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Wairakei, New Zealand

Waikato Region · New Zealand

Wairakei is a small town in Waikato Region, New Zealand with a population of 510. Elevation: 1,230 ft (375 m). Average temperature: 53°F (11°C).

Data updated June 2026

2.0 /5.0
C Fair
510 Population 31/sq mi density
1,230 ft Elevation 375 meters
53°F Avg Temperature 11°C
56.3 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$29,280 Median Income
C
Overall
2.0 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.0 / 5.0
$29,280 median income, 3.6% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.0 / 5.0
$338,000 home value, $1,690/mo rent

Discover Wairakei, 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

Population510
Median Age38.1 yrs
Density31/mi²

Economy

B
Median Income$29,280
Per Capita$29,280
Unemployment3.6%

Housing

F
Home Value$338,000
Rent$1,690
Ownership81.7%
Housing Units204

Climate

Avg Temp53°F (11°C)
Rain56.3 in/yr
Sunny Days234/yr
Elevation1,230 ft (375 m)
Population510
Population Density31 / sq mi
Elevation1,230 ft (375 m)
Coordinates-38.6333°, 176.1000°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceWaikato Region
Average Temperature53°F (11°C)
January Average62°F (17°C)
July Average43°F (6°C)
Annual Precipitation56.3 inches (1,431 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$29,280
Median Age38.1 years

About Wairakei

Wairakei is a small town in New Zealand (Waikato Region) with a population of 510. The city sits at an elevation of 1,230 feet (375 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 53°F (11°C). Temperatures range from 62°F in January to 43°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 56.3 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Wairakei has a population of 510 with a density of 31 people per square mile, spread across 16.6 square miles. The median age is 38.1 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9.

Population

510
Total Population
31
People / sq mi
38.1yrs
Median Age
2% below New Zealand avg
16.6mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Wairakei vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Wairakei is $29,280, which is 61% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,280 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $563, 61% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 47 business establishments.

Income: Wairakei vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$29,280
61% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$29,280
Avg Weekly Wage$563

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.6%
0% below New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)47

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Wairakei is $338,000, 20% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,690 (45% above the national average of $1,163). 81.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 204 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 11.5x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$338,000
20% above New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,690
45% above New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership81.7%
Owner-Occupied81.7%
Renter-Occupied18.3%
Housing Units204

Property Tax

Wairakei experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 43°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 234 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 56.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 1,230 feet.

Temperature

62°F Jan (17°C) 43°F Jul (6°C)
Annual Average52.5°F
3% below New Zealand avg
January Average62°F (17°C)
July Average43°F (6°C)
Sunny Days234 days/yr

Geography

Elevation1,230 ft (375 m)
Area16.6 sq mi (42.9 km²)
Population Density31/sq mi
Coordinates-38.6333°N, 176.1000°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 56.3"
48% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Jun) 5.59"
Driest Month (Apr) 3.78"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

1,403 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.4. Most recent: M4.1 on Aug 5, 2025.

Aug 10, 1993 42 km WNW of Gisborne, New Zealand M6.4 127 km
Dec 7, 2012 27 km SE of Tokoroa, New Zealand M6.3 23 km
Jun 21, 1992 31 km NNW of Whakatane, New Zealand M6.2 124 km
Oct 25, 1999 24 km W of Taupo, New Zealand M6.2 27 km
May 18, 1999 54 km S of Otorohanga, New Zealand M5.8 73 km
Apr 11, 1993 28 km WSW of Hastings, New Zealand M5.7 129 km
Jul 18, 2004 20 km WNW of Kawerau, New Zealand M5.6 79 km
Oct 16, 2012 8 km NE of Taupo, New Zealand M5.6 6 km
Mar 25, 1992 28 km N of Whakatane, New Zealand M5.6 129 km
Jan 27, 2011 21 km NNW of Taupo, New Zealand M5.6 17 km
May 24, 2001 38 km WNW of Turangi, New Zealand M5.5 67 km
Oct 15, 2001 21 km WSW of Hastings, New Zealand M5.5 127 km
Jul 5, 2011 29 km W of Taupo, New Zealand M5.5 31 km
Sep 25, 1996 57 km ENE of Eltham, New Zealand M5.4 121 km
Mar 23, 1999 12 km NNW of Edgecumbe, New Zealand M5.4 104 km
Jul 8, 2006 34 km N of Napier, New Zealand M5.3 91 km
Apr 8, 2006 20 km SE of Tokoroa, New Zealand M5.3 31 km
Jul 12, 1991 23 km ENE of Waiouru, New Zealand M5.3 84 km
Aug 8, 2000 51 km ESE of Turangi, New Zealand M5.3 70 km
Mar 17, 2023 8 km WNW of Kawerau, New Zealand M5.3 78 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

6 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 15.0 m (49 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1931 N. NEW ZEALAND Eruption + Earthquake 15.0 m 261 127 km
1910 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Meteorological 1.5 m 1 49 km
2022 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 1.0 m — 25 km
1956 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 0.9 m — 39 km
1895 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Eruption + Earthquake — — 21 km
1846 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Unknown — — 49 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

9 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Taupo (23 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Taupo Caldera 760 m (2,493 ft) 260 23 km
Maroa Caldera(s) 897 m (2,943 ft) 180 24 km
Reporoa Caldera 592 m (1,942 ft) 1180 31 km
Okataina Lava dome(s) 1,111 m (3,645 ft) 1981 67 km
Tongariro Stratovolcano(es) 1,978 m (6,490 ft) 2012 71 km
Ruapehu Stratovolcano 2,797 m (9,177 ft) 2007 85 km
Mayor Island Shield 355 m (1,165 ft) -5060 151 km
Whakaari/White Island Stratovolcano(es) 294 m (965 ft) 2019 156 km
Taranaki Stratovolcano 2,518 m (8,261 ft) 1800 191 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 62°F (17°C) 4.1 in Warmest
February 62°F (17°C) 3.9 in
March 59°F (15°C) 4.5 in
April 53°F (12°C) 3.8 in Driest
May 48°F (9°C) 4.7 in
June 44°F (7°C) 5.6 in Wettest
July 43°F (6°C) 5.2 in Coldest
August 45°F (7°C) 5.4 in
September 48°F (9°C) 5.2 in
October 52°F (11°C) 4.5 in
November 55°F (13°C) 4.4 in
December 59°F (15°C) 5.3 in

Wairakei has a seasonal temperature swing of 19°F / from 43°F in July to 62°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 56.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.6") and April the driest (3.8").

View full weather details →

Schools in Wairakei

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Wairakei School — — — —
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Wairakei

3 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
Cool Blue Taupo jazz MP3 192 kbps
Chill-Radio chill, relax AAC 48 kbps
Ski FM contemporary hits, ski mountain AAC 128 kbps

Museums in Wairakei

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Taupō Museum and Art Gallery

Libraries in Wairakei

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Taupō Public Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Wairakei

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Market Central Taupō

Hotels in Wairakei

1 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Wairakei Terraces Thermal Spa

Restaurants in Wairakei

1 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Prawn Farm

Cafes in Wairakei

2 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Heli Adventures & Hub Cafe
Lava Glass Blowing Studio (and Cafe)

Zoos in Wairakei

1 zoos within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Lilliputt Farm

Gas Stations in Wairakei

2 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

BP
BP Wairakei

Golf Courses in Wairakei

4 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Mini Golf
Shooters Golf Driving Range
Wairakei 9-hole Golf Course
Wairakei International Golf Course

Breweries in Wairakei

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Crafty Trout Brewery

Ski Resorts Near Wairakei

3 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Tūroa Ski Area 0.0 — — $0 — — —
Tukino Skifield 0.0 — — $0 — — —
Whakapapa Ski Area 0.0 — — $0 — — —

Airports Near Wairakei

9 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Rotorua Regional AirportROTMedium Airport
Taupo AirportTUOMedium Airport
Centennial Park Aerodrome—Small Airport
Galatea Airfield—Small Airport
Mount Tarawera Airport—Small Airport
Rangitaiki Airfield—Small Airport
Tokoroa AirfieldTKZSmall Airport
Turangi Airport—Small Airport
Wharepapa South Airport—Small Airport

Explore Near Wairakei

Waterfalls
2
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

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

Volcanoes Near Wairakei

Volcano Type Elevation Last Eruption
Maroa Caldera(s) 897 m 180

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 Wairakei.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Wairakei

What is the population of Wairakei?

Wairakei has a population of 510 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 31 people per square mile, spread across 16.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.1 years.

Is Wairakei expensive to live in?

The median household income is $29,280, 61% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $338,000 (20% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,690 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 11.5x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Wairakei?

Wairakei has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 62°F in January, while summers reach an average of 43°F in July. The area receives 234 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 56.3 inches.

How is the job market in Wairakei?

Wairakei has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $563. There are 47 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Wairakei?

The median home value in Wairakei is $338,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,690. The homeownership rate is 81.7%.

Nearby Cities

Taupo, G1 26,600 pop · 3.6 mi Acacia Bay, G1 1,870 pop · 6.1 mi Turangi, G1 3,930 pop · 29.2 mi Tokoroa, G1 14,500 pop · 30.4 mi Murupara, E8 1,876 pop · 34.4 mi Utuhina, E8 1,620 pop · 34.6 mi Ohinemutu, E8 1,260 pop · 34.8 mi Rotorua, E8 65,901 pop · 35.1 mi Ngongotaha, E8 5,240 pop · 38.4 mi Hamurana, E8 1,130 pop · 42.4 mi Putaruru, G1 4,670 pop · 44.0 mi Kaharoa, E8 1,617 pop · 44.7 mi Taumarunui, F3 4,950 pop · 48.3 mi Kawerau, E8 7,670 pop · 49.1 mi
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