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Waitara, New Zealand

Taranaki Region · New Zealand

Waitara is a small city in Taranaki Region, New Zealand with a population of 7,730. Elevation: 26 ft (8 m). Average temperature: 61°F (16°C).

Data updated June 2026

2.3 /5.0
C Fair
7,730 Population 5/sq mi density
26 ft Elevation 8 meters
61°F Avg Temperature 16°C
70.9 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$20,760 Median Income
C
Overall
2.3 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.6 / 5.0
$20,760 median income, 5.3% unemployment
C
Affordability
2.0 / 5.0
$169,600 home value, $848/mo rent

Discover Waitara, 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

Population7,730
Median Age38.7 yrs
Density5/mi²

Economy

C+
Median Income$20,760
Per Capita$20,760
Unemployment5.3%

Housing

C
Home Value$169,600
Rent$848
Ownership69.4%
Housing Units3,092

Climate

Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
Rain70.9 in/yr
Sunny Days298/yr
Elevation26 ft (8 m)
Population7,730
Population Density5 / sq mi
Elevation26 ft (8 m)
Coordinates-39.0016°, 174.2384°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceTaranaki Region
Average Temperature61°F (16°C)
January Average67°F (20°C)
July Average56°F (13°C)
Annual Precipitation70.9 inches (1,800 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$20,760
Median Age38.7 years

About Waitara

Waitara is a small city in New Zealand (Taranaki Region) with a population of 7,730. The city sits at an elevation of 26 feet (8 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 61°F (16°C). Temperatures range from 67°F in January to 56°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 70.9 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Waitara has a population of 7,730 with a density of 5 people per square mile, spread across 1,487.1 square miles. The median age is 38.7 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9.

Population

7,730
Total Population
5
People / sq mi
38.7yrs
Median Age
1% below New Zealand avg
1,487.1mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Waitara vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Waitara is $20,760, which is 72% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,760 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $399, 72% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 711 business establishments.

Income: Waitara vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$20,760
72% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$20,760
Avg Weekly Wage$399

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.3%
47% above New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)711

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Waitara is $169,600, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $848 (27% below the national average of $1,163). 69.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,092 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.2x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$169,600
40% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$848
27% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership69.4%
Owner-Occupied69.4%
Renter-Occupied30.6%
Housing Units3,092

Property Tax

Climate in Waitara

Waitara has an average annual temperature of 13.8°C (57°F). The hottest month is Feb (18.2°C), the coldest is Jul (9.9°C). Average annual precipitation is 1399 mm.

Month Avg °C / °F Min / Max °C Rain (mm)
Jan 17.6°C / 64°F 13.6° / 21.5° 77.2
Feb 18.2°C / 65°F 14° / 22.4° 90.7
Mar 16.8°C / 62°F 12.4° / 21.1° 88.7
Apr 14.7°C / 58°F 10.7° / 18.7° 118.5
May 12.8°C / 55°F 9.1° / 16.5° 145.5
Jun 10.8°C / 51°F 7.3° / 14.3° 143.8
Jul 9.9°C / 50°F 6.3° / 13.5° 131.1
Aug 10.4°C / 51°F 6.7° / 14° 131.1
Sep 11.6°C / 53°F 8.1° / 15° 125.1
Oct 12.8°C / 55°F 9.4° / 16.1° 128.2
Nov 14.2°C / 58°F 10.5° / 17.8° 104.8
Dec 16.2°C / 61°F 12.7° / 19.8° 114.3
Waitara enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 67°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 298 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 70.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 26 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

67°F Jan (20°C) 56°F Jul (13°C)
Annual Average60.6°F
12% above New Zealand avg
January Average67°F (20°C)
July Average56°F (13°C)
Sunny Days298 days/yr

Geography

Elevation26 ft (8 m)
Area1,487.1 sq mi (3,851.6 km²)
Population Density5/sq mi
Coordinates-39.0016°N, 174.2384°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 70.9"
86% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Sep) 7.80"
Driest Month (Feb) 4.25"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

766 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.3. Most recent: M4.9 on Jul 30, 2025.

Jul 3, 2012 63 km S of Opunake, New Zealand M6.3 121 km
Oct 25, 1999 24 km W of Taupo, New Zealand M6.2 140 km
Sep 19, 1995 15 km SW of Hawera, New Zealand M5.8 78 km
May 18, 1999 54 km S of Otorohanga, New Zealand M5.8 96 km
Jan 12, 2022 22 km ENE of Eltham, New Zealand M5.7 44 km
May 24, 2001 38 km WNW of Turangi, New Zealand M5.5 101 km
Jul 5, 2011 29 km W of Taupo, New Zealand M5.5 136 km
Jul 15, 2009 83 km SSW of Opunake, New Zealand M5.4 142 km
Sep 25, 1996 57 km ENE of Eltham, New Zealand M5.4 61 km
Jun 9, 1991 38 km SSW of Patea, New Zealand M5.4 123 km
Mar 13, 2005 83 km SSW of Opunake, New Zealand M5.4 143 km
Jul 12, 1991 23 km ENE of Waiouru, New Zealand M5.3 149 km
Jul 7, 2012 8 km S of Turangi, New Zealand M5.3 136 km
Oct 26, 2011 15 km WNW of Turangi, New Zealand M5.2 122 km
Feb 18, 1992 41 km SW of Patea, New Zealand M5.2 112 km
Jan 21, 2010 53 km E of Waitara, New Zealand M5.1 53 km
Aug 10, 2023 88 km SSW of Opunake, New Zealand M5.1 147 km
Jan 6, 2011 65 km S of Otorohanga, New Zealand M5.1 78 km
Jun 19, 2005 57 km ESE of Waitara, New Zealand M5.1 58 km
Jul 13, 2007 29 km WSW of Hawera, New Zealand M5.1 82 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Tsunami History

4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 1.5 m (5 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1910 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Meteorological 1.5 m 1 129 km
2022 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 1.0 m - 147 km
1956 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 0.9 m - 136 km
1846 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Unknown - - 129 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

6 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Taranaki (36 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Taranaki Stratovolcano 2,518 m (8,261 ft) 1800 36 km
Ruapehu Stratovolcano 2,797 m (9,177 ft) 2007 119 km
Tongariro Stratovolcano(es) 1,978 m (6,490 ft) 2012 122 km
Taupo Caldera 760 m (2,493 ft) 260 154 km
Maroa Caldera(s) 897 m (2,943 ft) 180 172 km
Reporoa Caldera 592 m (1,942 ft) 1180 193 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 67°F (20°C) 5.1 in Warmest
February 64°F (18°C) 4.3 in Driest
March 62°F (17°C) 5.3 in
April 57°F (14°C) 5.6 in
May 53°F (12°C) 6.1 in
June 49°F (10°C) 5.9 in Coldest
July 56°F (13°C) 6.7 in
August 49°F (10°C) 6.1 in
September 52°F (11°C) 7.8 in Wettest
October 55°F (13°C) 6.7 in
November 58°F (14°C) 5.5 in
December 61°F (16°C) 5.8 in

Waitara has a seasonal temperature swing of 18°F / from 49°F in June to 67°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 70.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (7.8") and February the driest (4.3").

View full weather details →

Schools in Waitara

7 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Waitara Central School - - - -
Waitara East School - - - -
Waitara High School - - - -
St Joseph's School - - - -
Manukorihi Intermediate School - - - -
Huirangi School - - - -
Tikorangi School - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Waitara

1 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
The Most FM 104.4 alternative, taranaki MP3 160 kbps

Museums in Waitara

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Hillsborough Holden Car Museum
National Toy Museum
Puke Ariki New Plymouth Museum

Libraries in Waitara

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Bell Block Library0.0
Cramond Library0.0
Inglewood Public Library0.0
New Plymouth War Memorial Library0.0
Waitara Library0.0

Hotels in Waitara

1 hotels within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Urenui Hotel

Restaurants in Waitara

2 restaurants within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Pizza Heaven
Tikka Kai

Zoos in Waitara

1 zoos within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Silverleigh Alpacas

Train Stations in Waitara

1 train stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Waitara Road

Gas Stations in Waitara

3 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

BP
Challenge
G.A.S.

Banks in Waitara

1 banks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

TSB

Golf Courses in Waitara

4 golf courses within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Urenui Golf Club
Urenui Golf Club
Waitara Golf Club
Waitara Golf Course

Stadiums & Teams in Waitara

TeamLeagueDivision

Ski Resorts Near Waitara

1 ski resorts within range.

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

Airports Near Waitara

4 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
New Plymouth AirportNPLMedium Airport
Hawera Airport-Small Airport
Norfolk Airport-Small Airport
Stratford Airport-Small Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Waitara

6 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Knox Church
River of Life Church
Saint Josephs Catholic Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Waitara Gospel Chapel
Waitara Methodist 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

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Waitara.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Waitara

What is the population of Waitara?

Waitara has a population of 7,730 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 5 people per square mile, spread across 1,487.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.7 years.

Is Waitara expensive to live in?

The median household income is $20,760, 72% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $169,600 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $848 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Waitara?

Waitara enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 67°F in January, while summers reach an average of 56°F in July. The area receives 298 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 70.9 inches.

How is the job market in Waitara?

The unemployment rate in Waitara is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $399. There are 711 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Waitara?

The median home value in Waitara is $169,600. For renters, the median monthly rent is $848. The homeownership rate is 69.4%.

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