Opunake Golf Club

Ski Resorts Near Opunake

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Manganui Ski Area 0.0 $0

Airports Near Opunake

4 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
New Plymouth AirportNPLMedium Airport
Hawera AirportSmall Airport
Norfolk AirportSmall Airport
Stratford AirportSmall Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Opunake

2 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Our Lady Star of the Sea
St. Barnabas 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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Opunake

What is the population of Opunake?

Opunake has a population of 1,495 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 6 people per square mile, spread across 247.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Opunake expensive to live in?

The median household income is $19,560, 74% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $141,400 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $707 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Opunake?

Opunake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 62°F in January, while summers reach an average of 47°F in July. The area receives 197 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 76.7 inches.

How is the job market in Opunake?

The unemployment rate in Opunake is 6.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $376. There are 138 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Opunake?

The median home value in Opunake is $141,400. For renters, the median monthly rent is $707. The homeownership rate is 72.3%.

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