Ashburton Population 2026
Ashburton has a population of 21,600, making it the #35 biggest city in 🇳🇿 New Zealand, located in Canterbury. Roughly 0.4% of New Zealand's population lives here. It is about 72× smaller than Auckland, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
21,600
Rank in New Zealand
#35
Coordinates
43.90°S, 171.73°E
~106 m elevation · Pacific/Auckland
Distance to capital (Wellington)
383 km
238 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Canterbury
| City | Population | Rank in New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Christchurch | 419,200 | #2 |
| Rolleston | 34,100 | #24 |
| Timaru | 29,300 | #27 |
| Rangiora | 19,300 | #41 |
Cities near Ashburton
FAQ
What is the population of Ashburton?
Ashburton has a population of 21,600 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #35 biggest city in New Zealand.
What region is Ashburton in?
Ashburton is located in Canterbury, New Zealand.
Is Ashburton the capital of New Zealand?
No, the capital of New Zealand is Wellington, about 383 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
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