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Oldest Cities in New Zealand

Top 100 cities ranked by oldest cities

Best New Zealand Cities

Composite rankings combining multiple weighted metrics — 4 topics from climate and air quality data.

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All Countries  ·  New Zealand

Oldest Cities — New Zealand

1 Orewa E7 59.8
2 Ashburton E9 58.7
3 Thames G1 58.6
4 Oamaru F7 56.9
5 Rangiora E9 56.7
6 Katikati E8 55.9
7 Cambridge G1 55.8
8 Milford E7 55.3
9 Omokoroa E8 54.7
10 Greymouth G3 54.7
11 Whitianga G1 54.2
12 Gore F8 53.9
13 Carterton G2 52.4
14 Mosgiel F7 51.9
15 Taradale F2 51.7
16 Allenton E9 51.6
17 Takapuna E7 50.9
18 Tauranga E8 50.8
19 Avonhead E9 50.8
20 Waikanae G2 50.7
21 Takanini E7 50.6
22 Whangarei F6 49.3
23 Bethlehem E8 49.1
24 Marton F3 48.8
25 Springlands F4 48.8
26 Kerikeri F6 48.4
27 Shirley E9 48.3
28 Motueka TAS 48.1
29 Mount Maunganui E8 48.0
30 Levin F3 47.7
31 Alexandra F7 47.5
32 Raumati Beach G2 47.2
33 Henderson E7 47.1
34 Te Awamutu G1 47.0
35 Matamata G1 46.7
36 Gisborne F1 46.7
37 Whakatane E8 45.7
38 Otumoetai E8 45.6
39 Titirangi E7 45.5
40 Christchurch E9 45.4
41 Prebbleton E9 45.3
42 Hokowhitu F3 45.0
43 Mairehau E9 44.6
44 Half Moon Bay E7 44.6
45 Paraparaumu G2 44.5
46 Nelson F5 44.3
47 Parnell E7 44.3
48 New Plymouth F9 44.2
49 Kaiti F1 43.9
50 Kaiapoi E9 43.7
51 Kumeu E7 43.6
52 Cashmere E9 43.5
53 Glendowie E7 43.5
54 Dargaville F6 43.4
55 Wanaka F7 43.3
56 Dannevirke F3 43.0
57 Stratford F9 43.0
58 Witherlea F4 42.9
59 Point Chevalier E7 42.7
60 Milson F3 42.6
61 Onerahi F6 42.6
62 Masterton G2 42.6
63 Ngongotaha E8 42.5
64 Browns Bay E7 42.5
65 Hawera F9 42.5
66 Merivale E9 42.4
67 Hillsborough E7 42.2
68 Otaki G2 42.1
69 Hornby E9 42.1
70 Upper Hutt G2 41.9
71 Redwoodtown F4 41.8
72 Riccarton E9 41.7
73 Bucklands Beach E7 41.7
74 New Brighton E9 41.6
75 Khandallah G2 41.6
76 Whitby G2 41.5
77 Sunnyhills E7 41.4
78 Rotorua E8 41.2
79 Remuera E7 41.2
80 Karori G2 41.0
81 Royal Oak E7 40.9
82 Green Bay E7 40.7
83 Warkworth E7 40.6
84 Waterloo G2 40.5
85 Cromwell F7 40.4
86 Redwood E9 40.4
87 Te Puke E8 40.3
88 Wigram E9 40.2
89 Tokoroa G1 40.1
90 Solway G2 40.1
91 Taupo G1 39.9
92 Huntly G1 39.9
93 Botany Downs E7 39.7
94 Parklands E9 39.7
95 Burwood E9 39.6
96 Papanui E9 39.5
97 Unsworth Heights E7 39.4
98 Beach Haven E7 39.2
99 Island Bay G2 39.2
100 Halswell E9 39.2

Cities with the oldest median ages in New Zealand often serve as popular retirement destinations or established communities with stable, long-term residents. Orewa has a median age of 59.8 years.

Older median ages can indicate strong healthcare systems, quality of life factors that encourage aging in place, or communities that are particularly attractive to retirees. These cities often feature robust healthcare infrastructure and senior services.

Communities with older populations face unique planning challenges including healthcare capacity, accessibility, transportation for non-drivers, and maintaining a tax base as the workforce ages. Many are adapting their infrastructure and services to meet these evolving needs.

Did You Know?

  • 1. Half of Orewa's residents are over 59.8 years old.
  • 2. Popular retirement destinations in Florida, Arizona, and the Carolinas dominate this list.
  • 3. Cities with older populations typically have higher rates of homeownership and longer average residency periods.

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