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Rolleston, New Zealand

Canterbury · New Zealand

Rolleston is a mid-size city in Canterbury, New Zealand with a population of 33,200. Elevation: 197 ft (60 m). Average temperature: 54°F (12°C).

Data updated June 2026

2.3 /5.0
C Fair
33,200 Population 3,897/sq mi density
197 ft Elevation 60 meters
54°F Avg Temperature 12°C
34.2 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$30,360 Median Income
C
Overall
2.3 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.1 / 5.0
$30,360 median income, 3.0% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.4 / 5.0
$280,800 home value, $1,404/mo rent

Discover Rolleston, 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

Population33,200
Median Age35.8 yrs
Density3,897/mi²

Economy

B
Median Income$30,360
Per Capita$30,360
Unemployment3.0%

Housing

F
Home Value$280,800
Rent$1,404
Ownership83.2%
Housing Units13,280

Climate

Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
Rain34.2 in/yr
Sunny Days283/yr
Elevation197 ft (60 m)
Population33,200
Population Density3,897 / sq mi
Elevation197 ft (60 m)
Coordinates-43.5833°, 172.3833°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceCanterbury
Average Temperature54°F (12°C)
January Average63°F (17°C)
July Average45°F (7°C)
Annual Precipitation34.2 inches (869 mm)
Annual Snowfall1.1 inches (3 cm)
Median Household Income$30,360
Median Age35.8 years

About Rolleston

Rolleston is a mid-size city in New Zealand (Canterbury) with a population of 33,200. The city sits at an elevation of 197 feet (60 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 54°F (12°C). Temperatures range from 63°F in January to 45°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 34.2 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Rolleston has a population of 33,200 with a density of 3,897 people per square mile, spread across 8.5 square miles. The median age is 35.8 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9.

Population

33,200
Total Population
3,897
People / sq mi
35.8yrs
Median Age
8% below New Zealand avg
8.5mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Rolleston vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Rolleston is $30,360, which is 60% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,360 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $584, 59% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 3,054 business establishments.

Income: Rolleston vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$30,360
60% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$30,360
Avg Weekly Wage$584

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.0%
17% below New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)3,054

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Rolleston is $280,800, 0% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,404 (21% above the national average of $1,163). 83.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 13,280 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.2x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$280,800
0% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,404
21% above New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership83.2%
Owner-Occupied83.2%
Renter-Occupied16.8%
Housing Units13,280

Property Tax

Climate in Rolleston

Rolleston has an average annual temperature of 11.7°C (53°F). The hottest month is Feb (16.3°C), the coldest is Jul (7°C). Average annual precipitation is 711 mm.

Month Avg °C / °F Min / Max °C Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C / 61°F 11.6° / 20.5° 41.2
Feb 16.3°C / 61°F 11.8° / 20.8° 58.1
Mar 14.4°C / 58°F 9.9° / 19° 50.9
Apr 12.1°C / 54°F 7.6° / 16.7° 61.5
May 10.2°C / 50°F 5.7° / 14.6° 86.6
Jun 7.6°C / 46°F 3.2° / 12° 73.4
Jul 7°C / 45°F 2.2° / 11.7° 60.3
Aug 8°C / 46°F 3.4° / 12.5° 88.9
Sep 9.6°C / 49°F 5° / 14.2° 39.2
Oct 11.2°C / 52°F 6.9° / 15.6° 45.8
Nov 12.8°C / 55°F 8.3° / 17.3° 41.4
Dec 14.8°C / 59°F 10.6° / 18.9° 63.5
Rolleston experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 63°F in January while summers reach 45°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 283 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 34.2 inches. The area receives 1.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 197 feet.

Temperature

63°F Jan (17°C) 45°F Jul (7°C)
Annual Average54.3°F
1% above New Zealand avg
January Average63°F (17°C)
July Average45°F (7°C)
Sunny Days283 days/yr

Geography

Elevation197 ft (60 m)
Area8.5 sq mi (22.1 km²)
Population Density3,897/sq mi
Coordinates-43.5833°N, 172.3833°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 34.2"
10% below New Zealand avg
Snowfall 1.1"
Wettest Month (Aug) 2.72"
Driest Month (Sep) 1.93"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

662 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M7.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 30, 2025.

Sep 3, 2010 19 km NE of Methven, New Zealand M7.0 45 km
Jun 18, 1994 56 km NW of Oxford, New Zealand M6.8 91 km
Nov 24, 1995 47 km NW of Oxford, New Zealand M6.2 82 km
Feb 21, 2011 6 km SE of Christchurch, New Zealand M6.1 24 km
Feb 10, 1990 90 km N of Amberley, New Zealand M6.0 142 km
Jun 19, 1994 40 km N of Methven, New Zealand M6.0 71 km
Jun 13, 2011 9 km ESE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.9 29 km
Feb 14, 2016 12 km ENE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.8 33 km
Feb 10, 1990 90 km N of Amberley, New Zealand M5.7 139 km
Jan 5, 2015 43 km SSE of Hokitika, New Zealand M5.6 110 km
Feb 22, 2011 7 km S of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.6 19 km
Mar 30, 1992 57 km NNW of Methven, New Zealand M5.5 94 km
Sep 19, 2023 Canterbury, New Zealand M5.5 103 km
Feb 22, 2011 6 km SSE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.5 22 km
May 29, 1995 South Island of New Zealand M5.5 92 km
Jun 21, 1994 47 km N of Methven, New Zealand M5.4 76 km
Jun 21, 2011 1 km SSE of Prebbleton, New Zealand M5.2 12 km
Aug 29, 1996 74 km N of Amberley, New Zealand M5.2 125 km
Jun 13, 2011 10 km ESE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.2 30 km
Jan 1, 2012 21 km ENE of Christchurch, New Zealand M5.2 42 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 2 109 km
1895 PIEGON BAY Meteorological 5.0 m - 43 km
1881 PIGEON BAY (BANKS PENINSULA) Earthquake 3.0 m - 43 km
1856 S CANTERBURY PROVINCE, SOUTH ISLAND Unknown 1.0 m - 56 km
1922 SE. NEW ZEALAND Earthquake 0.4 m - 82 km
1978 OFF EAST COAST OF SOUTH ISLAND Meteorological - - 73 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 63°F (17°C) 2.1 in Warmest
February 62°F (17°C) 2.0 in
March 59°F (15°C) 2.4 in
April 54°F (12°C) 2.2 in
May 48°F (9°C) 2.4 in
June 44°F (6°C) 2.0 in Coldest
July 45°F (7°C) 2.6 in
August 45°F (7°C) 2.7 in Wettest
September 49°F (10°C) 1.9 in Driest
October 53°F (12°C) 2.4 in
November 57°F (14°C) 2.1 in
December 60°F (16°C) 2.0 in

Rolleston has a seasonal temperature swing of 20°F / from 44°F in June to 63°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 26.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.7") and September the driest (1.9").

View full weather details →

Schools in Rolleston

6 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Weedons School - - - -
Rolleston School - - - -
Clearview Primary School - - - -
Rolleston College - - - -
Rolleston Christian School - - - -
Te Rōhutu Whio School - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Rolleston

9 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
RDU 98.5FM - MP3 128 kbps
3ABN Christian Radio bible teaching, christian AAC+ 56 kbps
Anthemz - AAC 130 kbps
Akaroa World Radio easy listening AAC
XS80s 1980's, 1980s MP3 128 kbps
Dave FM 70s, 80s MP3 128 kbps
Power Hit FM 87.8 - Christchurch, NZ pop music, top 40 AAC+ 64 kbps
8K.NZ eclectic, independent MP3 192 kbps
RDU alternative MP3 128 kbps

Museums in Rolleston

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Air Force Museum
Canterbury Museum Pop-Up
Mike Pero's Motorcycle Gallery
Ngaio Marsh House
Pioneer Hall
Rutherford's Den
Steam Scene Museum
Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities
The Central Art Gallery
The Whare
Yaldhurst Museum

Libraries in Rolleston

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Central Library - Te Puna Mātauraka o Waitaha0.0
Central Library - Te Puna Mātauraka o Waitaha0.0
Engineering and Physical Sciences Library0.0
Fendalton Library0.0
Hornby Centre0.0
Ivey Hall0.0
Leeston Selwyn District Library0.0
Lincoln Library0.0
Macmillan Brown Library0.0
Matatiki: Hornby Centre0.0
Ōrauwhata: Bishopdale Library and Community Centre0.0
Papanui Library0.0
Redwood Library0.0
Redwood Library0.0
Selwyn Huts community library0.0
Spreydon Library0.0
Tai Tapu Library0.0
Te Ara Atea0.0
Te Ara Atea (Rolleston Library)0.0
Upper Riccarton Community and School Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Rolleston

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Christchurch Farmers' Market
Lincoln Saturday Market
Riccarton Rotary Market
Small farmers market
The Provedore

Restaurants in Rolleston

18 restaurants within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

A Pocket Full of Spices
Bolina
Cafe iZone
Coriander's Ethnic Indian Restaurant
Drafters
Hachi Hachi
India dreams
Joes Garage
Lazeez
Lone Star
Phenix
Pizza Hut
Quartz
Smoke
St Pierres
Thai Terrace
The Pedal Pusher
The Turkish Grill

Cafes in Rolleston

4 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Black & White Coffee Cartel
Coffee Culture
Majestic
Robert Harris

Clinics in Rolleston

2 clinics within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Rolleston Central Health
Selwyn Health Hub

Dentists in Rolleston

1 dentists within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Rolleston Dental Centre

Veterinaries in Rolleston

1 veterinaries within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Selwyn Veterinary Clinic

Train Stations in Rolleston

1 train stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Rolleston

Gas Stations in Rolleston

5 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Allied Petrol/Diesel Bowser
BP Rolleston
NPD
NPD
Z Rolleston

Banks in Rolleston

4 banks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

ANZ
ASB Bank
Bank of New Zealand
Westpac

Golf Courses in Rolleston

1 golf courses within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Weedons Country Club

Stadiums & Teams in Rolleston

TeamLeagueDivision

Ski Resorts Near Rolleston

1 ski resorts within range.

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

Airports Near Rolleston

11 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Christchurch International AirportCHCLarge Airport
Ashburton AirportASGSmall Airport
Dunsandel-Small Airport
Fernside Fields Airpark-Small Airport
Forest Field Aerodrome-Small Airport
Kings (Ladbrooks)-Small Airport
Rangiora Airfield-Small Airport
Springfield Airport-Small Airport
Taitapu Ag strip-Small Airport
West Melton Aerodrome-Small Airport
Worthy Lodge airstrip (Ladbrooks)-Small Airport

Post Offices in Rolleston

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Rolleston Post Shop

Treatment Centers in Rolleston

8 treatment centers.

CenterTypePhone
Christchurch PsychMed
Ear Health Riccarton
Etu Pasifika
High Street City Health
Ilam Medical Centre
Maui Clinic
Straven Medical
The Merivale Clinic

Churches & Religious Organizations in Rolleston

2 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Hope Presbyterian - Rolleston
Lincoln Union Parish - Rolleston

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 Rolleston.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Rolleston

What is the population of Rolleston?

Rolleston has a population of 33,200 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 3,897 people per square mile, spread across 8.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Rolleston expensive to live in?

The median household income is $30,360, 60% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $280,800 (0% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,404 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Rolleston?

Rolleston has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 63°F in January, while summers reach an average of 45°F in July. The area receives 283 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.2 inches, with 1.1 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Rolleston?

Rolleston has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $584. There are 3,054 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Rolleston?

The median home value in Rolleston is $280,800. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,404. The homeownership rate is 83.2%.

Nearby Cities

Burnham, E9 1,239 pop · 4.1 mi West Melton, E9 2,710 pop · 4.7 mi Templeton, E9 1,840 pop · 4.8 mi Prebbleton, E9 5,260 pop · 6.7 mi Lincoln, E9 9,180 pop · 6.8 mi Hei Hei, E9 3,471 pop · 7.8 mi Ladbrooks, E9 2,030 pop · 7.9 mi Hornby, E9 8,790 pop · 7.9 mi Yaldhurst, E9 2,250 pop · 8.1 mi Russley, E9 2,493 pop · 8.6 mi Wigram, E9 11,900 pop · 8.7 mi Halswell, E9 13,200 pop · 9.2 mi Aidanfield, E9 4,170 pop · 9.3 mi Sockburn, E9 4,580 pop · 9.4 mi
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