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Wairoa, New Zealand

Hawke's Bay Region · New Zealand

Wairoa is a small town in Hawke's Bay Region, New Zealand with a population of 4,260. Elevation: 190 ft (58 m). Average temperature: 57°F (14°C).

Data updated June 2026

2.3 /5.0
C Fair
4,260 Population 3/sq mi density
190 ft Elevation 58 meters
57°F Avg Temperature 14°C
52.3 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$18,840 Median Income
C
Overall
2.3 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.1 / 5.0
$18,840 median income, 8.4% unemployment
C
Affordability
2.5 / 5.0
$140,400 home value, $702/mo rent

Discover Wairoa, 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.
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Full City Profile

About Wairoa

Wairoa

Wairoa is the largest town in the Wairoa District and the northernmost town in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand's North Island. It is located on the northern shore of Hawke Bay at the mouth of the Wairoa River and to the west of Māhia Peninsula. It is 118 kilometres (73 mi) northeast of Napier, and 92 kilometres (57 mi) southwest of Gisborne, on State Highway 2. It is the nearest town to the Te Urewera protected area and former national park, which is accessible from Wairoa via State Highway 38. It is one of three towns in New Zealand where Māori outnumber other ethnicities, with 62.29% of the population identifying as Māori.

People

Population4,260
Median Age35.1 yrs
Density3/mi²

Economy

C
Median Income$18,840
Per Capita$18,840
Unemployment8.4%

Housing

C
Home Value$140,400
Rent$702
Ownership61.3%
Housing Units1,704

Climate

Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
Rain52.3 in/yr
Sunny Days241/yr
Elevation190 ft (58 m)
Population4,260
Population Density3 / sq mi
Elevation190 ft (58 m)
Coordinates-39.0333°, 177.3667°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceHawke's Bay Region
Average Temperature57°F (14°C)
January Average66°F (19°C)
July Average48°F (9°C)
Annual Precipitation52.3 inches (1,329 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$18,840
Median Age35.1 years

About Wairoa

Wairoa is a small town in New Zealand (Hawke's Bay Region) with a population of 4,260. The city sits at an elevation of 190 feet (58 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 57°F (14°C). Temperatures range from 66°F in January to 48°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 52.3 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Wairoa has a population of 4,260 with a density of 3 people per square mile, spread across 1,590.4 square miles. The median age is 35.1 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9.

Population

4,260
Total Population
3
People / sq mi
35.1yrs
Median Age
10% below New Zealand avg
1,590.4mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Wairoa vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Wairoa is $18,840, which is 75% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,840 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $362, 75% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.4% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 392 business establishments.

Income: Wairoa vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$18,840
75% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$18,840
Avg Weekly Wage$362

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment8.4%
133% above New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)392

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Wairoa is $140,400, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $702 (40% below the national average of $1,163). 61.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,704 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.5x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$140,400
50% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$702
40% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership61.3%
Owner-Occupied61.3%
Renter-Occupied38.7%
Housing Units1,704

Property Tax

Wairoa enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 66°F in January while summers reach 48°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 241 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 52.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 190 feet.

Temperature

66°F Jan (19°C) 48°F Jul (9°C)
Annual Average57.3°F
6% above New Zealand avg
January Average66°F (19°C)
July Average48°F (9°C)
Sunny Days241 days/yr

Geography

Elevation190 ft (58 m)
Area1,590.4 sq mi (4,119.2 km²)
Population Density3/sq mi
Coordinates-39.0333°N, 177.3667°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 52.3"
38% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Jun) 5.91"
Driest Month (Nov) 2.56"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

1,084 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.4. Most recent: M4.6 on Aug 13, 2025.

Aug 10, 1993 42 km WNW of Gisborne, New Zealand M6.4 59 km
Dec 7, 2012 27 km SE of Tokoroa, New Zealand M6.3 131 km
Oct 25, 1999 24 km W of Taupo, New Zealand M6.2 140 km
May 16, 1992 25 km NNW of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.8 77 km
Apr 11, 1993 28 km WSW of Hastings, New Zealand M5.7 106 km
Jul 18, 2004 20 km WNW of Kawerau, New Zealand M5.6 137 km
Oct 16, 2012 8 km NE of Taupo, New Zealand M5.6 113 km
Jan 27, 2011 21 km NNW of Taupo, New Zealand M5.6 133 km
Jul 5, 2011 29 km W of Taupo, New Zealand M5.5 146 km
Oct 15, 2001 21 km WSW of Hastings, New Zealand M5.5 99 km
Mar 23, 1999 12 km NNW of Edgecumbe, New Zealand M5.4 138 km
Jul 7, 2012 8 km S of Turangi, New Zealand M5.3 135 km
Aug 17, 2002 13 km W of Edgecumbe, New Zealand M5.3 132 km
Sep 22, 1994 39 km N of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.3 94 km
Mar 17, 2023 8 km WNW of Kawerau, New Zealand M5.3 126 km
Jul 12, 1991 23 km ENE of Waiouru, New Zealand M5.3 132 km
Apr 8, 2006 20 km SE of Tokoroa, New Zealand M5.3 137 km
Jul 8, 2006 34 km N of Napier, New Zealand M5.3 45 km
Aug 8, 2000 51 km ESE of Turangi, New Zealand M5.3 94 km
Mar 31, 1994 34 km NE of Murupara, New Zealand M5.2 88 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Tsunami History

10 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 261 142 km
1947 OFF COAST OF NORTH ISLAND Eruption + Earthquake 10.0 m - 132 km
1947 OFF COAST OF NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 6.0 m - 148 km
1910 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Meteorological 1.5 m 1 142 km
2022 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 1.0 m - 128 km
1956 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 0.9 m - 136 km
1895 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Eruption + Earthquake - - 121 km
1880 GISBORNE Earthquake - - 130 km
1846 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Unknown - - 142 km
1831 POVERTY BAY, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake - - 66 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

7 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Reporoa (113 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Reporoa Caldera 592 m (1,942 ft) 1180 113 km
Taupo Caldera 760 m (2,493 ft) 260 121 km
Okataina Lava dome(s) 1,111 m (3,645 ft) 1981 126 km
Maroa Caldera(s) 897 m (2,943 ft) 180 131 km
Tongariro Stratovolcano(es) 1,978 m (6,490 ft) 2012 150 km
Ruapehu Stratovolcano 2,797 m (9,177 ft) 2007 157 km
Whakaari/White Island Stratovolcano(es) 294 m (965 ft) 2019 169 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 66°F (19°C) 3.2 in Warmest
February 66°F (19°C) 4.4 in
March 63°F (17°C) 5.1 in
April 58°F (15°C) 4.9 in
May 53°F (12°C) 4.5 in
June 49°F (10°C) 5.9 in Wettest
July 48°F (9°C) 5.4 in Coldest
August 50°F (10°C) 5.2 in
September 53°F (12°C) 4.1 in
October 57°F (14°C) 3.2 in
November 60°F (16°C) 2.6 in Driest
December 64°F (18°C) 3.9 in

Wairoa has a seasonal temperature swing of 18°F / from 48°F in July to 66°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 52.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.9") and November the driest (2.6").

View full weather details →

Colleges & Universities in Wairoa

Institution Type Founded Website
EIT Wairoa College - ,

Schools in Wairoa

6 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Tiaho Primary School - - - -
Wairoa College - - - -
Wairoa Primary School - - - -
Frasertown School - - - -
St. Josephs School - - - -
TKKM o Ngati Kahungunu o Te Wairoa - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Wairoa

1 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
Radio Control 99.4FM kiwi, maori culture AAC 160 kbps

Museums in Wairoa

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
The Wairoa Museum

Libraries in Wairoa

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Wairoa Centennial Library0.0

Cafes in Wairoa

2 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

2ate7 Cafe and Motel
Oslers Bakery and Cafe

Gas Stations in Wairoa

4 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Caltex Wairoa Truck Stop
Gasoline Alley Services
Gull
Z

Banks in Wairoa

1 banks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

ANZ

Golf Courses in Wairoa

1 golf courses within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Wairoa Golf Club

Airports Near Wairoa

5 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Gisborne AirportGISMedium Airport
Hawke's Bay AirportNPEMedium Airport
Wairoa AirportWIRMedium Airport
Galatea Airfield-Small Airport
Hastings Aerodrome-Small Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Wairoa

8 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Crusade Family Church
Kingdom Hall Of Jehovah's Witnesses
Saint Peters Catholic Church
St. Andrews Methodist and Presbyterian Church
St. Pauls Anglian Church
St. Therese's Catholic Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Wairoa Masonic Centre

Explore Near Wairoa

UFO Sightings
1
Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database
View all →
Waterfalls
1
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

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 Wairoa

What is the population of Wairoa?

Wairoa has a population of 4,260 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 3 people per square mile, spread across 1,590.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Wairoa expensive to live in?

The median household income is $18,840, 75% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $140,400 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $702 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.5x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Wairoa?

Wairoa enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 66°F in January, while summers reach an average of 48°F in July. The area receives 241 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 52.3 inches.

How is the job market in Wairoa?

The job market in Wairoa faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $362. There are 392 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Wairoa?

The median home value in Wairoa is $140,400. For renters, the median monthly rent is $702. The homeownership rate is 61.3%.

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