Nelson Population 2026
Nelson has a population of 54,400, making it the #17 biggest city in 🇳🇿 New Zealand, located in Nelson Region. Roughly 1.0% of New Zealand's population lives here. It is about 28× smaller than Auckland, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
54,400
Rank in New Zealand
#17
Coordinates
41.27°S, 173.28°E
~11 m elevation · Pacific/Auckland
Distance to capital (Wellington)
125 km
78 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Nelson Region
| City | Population | Rank in New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Stoke | 20,260 | #38 |
Cities near Nelson
- Stoke20,260 people · ~7 km away
- Richmond19,950 people · ~11 km away
- Blenheim29,800 people · ~62 km away
- Wellington381,900 people · ~125 km away
- Porirua61,500 people · ~132 km away
- Lower Hutt114,200 people · ~137 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Nelson?
Nelson has a population of 54,400 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #17 biggest city in New Zealand.
What region is Nelson in?
Nelson is located in Nelson Region, New Zealand.
Is Nelson the capital of New Zealand?
No, the capital of New Zealand is Wellington, about 125 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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