# Omakau

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Rural settlement in Otago, New Zealand

Omakau Rural settlement Former Bank of New Zealand building Interactive map of Omakau Coordinates: 45°07′S 169°36′E / 45.117°S 169.600°E / -45.117; 169.600 Country New Zealand Region Otago Territorial authority Central Otago District Ward Vincent Ward Community Vincent Community Electorates Waitaki Te Tai Tonga (Māori) Government • Territorial authority Central Otago District Council • Regional council Otago Regional Council • Mayor of Central Otago Tamah Alley[1] • Waitaki MP Miles Anderson • Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris[2] Area [4] • Total 21.47 km2 (8.29 sq mi) Population (June 2025)[3] • Total 410 • Density 19/km2 (49/sq mi) Time zone UTC+12 (NZST) • Summer (DST) UTC+13 (NZDT) Local iwi Ngāi Tahu

**Omakau** (sometimes spelled **Ōmakau**) is a settlement in [Central Otago](/source/Central_Otago), New Zealand, located between [Alexandra](/source/Alexandra%2C_New_Zealand) and [Ranfurly](/source/Ranfurly%2C_New_Zealand) on the northwest bank of the [Manuherikia River](/source/Manuherikia_River). The smaller settlement of [Ophir](/source/Ophir%2C_New_Zealand) is located on the opposite bank, three kilometres to the southeast.

Ōmakau is the Māori name for a nearby hill, Blackstone Hill and it is also the Māori name for Idaburn. Omakau has since been applied to the wider region and the settlement.[5] The New Zealand [Ministry for Culture and Heritage](/source/Ministry_for_Culture_and_Heritage) gives a translation of "belonging to husband and wife" for *Ōmakau*.[6]

Omakau grew when the [Otago Central Railway](/source/Otago_Central_Railway) was opened in 1904. Today Omakau has a population of about 250, and is a stopover on both [State Highway 85](/source/New_Zealand_State_Highway_85) and the [Otago Rail Trail](/source/Otago_Rail_Trail).[7]

Omakau is the site of many historic buildings, including the local hotel built in 1898 and the Catholic Church. Omakau also hosts the Central Otago A&P Show at the local domain, which attracts people from all over the country in February.[8]

## Demographics

Omakau is described as a rural settlement by Statistics New Zealand. The urban area of Omakau (between Alton and Harvey streets) covers 0.38 km2 (0.15 sq mi) and had a population of 141 in the [2018 New Zealand census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census). The Statistics New Zealand description relates to a larger area including [Ophir](/source/Ophir%2C_New_Zealand) which covers 21.47 km2 (8.29 sq mi).[4] This larger area had an estimated population of 410 as of June 2025,[3] with a population density of 19 people per km2. It is part of the much larger Manuherikia-Ida Valleys statistical area.

‹ The [template](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Template) *[Historical populations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Historical_populations)* is being [considered for merging](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Templates_for_discussion/Log/2026_June_24#Template:Infobox_demographics). ›

Historical population for Omakau and surrounds Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 297 — 2013 297 +0.00% 2018 336 +2.50% Source: [9]

Omakau and its surrounds had a population of 336 at the [2018 New Zealand census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), an increase of 39 people (13.1%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 39 people (13.1%) since the [2006 census](/source/2006_New_Zealand_census). There were 138 households, comprising 171 males and 165 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.04 males per female, with 57 people (17.0%) aged under 15 years, 33 (9.8%) aged 15 to 29, 147 (43.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 99 (29.5%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 91.1% European/[Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81), 8.9% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people), 0.9% [Pasifika](/source/Pasifika_New_Zealanders), 2.7% [Asian](/source/Asian_New_Zealanders), and 0.9% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 46.4% had no religion, 47.3% were [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 0.9% were [Hindu](/source/Hinduism_in_New_Zealand) and 0.9% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 30 (10.8%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 72 (25.8%) people had no formal qualifications. 24 people (8.6%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 132 (47.3%) people were employed full-time, 69 (24.7%) were part-time, and 3 (1.1%) were unemployed.[9]

### Manuherikia-Ida Valleys

The Manuherikia-Ida Valleys statistical area includes Omakau and covers 2,511.47 km2 (969.68 sq mi).[4] It had an estimated population of 1,360 as of June 2025,[10] with a population density of 0.54 people per km2.

‹ The [template](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Template) *[Historical populations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Historical_populations)* is being [considered for merging](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Templates_for_discussion/Log/2026_June_24#Template:Infobox_demographics). ›

Historical population for Manuherikia-Ida Valleys Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 960 — 2013 1,020 +0.87% 2018 1,119 +1.87% Source: [11]

Manuherikia-Ida Valleys had a population of 1,119 at the [2018 New Zealand census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), an increase of 99 people (9.7%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 159 people (16.6%) since the [2006 census](/source/2006_New_Zealand_census). There were 441 households, comprising 594 males and 519 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.14 males per female. The median age was 43.9 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 219 people (19.6%) aged under 15 years, 132 (11.8%) aged 15 to 29, 564 (50.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 204 (18.2%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 93.3% European/[Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81), 8.0% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people), 0.5% [Pasifika](/source/Pasifika_New_Zealanders), 1.6% [Asian](/source/Asian_New_Zealanders), and 2.1% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 10.5, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 54.7% had no religion, 37.3% were [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 0.3% were [Hindu](/source/Hinduism_in_New_Zealand), 0.3% were [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism_in_New_Zealand) and 0.3% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 162 (18.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 171 (19.0%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $33,900, compared with $31,800 nationally. 90 people (10.0%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 519 (57.7%) people were employed full-time, 180 (20.0%) were part-time, and 9 (1.0%) were unemployed.[11]

## Education

Omakau School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students,[12][13] with a roll of 79 as of March 2026.[14] The school opened in 1935, and is the only remaining one of 13 schools which at one point served the Manuherikia Valley area.[15]

## Climate

Climate data for Ophir, elevation 305 m (1,001 ft), 1.5km SE of Omakau, (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1924–present) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 35.2 (95.4) 35.1 (95.2) 31.6 (88.9) 26.8 (80.2) 24.5 (76.1) 20.3 (68.5) 18.0 (64.4) 22.3 (72.1) 25.4 (77.7) 27.7 (81.9) 31.0 (87.8) 34.4 (93.9) 35.2 (95.4) Mean maximum °C (°F) 30.6 (87.1) 30.1 (86.2) 27.7 (81.9) 23.3 (73.9) 19.8 (67.6) 16.2 (61.2) 15.3 (59.5) 17.4 (63.3) 20.7 (69.3) 23.9 (75.0) 26.4 (79.5) 28.8 (83.8) 31.8 (89.2) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 23.6 (74.5) 23.5 (74.3) 21.0 (69.8) 16.8 (62.2) 12.8 (55.0) 8.5 (47.3) 8.1 (46.6) 11.4 (52.5) 14.8 (58.6) 17.1 (62.8) 19.3 (66.7) 21.8 (71.2) 16.6 (61.8) Daily mean °C (°F) 15.8 (60.4) 15.4 (59.7) 12.9 (55.2) 9.2 (48.6) 6.2 (43.2) 2.8 (37.0) 2.1 (35.8) 4.6 (40.3) 7.5 (45.5) 9.7 (49.5) 11.8 (53.2) 14.4 (57.9) 9.4 (48.9) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 8.1 (46.6) 7.4 (45.3) 4.8 (40.6) 1.7 (35.1) −0.3 (31.5) −2.9 (26.8) −3.8 (25.2) −2.2 (28.0) 0.2 (32.4) 2.2 (36.0) 4.3 (39.7) 7.1 (44.8) 2.2 (36.0) Mean minimum °C (°F) 0.4 (32.7) 0.4 (32.7) −2.1 (28.2) −5.0 (23.0) −6.9 (19.6) −8.7 (16.3) −9.0 (15.8) −7.6 (18.3) −5.9 (21.4) −4.4 (24.1) −2.7 (27.1) 0.0 (32.0) −9.8 (14.4) Record low °C (°F) −2.6 (27.3) −2.1 (28.2) −5.6 (21.9) −8.0 (17.6) −14.5 (5.9) −16.5 (2.3) −21.6 (−6.9) −12.8 (9.0) −10.6 (12.9) −6.9 (19.6) −5.7 (21.7) −4.1 (24.6) −21.6 (−6.9) Average rainfall mm (inches) 47.8 (1.88) 42.3 (1.67) 32.7 (1.29) 35.7 (1.41) 37.8 (1.49) 33.7 (1.33) 19.1 (0.75) 17.5 (0.69) 21.1 (0.83) 36.1 (1.42) 41.4 (1.63) 48.5 (1.91) 413.7 (16.3) Source: NIWA[16]

## References

Media related to [Omakau](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Omakau) at Wikimedia Commons

1. **[^](#cite_ref-T_Alley_1-0)** ["2025 Triennial Elections Declaration of Result"](https://www.electionz.com/LGE2025Results/ELT69CO25_Result.pdf) (PDF). Electionz. Retrieved 17 October 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Te Tai Tonga – Official Result"](https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-71.html). [Electoral Commission](/source/Electoral_Commission_(New_Zealand)). Retrieved 23 February 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2018_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2018_3-1) ["Subnational population estimates - Aotearoa Data Explorer"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/?fs%5b0%5d=Society%2C1%7CPopulation%20estimates%23CAT_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23%7CSubnational%20population%20estimates%23CAT_SUBNATIONAL_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23&pg=0&bp=true&snb=10&isAvailabilityDisabled=false). [Statistics New Zealand](/source/Statistics_New_Zealand). Retrieved 29 October 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Area_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Area_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Area_4-2) ["ArcGIS Web Application"](https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6f49867abe464f86ac7526552fe19787). *statsnz.maps.arcgis.com*. Retrieved 4 December 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Ōmakau - Cultral Atlas"](https://kahurumanu.co.nz/atlas/). Retrieved 3 December 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["1000 Māori place names"](https://nzhistory.govt.nz/culture/maori-language-week/1000-maori-place-names). New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 6 August 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-railtrail_7-0)** ["Omakau"](http://www.visit-centralotago.co.nz/html/omakau_central_otago.html). *visit-centralotago.co.nz*. Central Otago Tourism.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-historics_8-0)** ["Omakau in Central Otago"](http://www.centralotagonz.com/Central-Otago/Omakau_IDL=24_IDT=294_ID=1595_.html). *centralotagonz.com*. Central Otago Tourism.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census_2018_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2018_9-1) ["Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census"](https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/statistical-area-1-dataset-for-2018-census-updated-march-2020). Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. 7027805 and 7027807.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2023_SA2_10-0)** ["Subnational population estimates - Aotearoa Data Explorer"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/?fs%5b0%5d=Society%2C1%7CPopulation%20estimates%23CAT_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23%7CSubnational%20population%20estimates%23CAT_SUBNATIONAL_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23&pg=0&bp=true&snb=10&isAvailabilityDisabled=false). [Statistics New Zealand](/source/Statistics_New_Zealand). Retrieved 29 October 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census_2018_MI_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2018_MI_11-1) ["Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census"](https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/statistical-area-1-dataset-for-2018-census-updated-march-2020). Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Manuherikia-Ida Valleys (345100). [2018 Census place summary: Manuherikia-Ida Valleys](https://www.stats.govt.nz/tools/2018-census-place-summaries/manuherikia-ida-valleys)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-official3788_12-0)** ["Omakau School Official School Website"](http://www.omakau.school.nz). *omakau.school.nz*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-moe3788_13-0)** ["Omakau School Ministry of Education School Profile"](https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?school=3788). *educationcounts.govt.nz*. [Ministry of Education](/source/Ministry_of_Education_(New_Zealand)).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ero3788_14-0)** ["Omakau School Education Review Office Report"](https://www.ero.govt.nz/institution/3788/omakau-school). *ero.govt.nz*. [Education Review Office](/source/Education_Review_Office). Retrieved 2 January 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** van Kempen, Lynda (25 January 2010). ["Reunion honours schools"](https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/central-otago/reunion-honours-schools). *[Otago Daily Times](/source/Otago_Daily_Times)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["CliFlo -The National Climate Database (Agent number: 5544)"](https://cliflo.niwa.co.nz/). NIWA. Retrieved 20 July 2024.

v t e Central Otago District, New Zealand Seat: Alexandra Populated places Cromwell Ward Bannockburn Bendigo Cromwell Kawarau Gorge Lindis Pass Lowburn Pisa Moorings Tarras Maniototo Ward Danseys Pass Gimmerburn Ida Valley Kyeburn Naseby Oturehua Paerau Patearoa Ranfurly Waipiata Wedderburn Teviot Valley Ward Ettrick Lake Roxburgh Millers Flat Raes Junction Roxburgh Vincent Ward Alexandra Becks Cambrians Clyde Earnscleugh Fruitlands Galloway Lauder Omakau Ophir Poolburn St Bathans Geographic features Cromwell Gorge Lake Dunstan Greenland Reservoir Lake Manuherikia Maniototo Plain Manorburn Dam Facilities and attractions Alexandra Aerodrome Alexandra Blossom Festival Alexandra bridges Deadman's Point Bridge Central Otago wine region Highlands Motorsport Park Molyneux Park Government District Council Mayor Regional Council Other The Cromwell Argus Dunstan High School

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Omakau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omakau) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omakau?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.