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Tamarau, New Zealand

Gisborne · New Zealand

Tamarau is a small town in Gisborne, New Zealand with a population of 2,730. Elevation: 59 ft (18 m). Average temperature: 56°F (13°C).

Data updated June 2026

2.2 /5.0
C Fair
2,730 Population 11/sq mi density
59 ft Elevation 18 meters
56°F Avg Temperature 13°C
88.3 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$19,440 Median Income
C
Overall
2.2 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.2 / 5.0
$19,440 median income, 7.7% unemployment
C
Affordability
2.1 / 5.0
$156,000 home value, $780/mo rent

Discover Tamarau, 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

Population2,730
Median Age30.1 yrs
Density11/mi²

Economy

C
Median Income$19,440
Per Capita$19,440
Unemployment7.7%

Housing

C
Home Value$156,000
Rent$780
Ownership51.0%
Housing Units1,092

Climate

Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain88.3 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation59 ft (18 m)
Population2,730
Population Density11 / sq mi
Elevation59 ft (18 m)
Coordinates-38.6782°, 178.0502°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceGisborne
Average Temperature56°F (13°C)
January Average62°F (16°C)
July Average47°F (8°C)
Annual Precipitation88.3 inches (2,244 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.3 inches (1 cm)
Median Household Income$19,440
Median Age30.1 years

About Tamarau

Tamarau is a small town in New Zealand (Gisborne) with a population of 2,730. The city sits at an elevation of 59 feet (18 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 56°F (13°C). Temperatures range from 62°F in January to 47°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 88.3 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Tamarau has a population of 2,730 with a density of 11 people per square mile, spread across 248.7 square miles. The median age is 30.1 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9.

Population

2,730
Total Population
11
People / sq mi
30.1yrs
Median Age
23% below New Zealand avg
248.7mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Tamarau vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Tamarau is $19,440, which is 74% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,440 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $374, 74% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.7% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 251 business establishments.

Income: Tamarau vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$19,440
74% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$19,440
Avg Weekly Wage$374

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment7.7%
114% above New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)251

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Tamarau is $156,000, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $780 (33% below the national average of $1,163). 51.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,092 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 8x, 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

Homeownership51.0%
Owner-Occupied51.0%
Renter-Occupied49.0%
Housing Units1,092

Property Tax

Climate in Tamarau

Tamarau has an average annual temperature of 14.6°C (58°F). The hottest month is Jan (19.3°C), the coldest is Jul (10°C). Average annual precipitation is 981 mm.

Month Avg °C / °F Min / Max °C Rain (mm)
Jan 19.3°C / 67°F 14.1° / 24.5° 66.7
Feb 19.2°C / 67°F 14.3° / 24.2° 65.9
Mar 17.4°C / 63°F 12.5° / 22.4° 93.8
Apr 15°C / 59°F 10.1° / 20° 99.2
May 12.8°C / 55°F 7.9° / 17.8° 81.0
Jun 10.6°C / 51°F 5.8° / 15.3° 102.0
Jul 10°C / 50°F 5.7° / 14.4° 124.9
Aug 10.4°C / 51°F 5.6° / 15.3° 84.8
Sep 12.2°C / 54°F 7.2° / 17.1° 73.1
Oct 14°C / 57°F 9° / 19° 67.9
Nov 15.7°C / 60°F 10.6° / 20.8° 61.1
Dec 18.2°C / 65°F 13.2° / 23.2° 60.5
Tamarau enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 47°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 88.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 59 feet.

Temperature

62°F Jan (16°C) 47°F Jul (8°C)
Annual Average55.5°F
3% above New Zealand avg
January Average62°F (16°C)
July Average47°F (8°C)
Sunny Days269 days/yr

Geography

Elevation59 ft (18 m)
Area248.7 sq mi (644.1 km²)
Population Density11/sq mi
Coordinates-38.6782°N, 178.0502°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 88.3"
132% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 0.3"
Wettest Month (Jun) 6.42"
Driest Month (Nov) 2.68"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

877 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M7.1. Most recent: M4.3 on Aug 9, 2025.

Feb 5, 1995 118 km NNE of Gisborne, New Zealand M7.1 119 km
Feb 10, 1995 102 km NNE of Gisborne, New Zealand M6.5 103 km
Aug 10, 1993 42 km WNW of Gisborne, New Zealand M6.4 47 km
Feb 13, 1995 125 km ENE of Opotiki, New Zealand M6.0 128 km
Feb 6, 1995 117 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.9 118 km
Feb 6, 1995 100 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.9 100 km
May 16, 1992 25 km NNW of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.8 30 km
Feb 9, 1995 91 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.7 92 km
Mar 25, 1992 28 km N of Whakatane, New Zealand M5.6 144 km
Feb 6, 1995 113 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.6 114 km
Feb 6, 1995 117 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.6 117 km
Feb 12, 2003 115 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.5 115 km
Mar 23, 1999 12 km NNW of Edgecumbe, New Zealand M5.4 141 km
Feb 12, 1995 121 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.4 121 km
Mar 17, 2023 8 km WNW of Kawerau, New Zealand M5.3 143 km
Sep 22, 1994 39 km N of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.3 43 km
Aug 17, 2002 13 km W of Edgecumbe, New Zealand M5.3 143 km
Feb 15, 1995 125 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.3 126 km
Feb 9, 1995 83 km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.3 84 km
Jul 8, 2006 34 km N of Napier, New Zealand M5.3 116 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Tsunami History

5 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 10.0 m (33 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1947 OFF COAST OF NORTH ISLAND Eruption + Earthquake 10.0 m - 74 km
1947 OFF COAST OF NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 6.0 m - 78 km
1914 TOLAGA BAY, NORTH ISLAND Eruption + Earthquake - 1 99 km
1880 GISBORNE Earthquake - - 72 km
1831 POVERTY BAY, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake - - 5 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

5 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Okataina (149 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Okataina Lava dome(s) 1,111 m (3,645 ft) 1981 149 km
Whakaari/White Island Stratovolcano(es) 294 m (965 ft) 2019 150 km
Reporoa Caldera 592 m (1,942 ft) 1180 152 km
Maroa Caldera(s) 897 m (2,943 ft) 180 174 km
Taupo Caldera 760 m (2,493 ft) 260 179 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 62°F (16°C) 3.1 in
February 66°F (19°C) 3.5 in Warmest
March 64°F (18°C) 4.3 in
April 59°F (15°C) 3.5 in
May 54°F (12°C) 3.8 in
June 51°F (10°C) 6.4 in Wettest
July 47°F (8°C) 5.3 in Coldest
August 51°F (10°C) 4.7 in
September 54°F (12°C) 4.3 in
October 57°F (14°C) 2.8 in
November 60°F (16°C) 2.7 in Driest
December 64°F (18°C) 3.8 in

Tamarau has a seasonal temperature swing of 19°F / from 47°F in July to 66°F in February. Total annual precipitation is 48.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (6.4") and November the driest (2.7").

View full weather details →

Schools in Tamarau

3 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Ilminster Intermediate School - - - -
Waikirikiri School - - - -
Kaiti School - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Tamarau

1 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
Switch FM Gisborne dance AAC+ 128 kbps

Museums in Tamarau

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
C Company Memorial House
East Coast Museum of Technology
Gisborne City Vintage Railway
Sled House
Tairawhiti Museum
Wylie Cottage

Libraries in Tamarau

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
H. B. Williams Memorial Library0.0

Airports Near Tamarau

3 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Gisborne AirportGISMedium Airport
Wairoa AirportWIRMedium Airport
Opotiki Airport-Small Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Tamarau

3 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Gisborne Tongan
Mega Life Church
Tamarau Community 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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Frequently Asked Questions About Tamarau

What is the population of Tamarau?

Tamarau has a population of 2,730 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 11 people per square mile, spread across 248.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Tamarau expensive to live in?

The median household income is $19,440, 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 8x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Tamarau?

Tamarau enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 62°F in January, while summers reach an average of 47°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 88.3 inches.

How is the job market in Tamarau?

The unemployment rate in Tamarau is 7.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $374. There are 251 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Tamarau?

The median home value in Tamarau is $156,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $780. The homeownership rate is 51.0%.

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