All Countries
Papatowai, New Zealand
Otago · New Zealand
Papatowai is a small city in Otago, New Zealand with a population of 6,593. Elevation: 82 ft (25 m). Average temperature: 50°F (10°C).
Data updated June 2026
Discover Papatowai, 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.
About Papatowai
Papatowai is a small settlement in the Catlins ward of the Clutha District of the southeastern South Island of New Zealand. The settlement is situated half-way between the cities of Dunedin and Invercargill, on the Pacific coast close to the mouth of the Tahakopa River. There is a permanent population of around 40 people, but with most of the houses in the town being holiday homes the population rises significantly during holiday seasons, particularly around New Year's Day and Easter.
People
Economy
BHousing
A+Climate
| Population | 6,593 |
| Population Density | 2 / sq mi |
| Elevation | 82 ft (25 m) |
| Coordinates | -46.5607°, 169.4707° |
| Timezone | Pacific/Auckland |
| Country | 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
| State / Province | Otago |
| Average Temperature | 50°F (10°C) |
| January Average | 57°F (14°C) |
| July Average | 42°F (6°C) |
| Annual Precipitation | 41.0 inches (1,042 mm) |
| Annual Snowfall | 0.0 inches (0 cm) |
| Median Household Income | $48,800 |
| Median Age | 37.2 years |
About Papatowai
Papatowai is a small city in New Zealand (Otago) with a population of 6,593. The city sits at an elevation of 82 feet (25 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 50°F (10°C). Temperatures range from 57°F in January to 42°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 41.0 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.
Population
Language Spoken at Home
Social Characteristics
Papatowai vs New Zealand Average
Income: Papatowai 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
| Unemployment | 5.1% |
| 41% above New Zealand avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 607 |
Business (County)
Tax & Cost of Living
Commute & Transportation
Walkability
Home Value Sources
Ownership Split
Home Values
| Census Median | $171,600 |
| 39% below New Zealand avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $858 |
| 26% below New Zealand avg |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.5% |
| Housing Units | 2,637 |
Property Tax
Temperature
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below New Zealand avg | |
| January Average | 57°F (14°C) |
| July Average | 42°F (6°C) |
| Sunny Days | 262 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 82 ft (25 m) |
| Area | 3,133.1 sq mi (8,114.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2/sq mi |
| Coordinates | -46.5607°N, 169.4707°W |
| Timezone | Pacific/Auckland |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year | Location | Cause | Max Wave | Deaths | Distance |
| 1839 | WAIKAWA, SOUTHLAND | Unknown | — | — | 27 km |
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F (14°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| February | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 in | |
| March | 55°F (13°C) | 3.6 in | |
| April | 51°F (10°C) | 3.4 in | |
| May | 46°F (8°C) | 4.6 in | Wettest |
| June | 43°F (6°C) | 3.7 in | |
| July | 42°F (6°C) | 3.2 in | Coldest |
| August | 44°F (6°C) | 2.4 in | Driest |
| September | 47°F (8°C) | 3.0 in | |
| October | 49°F (10°C) | 3.6 in | |
| November | 52°F (11°C) | 3.4 in | |
| December | 55°F (13°C) | 3.9 in |
Papatowai has a seasonal temperature swing of 15°F / from 42°F in July to 57°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 41.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and August the driest (2.4").
Schools in Papatowai
1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).
| School | Level | Enrollment | Teachers | Student/Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahakopa School | — | — | — | — |
Museums in Papatowai
| Name | Type | Address | Phone | Annual Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owaka Museum |
Hotels in Papatowai
1 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Restaurants in Papatowai
1 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Cafes in Papatowai
1 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Gas Stations in Papatowai
1 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Golf Courses in Papatowai
1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data
Airports Near Papatowai
4 airports within the area.
| Airport | IATA | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dunedin International Airport | DUD | Medium Airport |
| Balclutha Aerodrome | — | Small Airport |
| Gore3 Airport | — | Small Airport |
| Mandeville Aerodrome | — | Small Airport |
Explore Near Papatowai
Quick Facts
🇳🇿 About New Zealand
Public Holidays in New Zealand
23 public holidays this year
Download Full City Report
Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Papatowai.
Get ReportFrequently Asked Questions About Papatowai
What is the population of Papatowai?
Papatowai has a population of 6,593 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 2 people per square mile, spread across 3,133.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years.
Is Papatowai expensive to live in?
The median household income is $48,800, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $171,600 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $858 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Papatowai?
Papatowai has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 57°F in January, while summers reach an average of 42°F in July. The area receives 262 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.0 inches.
How is the job market in Papatowai?
The unemployment rate in Papatowai 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 607 business establishments in the area.
How much does housing cost in Papatowai?
The median home value in Papatowai is $171,600. For renters, the median monthly rent is $858. The homeownership rate is 64.5%.