Waikowhai, New Zealand

Full City Profile

2.1 /5.0

C Fair

5,550 Population 1,176/sq mi density

167 ft Elevation 51 meters

52°F Avg Temperature 11°C

Overall

2.1 / 5.0

Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education

Economy

3.1 / 5.0

$32,880 median income, 3.4% unemployment

Affordability

1.0 / 5.0

$335,400 home value, $1,677/mo rent

Waikowhai experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 59°F in January while summers reach 44°F in July. The area gets 111 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 124.6 inches. The area receives 0.0 inches of snow annually.

Temperature

59°F Jan (15°C) 44°F Jul (7°C)

Annual Average	52.0°F
	4% below US avg
January Average	59°F (15°C)
July Average	44°F (7°C)
Sunny Days	111 days/yr

Geography

Elevation	167 ft (51 m)
Area	4.7 sq mi (12.2 km²)
Population Density	1,176/sq mi
Coordinates	-43.4500°N, 169.8833°W
Timezone	Pacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 124.6"

228% above US avg

Snowfall 0.0"

Wettest Month (Oct) 13.11"

Driest Month (Aug) 6.46"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

175 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.0. Most recent: M4.1 on Mar 5, 2025.

Jun 19, 1994	40 km N of Methven, New Zealand	M6.0	141 km
Dec 7, 2001	59 km NNW of Wanaka, New Zealand	M5.8	121 km
May 4, 2015	28 km NW of Wanaka, New Zealand	M5.6	144 km
Jan 5, 2015	43 km SSE of Hokitika, New Zealand	M5.6	118 km
Mar 30, 1992	57 km NNW of Methven, New Zealand	M5.5	126 km
Sep 19, 2023	Canterbury, New Zealand	M5.5	104 km
May 29, 1995	South Island of New Zealand	M5.5	139 km
May 2, 2005	83 km N of Wanaka, New Zealand	M5.4	89 km
Jun 21, 1994	47 km N of Methven, New Zealand	M5.4	141 km
Oct 20, 1998	104 km NNE of Wanaka, New Zealand	M5.4	46 km
Feb 24, 2002	79 km NW of Wanaka, New Zealand	M5.4	128 km
Jul 10, 1990	South Island of New Zealand	M5.2	73 km
Jul 6, 2015	56 km NE of Wanaka, New Zealand	M5.1	106 km
May 2, 2005	85 km N of Wanaka, New Zealand	M5.0	89 km
Oct 21, 2000	80 km NNW of Wanaka, New Zealand	M4.9	117 km
Jun 10, 2011	85 km NW of Wanaka, New Zealand	M4.9	147 km
Nov 27, 1992	53 km SSW of Hokitika, New Zealand	M4.9	80 km
Apr 2, 2005	67 km ENE of Wanaka, New Zealand	M4.9	102 km
Jan 30, 2017	72 km NNW of Wanaka, New Zealand	M4.9	123 km
Aug 14, 2002	24 km N of Methven, New Zealand	M4.8	140 km

Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 0.6 m (2 ft).

Year	Location	Cause	Max Wave	Deaths	Distance
1869	NEW ZEALAND	Unknown	0.6 m	—	119 km
2002	ALBERT TOWN	Meteorological	—	—	149 km
1886	JACKSON BAY, SOUTH ISLAND	Meteorological	—	—	116 km

Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	59°F (15°C)	11.6 in
February	60°F (16°C)	9.1 in	Warmest
March	58°F (14°C)	11.6 in
April	54°F (12°C)	11.1 in
May	49°F (9°C)	8.1 in
June	45°F (7°C)	9.9 in
July	44°F (7°C)	9.1 in	Coldest
August	46°F (8°C)	6.5 in	Driest
September	48°F (9°C)	12.2 in
October	51°F (11°C)	13.1 in	Wettest
November	54°F (12°C)	10.9 in
December	57°F (14°C)	11.4 in

Waikowhai has a seasonal temperature swing of 16°F / from 44°F in July to 60°F in February. Total annual precipitation is 124.6 inches, with October being the wettest month (13.1") and August the driest (6.5").

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