Most Dense in New Zealand

Top 100 cities ranked by most dense

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · New Zealand

Most Dense — New Zealand

1 Whanganui F3 53,152/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 North Shore E7 14,285/mi²

9 Merivale E9 14,105/mi²

10 Addington E9 13,039/mi²

11 Hastings F2 9,459/mi²

12 Burwood E9 9,280/mi²

13 Riccarton E9 8,694/mi²

14 Auckland E7 7,091/mi²

15 New Brighton E9 6,000/mi²

16 Sydenham E9 5,781/mi²

17 Shirley E9 5,777/mi²

18 Redwood E9 5,380/mi²

19 Hamilton G1 4,434/mi²

20 Wigram E9 4,235/mi²

21 Rolleston E9 3,897/mi²

22 Christchurch E9 3,615/mi²

23 Albany E7 3,268/mi²

24 Halswell E9 3,212/mi²

25 Papanui E9 3,147/mi²

26 Rangiora E9 2,946/mi²

27 Richmond TAS 2,936/mi²

28 Woodend E9 2,756/mi²

29 Paraparaumu G2 2,706/mi²

30 Matamata G1 2,650/mi²

31 Gisborne F1 2,583/mi²

32 Tokoroa G1 2,401/mi²

33 Tauranga E8 2,392/mi²

34 Whangarei F6 2,310/mi²

35 Manurewa E7 2,305/mi²

36 Levin F3 2,285/mi²

37 Timaru E9 2,241/mi²

38 Wellington G2 2,228/mi²

39 Papatoetoe E7 2,117/mi²

40 Lincoln E9 1,790/mi²

41 Manukau City E7 1,702/mi²

42 Napier F2 1,632/mi²

43 Taupo G1 1,604/mi²

44 Ashburton E9 1,455/mi²

45 Avondale E7 1,348/mi²

46 Remuera E7 1,300/mi²

47 Grey Lynn E7 1,265/mi²

48 Wanaka F7 1,186/mi²

49 Waikowhai G3 1,176/mi²

50 Cashmere E9 1,174/mi²

51 Epsom E7 1,011/mi²

52 Otara E7 944/mi²

53 Kawerau E8 906/mi²

54 New Lynn E7 905/mi²

55 Porirua G2 878/mi²

56 Homai E7 854/mi²

57 Kerikeri F6 844/mi²

58 Mount Eden E7 783/mi²

59 Lower Hutt G2 779/mi²

60 Blenheim F4 755/mi²

61 Papakura E7 749/mi²

62 Takanini E7 742/mi²

63 Palmerston North F3 725/mi²

64 Massey E7 705/mi²

65 Massey East E7 705/mi²

66 Sandringham E7 647/mi²

67 Oamaru F7 635/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 Wattle Downs E7 560/mi²

78 Mangere East E7 555/mi²

79 Blockhouse Bay E7 549/mi²

80 Te Atatu South E7 547/mi²

81 Lincoln E7 547/mi²

82 Birkdale E7 536/mi²

83 Balmoral E7 520/mi²

84 Favona E7 516/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 Nelson F5 317/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 53,152 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 53,152 people per square mile — that's roughly 83 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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