You may already know New Zealand has two distinct islands: the South Island and the North Island.
Both have many fantastic cities, and each one is special. You can choose from a wide variety of accommodations if you want to make one of these cities your home base while you travel throughout Aotearoa.
Wellington and Auckland are the two largest cities on the North Island, with smaller cities such as Tauranga also present. Southern New Zealand is home to smaller cities than the North Island.
Come along as we explore the top five New Zealand cities by population and discover what they offer. This should help you decide where you’d like to live or visit, whether you’re a tourist or an immigrant.
When do towns become cities in New Zealand?
The population threshold in New Zealand for classification as a city is 50,000. It’s interesting to note that the exceptions to this regulation are the cities of Whanganui, Gisborne, and Timaru cities, all declared cities decades ago. Under the new rules, they would be classified as towns.
Cities must have at least 50,000 residents as of 1989
New Zealand’s Largest Cities
These numbers came from the New Zealand Statistics Service (Stats NZ). They were calculated using projections of municipal and territorial populations on June 2022. These numbers should be used primarily as a point of reference.
1. Auckland, on North Island (1,652,000 people), New Zealand’s largest city.
With an estimated population above 1.5 million, Auckland is New Zealand’s most populous urban area. The city is between two huge harbours and is recognised as a cultural centre for the country due to its abundance of diverse art, cuisine, and music.
Auckland, also called the “City of Sails,” is a vibrant and exciting place to visit. There are many destinations to choose from if you want to lounge on a beach, go hiking, or discover urban landscapes.
Despite being a coastal city, Auckland is surrounded by more than 50 volcanoes, making for spectacular scenery. Consequently, the gulf is dotted with numerous islands worth exploring.
Auckland is an excellent location if you’re craving urban life but also want easy access to the great outdoors. If you’re going on holiday to New Zealand, you’ll likely fly into this city. While you’re here, why not take some time to explore the sights and sounds of our largest city?
2. North Island’s Wellington (434,900)
Even though Auckland served as the nation’s capital in the 1800s, Wellington is now the primary administrative centre of New Zealand.
It is close to the southernmost tip of the North Island and packed with exciting activities.
Even though the city’s population is much lower than average due to its small size, don’t be fooled: it’s bustling with activity.
It is also as beautiful as exciting, with its waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, and expansive harbour. Lonely Planet even called it “the coolest little capital in the world,” so you can see that it has an excellent reputation.
There are numerous museums, galleries, and live music venues, and many food critics adore the local cuisine.
However, there is no perfect place, and “Windy Wellington” is exactly what its name suggests. This is because of the city’s positioning, which makes it vulnerable to the strong winds that blow in from Cook Strait.
Don’t let this deter you, though, because you’ll quickly fall in love with Wellington despite its drawbacks. Wellington is the best on a good day.
3. South Island’s Christchurch (389,300)
As New Zealand’s third-largest city, Christchurch is an important economic and cultural hub. It’s the biggest city on the South Island, too.
Christchurch is located on New Zealand’s East Coast and is one of the most exciting places you can visit. There is a lot of history and heritage here, and the city has been revitalised since the earthquake in 2011.
Since then, Christchurch’s rebuilding efforts have gained national attention for their creativity and allure. Nonetheless, it retains a number of the nation’s oldest structures. In addition, there are many notable seaside suburbs, the picturesque Avon River, and the neighbouring botanic gardens.
In the beautiful Canterbury area, Christchurch has many places to visit within a day’s drive or over the weekend.
We suggest you visit the following:
- Hanmer Springs
- Tekapo
- Kaikōura
- Mount Cook
Still, the city of Christchurch itself offers a wealth of attractions.
Furthermore, Christchurch is lauded for being a relatively large city that offers its residents an outstanding work-life balance. It may be the ideal location if you’re considering making Aotearoa your permanent home.
4. Hamilton in North Island (approx. 179,900)
The three largest cities in New Zealand are Christchurch, Auckland, and Wellington. Hamilton’s population of 179,900 is relatively modest compared to other major cities.
Although visiting Hamilton, which has the catchy moniker “City of the Future,” isn’t usually high on visitors’ lists, it is well worth the trip. It is close to Auckland and therefore makes for an incredible day trip or a stop to Waitomo, Hobbiton, Rotorua, or Raglan.
The city sits on the Waikato River’s banks, New Zealand’s longest river. Some of the world’s most famous landmarks, such as the renowned Hamilton Gardens and the unique Zealong Tea Estate, can be found here.
Make your way to the Putaruru Blue Springs in Hamilton and be dazzled by its picturesque landscape. If you would rather forego walking the whole track, no worries – just 10 minutes from the Leslie Road parking lot will bring you to a stunningly scenic stretch of this mesmerising river.
5. Tauranga in North Island (Apx. 158,300)
It’s hard to argue that no other city in New Zealand can match the beauty of Tauranga. This is because it enjoys a prime spot on the Bay of Plenty. You can get a stunning view of the dormant volcano, Mount Maunganui, from the city.
While it is much smaller than New Zealand’s “big three,” its population of above 150,000 makes it one of the country’s largest cities.
Tauranga is a highly sought-after destination for its renowned work-life balance, and future inhabitants should be prepared to encounter an influx of people as the population continues to surge.
Locals and visitors greatly appreciate the proximity of Mount Maunganui to the city. The town’s hot saltwater pools and fantastic trails have become famous among outdoor enthusiasts.
Tauranga provides the best of both worlds, thanks to its proximity to stunning natural landscapes and relaxed population.
It is among the best places to soak up some rays and relax on the beach.
6. Napier-Hastings in North Island (Apx. 157,400)
Napier-Hastings comprises the ‘twin cities’ of Napier and Hastings and is found in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay region.
The proximity of these two cities has led to their names being used interchangeably. They also share a combined population of around 148,000. However, there are discrepancies between the numbers, likely due to the ebb and flow of each city’s resident population.
Napier-Hastings boasts the country’s best climate. Aside from its abundance of wineries, orchards, art deco buildings, and restaurants, the region also benefits from a mild Mediterranean climate and is less windy than most coastal areas. It’s easy to see why this place appeals to many people.
The strong sense of community here is another of the city’s many charms. There are a lot of great places to shop that is owned and operated by locals who would be happy to show you around if you decide to relocate there.
7. Dunedin in South Island (Apx. 130,400).
Considering South Island’s overall low population, it’s unsurprising that only a handful of towns and cities made it to our list. On the other hand, Dunedin is ranked #7 because it is one of the more populated cities in New Zealand. Furthermore, it is one of New Zealand’s most southern urban centres.
Most people know Dunedin as home to the world’s steepest street – Baldwin Street. There’s a good reason why this street is so famous among sightseers from every corner of the world. There is, however, much more to see and do in Dunedin.
While many people stop here on the way to or from Milford Sound, you should spend at least a few nights here if possible.
The abundance of wildlife on the Otago Peninsula makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations. There are also sea lions, albatross colonies, and yellow-eyed penguins that are extremely rare to find.
The city features numerous beautiful historic structures, a nationally renowned university, Larnach Castle, and a burgeoning culinary scene.
8. Whangarei in North Island (Apx. 100,500)
Northland’s regional capital, Whangarei, is also Aotearoa’s northernmost city.
The city’s culture and arts scene is surprisingly robust, especially considering its small size; it is home to the highly regarded (and recently launched) Hundertwasser Art Centre.
There are many exciting things to do in the area, such as walking along the scenic coastline or lounging on the beach (especially if you want to travel out to Whangarei Heads).
Whangarei is a beautiful place to rest and refuel on your way north, and if you value a healthy work-life balance, it should be on your short list of potential permanent residences. It’s only a two-hour drive from Auckland, making it ideal for those infrequent occasions when they need to visit the big city
9. Palmerston North in North Island (Apx. 90,400 people)
Palmerston North, situated towards the North Island’s southern tip, is well-known for its picturesque beauty and relaxed way of life. Although it is not a popular tourist destination, this small city is perfect for nature lovers thanks to its proximity to Tararua Forest Park and Ruahine Forest Park.
Palmerston North is a beautiful city partly due to the Manawatu River, which winds through the town centre.
A wide variety of activities are available to suit various tastes. You can check out the city’s museums or visit a wildlife sanctuary.
A growing number of people are visiting Palmerston North to sample its cuisine. Its small size belies the abundance of cafes, bars, and restaurants.
What more could you want from a city of this size?
10: New Plymouth in North Island (Apx. 87,700)
New Plymouth, in the region of Taranaki, is the 10th biggest city in New Zealand. The city proper is home to more than two-thirds of the region’s inhabitants.
Again, this is a city that is well-known for its laid-back atmosphere.
The city’s residents and tourists love exploring scenic bushwalks and rugged west coast beaches. Mount Tarankai also serves as a significant tourist attraction for the area. It’s a great place to go tramping, as hiking is called in New Zealand, and it can be claimed to be its peak, though that’s a challenging feat.
New Plymouth is a great place to visit or even relocate to if you are an avid surfer or someone who appreciates having nature so close to home.
11. Rotorua in North Island (Apx. 76,800)
Although our original plan was to list only the ten largest cities, we simply had to include this one.
It’s easy to see why Rotorua is regarded as one of New Zealand’s top tourist spots. Its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it one of the most geothermally active places on the planet. The scenery is out of this world, with thermal springs, boiling mud pools, volcanic craters, and active geysers.
Rotorua has a lot of history and culture, so it’s perfect. Even better, you can visit an authentic Maori village, our favourite cultural activity in New Zealand.
The city rests on Lake Rotorua’s shores in the Bay of Plenty. It is surrounded by many other lakes and forests that provide a world-class trail for running or mountain biking.
The town may be smaller than some other cities on this list, but it provides all of the essentials
12. Invercargill in South Island (Apx. 56,800)
Invercargill has the distinction of being New Zealand’s most westerly and southernmost city. Plus, it’s one of the world’s most southern cities!
With around 60,000 people, Invercargill is far from the biggest cities in this overview. Though located in the southern hemisphere, it is well-known for its unique charm and warm atmosphere.
This area has many exciting things to do, as it is home to numerous exciting bars and restaurants, historic buildings, and other attractions.
In addition to its many other attractions, the nearby coastline is a must-see when visiting Invercargill. Moreover, it is conveniently located near Bluff, Stewart Island, and the Catlins.
13. Nelson in South Island (Apx. 54,500 people)
Nelson is the country’s second-oldest city and the oldest on the South Island. It occupies a prime location at the South Island’s tip, parallel Tasman Bay, and is home to a sizable population (around 56,000).
It is common knowledge that Nelson ranks among the sunniest places in all of New Zealand. In addition to being the starting point for excursions into Abel Tasman National Park, this area also features a monument marking the country’s geographic centre.
If you plan to travel to Aotearoa, you should stop in Nelson. This city is known for its pristine beaches, excellent markets, charming gardens, and great walks.
14. Gisborne in North Island (Apx. 52,100)
The town of Gisborne sits on the eastern coast of the country. Plus, it’s the first place on Earth to see the sunrise, making it unique.
Great weather and beautiful beaches explain why this destination is so well-liked, particularly among surfers.
However, the city’s fame stems primarily from the wine trail that passes through several acclaimed small wineries.
With a population under 38,000 (which, as you may recall, disqualifies it as an official city), it is one of New Zealand’s smallest cities.
Nonetheless, you should visit it for its relaxed atmosphere and connection to Maori culture.
15. Whanganui District in North Island (Apx. 48,700)
Whanganui, located on the west coast, is one of the earliest established cities in the country.
Whanganui’s name comes from the Whanganui River, which forms the city’s central bay or harbour. It translates to “big harbour.”
Now home to only around 48,000 people, this city was once New Zealand’s fifth largest but now ranks among the country’s smaller urban centres.
This seemingly sleepy city hides a surprising cultural wallop thanks to its incredible historic architecture, gorgeous parks, and excellent museums.
For a long time, Whanganui was misspelled as Wanganui. Since ‘wh’ and ‘w’ is pronounced differently in te reo Mori, the pronunciation of the city’s name has also changed, though most natives still use the traditional pronunciation.
16. Timaru District (Apx. 48,500)
The status of Timaru as a city is debatable, making it the most controversial entry on this list.
Despite not meeting the population threshold for “city,” Timaru has a long and convoluted history that has led many to label it as such.
Timaru’s population of 28,000 is smaller than that of most New Zealand towns, but the population of its district is much higher.
Timaru, which lies halfway between Dunedin and Christchurch, is picturesque.
We suggest stopping by Timaru for a day or two because of its stunning beach, lovely botanical gardens, historic buildings, and the possibility of seeing little blue penguins in the wild.
Bottom Line
Except for Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland, most of New Zealand’s cities have fewer than 200,000 residents.
Any of the first three choices would be fine if you want to make your home in a big city. If you prefer the North Island, Auckland and Wellington are good options, while if you’d instead remain on the South Island, Christchurch is your best bet.
But no matter your pick, you’ll have a wonderful time in New Zealand.