Most Dense in New Zealand

Top 100 cities ranked by most dense

Most Dense - New Zealand

1 Whanganui F3 45,870/mi²
2 Bishopdale E9 26,622/mi²
3 Burnside E9 22,296/mi²
4 Bryndwr E9 20,766/mi²
5 Mairehau E9 19,243/mi²
6 Ilam E9 18,036/mi²
7 Somerfield E9 15,043/mi²
8 Merivale E9 14,105/mi²
9 Addington E9 13,039/mi²
10 North Shore E7 11,353/mi²
11 Burwood E9 9,280/mi²
12 Riccarton E9 8,694/mi²
13 Auckland E7 6,811/mi²
14 New Brighton E9 6,000/mi²
15 Sydenham E9 5,781/mi²
16 Shirley E9 5,777/mi²
17 Redwood E9 5,380/mi²
18 Hastings F2 5,196/mi²
19 Wigram E9 4,235/mi²
20 Hamilton G1 4,126/mi²
21 Matamata G1 3,555/mi²
22 Christchurch E9 3,363/mi²
23 Halswell E9 3,212/mi²
24 Papanui E9 3,147/mi²
25 Rangiora E9 2,962/mi²
26 Albany E7 2,848/mi²
27 Paraparaumu G2 2,724/mi²
28 Richmond TAS 2,571/mi²
29 Rolleston E9 2,570/mi²
30 Gisborne F1 2,495/mi²
31 Whangarei F6 2,469/mi²
32 Tokoroa G1 2,368/mi²
33 Tauranga E8 2,332/mi²
34 Manurewa E7 2,305/mi²
35 Timaru E9 2,188/mi²
36 Levin F3 2,171/mi²
37 Lower Hutt G2 2,124/mi²
38 Papatoetoe E7 2,117/mi²
39 Kaitaia F6 1,927/mi²
40 Manukau City E7 1,702/mi²
41 Napier F2 1,620/mi²
42 Lincoln E9 1,585/mi²
43 Taupo G1 1,532/mi²
44 Ashburton E9 1,380/mi²
45 Avondale E7 1,348/mi²
46 Remuera E7 1,300/mi²
47 Grey Lynn E7 1,265/mi²
48 Wellington G2 1,261/mi²
49 Waikowhai G3 1,176/mi²
50 Cashmere E9 1,174/mi²
51 Wanaka F7 1,045/mi²
52 Epsom E7 1,011/mi²
53 Otara E7 944/mi²
54 Kawerau E8 915/mi²
55 New Lynn E7 905/mi²
56 Homai E7 854/mi²
57 Porirua G2 846/mi²
58 Kerikeri F6 800/mi²
59 Mount Eden E7 783/mi²
60 Papakura E7 749/mi²
61 Takanini E7 742/mi²
62 Massey E7 705/mi²
63 Massey East E7 705/mi²
64 Blenheim F4 703/mi²
65 Oamaru F7 669/mi²
66 Palmerston North F3 648/mi²
67 Sandringham E7 647/mi²
68 Hillcrest E7 634/mi²
69 Hillsborough E7 612/mi²
70 Beach Haven E7 607/mi²
71 Onehunga E7 600/mi²
72 Henderson E7 596/mi²
73 Ponsonby E7 593/mi²
74 Birkenhead E7 592/mi²
75 Hoon Hay E9 575/mi²
76 Takapuna E7 569/mi²
77 Mangere East E7 555/mi²
78 Blockhouse Bay E7 549/mi²
79 Lincoln E7 547/mi²
80 Te Atatu South E7 547/mi²
81 Birkdale E7 536/mi²
82 Balmoral E7 520/mi²
83 Favona E7 516/mi²
84 Wattle Downs E7 497/mi²
85 Forrest Hill E7 490/mi²
86 Te Atatu Peninsula E7 483/mi²
87 Mangere E7 463/mi²
88 Ellerslie E7 463/mi²
89 Glen Innes E7 458/mi²
90 Point Chevalier E7 452/mi²
91 Glendowie E7 426/mi²
92 Lynfield E7 422/mi²
93 Taradale F2 394/mi²
94 Half Moon Bay E7 392/mi²
95 Wiri E7 385/mi²
96 West Harbour E7 383/mi²
97 Parnell E7 364/mi²
98 Otahuhu E7 346/mi²
99 New Windsor E7 330/mi²
100 Western Heights E7 316/mi²

The most densely populated cities in New Zealand pack the most residents per square mile, creating vibrant urban environments with walkable neighborhoods and extensive public transit. Whanganui leads with 45,870 people per square mile.

High population density is often associated with better access to public transportation, more walkable streets, and a wider variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options within close proximity. These cities tend to have lower car ownership rates and shorter commute distances.

Dense cities face unique challenges including higher housing costs, limited parking, and potential overcrowding in public spaces. However, they also tend to have lower per-capita carbon footprints due to shared infrastructure and reduced driving.

Did You Know?

  • 1. Whanganui has 45,870 people per square mile - that's roughly 72 people per acre.
  • 2. Dense cities tend to have the most walkable neighborhoods and lowest car ownership rates in the country.
  • 3. Urban density can reduce per-capita carbon emissions by up to 50% compared to suburban sprawl.

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