Timaru Population 2026
Timaru has a population of 29,300, making it the #27 biggest city in 🇳🇿 New Zealand, located in Canterbury. Roughly 0.6% of New Zealand's population lives here. It is about 53× smaller than Auckland, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
29,300
Rank in New Zealand
#27
Coordinates
44.40°S, 171.25°E
~14 m elevation · Pacific/Auckland
Distance to capital (Wellington)
449 km
279 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Canterbury
| City | Population | Rank in New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Christchurch | 419,200 | #2 |
| Rolleston | 34,100 | #24 |
| Ashburton | 21,600 | #35 |
| Rangiora | 19,300 | #41 |
Cities near Timaru
- Ashburton21,600 people · ~67 km away
- Rolleston34,100 people · ~128 km away
- Christchurch419,200 people · ~146 km away
- Rangiora19,300 people · ~162 km away
- Dunedin132,800 people · ~174 km away
- Invercargill58,000 people · ~318 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Timaru?
Timaru has a population of 29,300 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #27 biggest city in New Zealand.
What region is Timaru in?
Timaru is located in Canterbury, New Zealand.
Is Timaru the capital of New Zealand?
No, the capital of New Zealand is Wellington, about 449 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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