# Pūponga

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Place in Tasman, New Zealand

Pūponga Port Pūponga seen from Pūponga Interactive map of Pūponga Coordinates: 40°31′16″S 172°43′08″E / 40.521°S 172.719°E / -40.521; 172.719 Country New Zealand Territorial authority Tasman Ward Golden Bay Electorates West Coast-Tasman Te Tai Tonga (Māori) Government • Territorial authority Tasman District Council • Mayor of Tasman Tim King[1] • West Coast-Tasman MP Maureen Pugh[2] • Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris[3] Area [5] • Total 31.71 km2 (12.24 sq mi) Population (2023 census)[4] • Total 198 • Density 6.24/km2 (16.2/sq mi) Time zone UTC+12 (NZST) • Summer (DST) UTC+13 (NZDT) Area code 03

**Pūponga** is a tiny settlement in New Zealand and is the northernmost settlement in the [South Island](/source/South_Island).[6] It is in the [Tasman District](/source/Tasman_District), 18 kilometres (11 mi) north of [Collingwood](/source/Collingwood%2C_New_Zealand), at the foot of [Farewell Spit](/source/Farewell_Spit). The spit's airstrip, [Triangle Flat Airstrip](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Triangle_Flat_Airstrip&action=edit&redlink=1) is just northeast of Pūponga. The settlement of Pūponga is inland; the settlement located on the coast is called [Port Pūponga](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Port_P%C5%ABponga&action=edit&redlink=1).[7]

Just to the northeast of the village, a car park at a cafe was the starting point for tours of Farewell Spit. However, the cafe burned down on 30 November 2019 and has been closed since.[8] Popular walks in the area include short walks to [Cape Farewell](/source/Cape_Farewell%2C_New_Zealand), the northernmost point of the South Island, and to [Wharariki Beach](/source/Wharariki_Beach).[9]

## Demographics

Pūponga locality covers 31.71 km2 (12.24 sq mi) and includes [Farewell Spit](/source/Farewell_Spit).[5] It is part of the larger [Golden Bay / Mohua statistical area](/source/Golden_Bay_%2F_Mohua#Demographics).[10]

‹ 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 Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 147 — 2013 186 +3.42% 2018 192 +0.64% 2023 198 +0.62% Source: [4][11]

Pūponga had a population of 198 in the [2023 New Zealand census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), an increase of 6 people (3.1%) since the [2018 census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 12 people (6.5%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census). There were 93 males, 99 females, and 3 people of [other genders](/source/Non-binary_gender) in 72 dwellings.[12] 3.0% of people identified as [LGBTIQ+](/source/LGBTQ). The median age was 48.4 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 33 people (16.7%) aged under 15 years, 21 (10.6%) aged 15 to 29, 99 (50.0%) aged 30 to 64, and 42 (21.2%) aged 65 or older.[4]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 93.9% [European](/source/European_New_Zealanders) ([Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81)), 7.6% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people), and 3.0% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 98.5%, Māori by 3.0%, and other languages by 10.6%. The percentage of people born overseas was 27.3, compared with 28.8% nationally.[4]

Religious affiliations were 19.7% [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 3.0% [Hindu](/source/Hinduism_in_New_Zealand), 3.0% [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism_in_New_Zealand), 3.0% [New Age](/source/New_Age), and 3.0% other religions. People who answered that they had [no religion](/source/Irreligion_in_New_Zealand) were 63.6%, and 7.6% of people did not answer the census question.[4]

Of those at least 15 years old, 51 (30.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 87 (52.7%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 21 (12.7%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $29,100, compared with $41,500 nationally. 9 people (5.5%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 54 (32.7%) full-time and 45 (27.3%) part-time.[4]

## Education

Puponga School opened in 1905 and closed in 1941, merging to [Pākawau](/source/P%C4%81kawau) School.[13] Pākawau School, which opened in 1873, closed in 1981.[14]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Election results"](https://www.tasman.govt.nz/my-council/about-us/your-mayor-and-councillors/local-elections/election-results). Tasman District Council. 17 October 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["West Coast-Tasman - Official Result"](https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-61.html). [Electoral Commission](/source/Electoral_Commission_(New_Zealand)). Retrieved 8 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["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-Census_2023_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_4-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_4-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_4-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_4-5) ["Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs%5b0%5d=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df%5bds%5d=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df%5bid%5d=CEN23_TBT_012&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.7022537.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to%5bTIME%5d=false&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly%5bcl%5d=CEN23_YEAR_001). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. 7022537. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Area_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Area_5-1) ["Stats NZ Geographic Data Service"](https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/). Statistical Area 1 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 18 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Puponga, Tasman – NZ Topo Map"](http://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/nz44621/Puponga/Tasman). *NZ Topo Map*. [Land Information New Zealand](/source/Land_Information_New_Zealand). Retrieved 12 October 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Place name detail: Port Pūponga"](https://gazetteer.linz.govt.nz/place/36591). *New Zealand Gazetteer*. [Land Information New Zealand](/source/Land_Information_New_Zealand). Retrieved 10 May 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Sivignon, Cherie; Williams, Caroline. ["Popular tourist cafe at top of South Island 'totalled' by fire"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/117839083/firefighters-scramble-to-remote-cafe-fire-near-golden-bay). *[Stuff](/source/Stuff_(website))*. Retrieved 27 May 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-DOC_9-0)** ["Farewell Spit and Puponga Farm Park tracks"](http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/places/farewell-spit-and-puponga-farm-park/things-to-do/tracks/farewell-spit-and-puponga-farm-park-tracks/). [Department of Conservation NZ](/source/Department_of_Conservation_(New_Zealand)). Retrieved 12 October 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Geographic Boundary Viewer"](https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=3a406ce8fbb14367ab5caae21c07ab8b). Stats NZ. Statistical Area 1 – 2023 and Statistical Area 2 – 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census_2018_11-0)** ["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. 7022537.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs%5b0%5d=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df%5bds%5d=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df%5bid%5d=CEN23_TBT_009&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=doTotal%2Bdo1.7022537.2023&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Scrimgeour, Enid (1973). ["Pakawau School centenary"](https://natlib.govt.nz/records/21461038). Pakawau School Centennial Committee – via [National Library of New Zealand](/source/National_Library_of_New_Zealand).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Parkes, Robyn (8 February 2026). ["Pākawau school's long history revealed"](https://www.topsouthnow.co.nz/news/69812f062b7137038bf8889a). Top South Now.

v t e Kahurangi National Park Mountains Mount Arthur Mount Owen Mountain ranges Glasgow Range Wharepapa / Arthur Range Mountain passes Granity Pass Caves Bulmer Cavern Ellis Basin cave system Honeycomb Hill Cave Ōpārara Basin Arches Nettlebed Cave Coastal features Kahurangi Point Scotts Beach Lakes and reservoirs Boulder Lake Lake Sparrow Walking tracks Big Rimu Walk Fenian Track Heaphy Track Old Ghost Road Wangapeka Track Rivers Tasman District Anatoki River Aorere River Baton River Big River Boulder River Brown River Clark River Clarke River Cobb River Dart River Devil River Ellis River Fyfe River Hope River Kaituna River Little Boulder River Little Devil River Little Ōnahau River Little Pokororo River Little Slate River Little Waingaro River Matiri River Ōnahau River Onekaka River Ōtere River Owen River Parapara River Pariwhakaoho River Paturau River Pearse River Pokororo River Puremāhaia River Riuwaka River Rocky River Rolling River Saxon River Sherry River Skeet River Slate River Snow River Spey River Stanley River Tadmor River Tākaka River Te Waikoropupū River Turimawiwi River Waingaro River Wangapeka River Buller District Allen River Beautiful River Crow River Gunner River Heaphy River Hemphill River Huia River Johnson River Kahurangi River Kākāpō River Karamea River Kōhaihai River Leslie River Lewis River Little Crow River Little Wanganui River Mōkihinui River Ōpārara River Basin Postal River Roaring Lion River Taipō River Ugly River both districts Buller River Related articles Geology and geomorphology of Kahurangi National Park Kahurangi Marine Reserve Lake Matiri Matiri Project Nelson Coast temperate forests Opacuincola gretathunbergae Pittosporum dallii Proposals for a road through North-west Nelson Pseudowintera traversii Pūponga Westhaven (Te Tai Tapu) Marine Reserve

v t e Tasman District, New Zealand Seat: Richmond Populated places Golden Bay / Mohua Aorere Bainham Clifton Collingwood East Tākaka Ferntown Ligar Bay Motupipi Onekaka Pākawau Parapara Patons Rock Pōhara Port Pūponga Pūponga Rockville Seaford Tākaka Tarakohe Tata Beach Upper Tākaka Waikato Waitapu Motueka Brooklyn Kaiteriteri Lower Moutere Mārahau Motueka Riwaka Moutere-Waimea Brightwater Bronte Dovedale Mahana Māpua Ngātīmoti Ruby Bay Tasman Upper Moutere Wakefield Woodstock Richmond Aniseed Valley Appleby Hope Richmond Lakes-Murchison Murchison Rotoroa Saint Arnaud Tapawera Tophouse Geographic features Buller River Dun Mountain–Maitai terrane Hope Saddle Lee River Mārahau River Maungakura / Red Hill Newton River Ngārua Caves Roding River Sams Creek Tākaka River Waimea Plains Waimea River Golden Bay / Mohua Appos Creek Archway Islands Cape Farewell Cobb Reservoir Druggans Dam Dry River Farewell Spit Harwoods Hole Lake Killarney Lightband Gully North-west Nelson Forest Park Rawhiti Cave Slateford Tākaka Hill Tata Islands Te Waikoropupū Springs Wainui Bay Whanganui Inlet Wharariki Beach Abel Tasman National Park Armchair Island Awapoto River Awaroa River Ballon Rock Falls River Fisherman Island Motuareronui / Adele Island Simonet Creek Torrent Bay Tata Islands Tinline Bay Tonga Island Torrent River Tōtaranui Wainui River Falls Tasman Bay Bell Island Best Island Moturoa / Rabbit Island Tokangawhā / Split Apple Rock Waimea Inlet Kahurangi National Park Brown River Bulmer Cavern Ellis Basin cave system Kahurangi Point Lake Matiri Mount Arthur Mount Burnett Mount Owen Nettlebed Cave Wharepapa / Arthur Range Nelson Lakes National Park Braeburn Range Lake Rotoiti Lake Rotoroa Maniniaro / Angelus Peak Mount Franklin Pourangahau / Mount Robert Rotomairewhenua / Blue Lake Rotopōhueroa / Lake Constance Sabine Valley Saint Arnaud Range Spenser Mountains Facilities and attractions Abel Tasman National Park Coast Track Inland Track Monument Appleby railway station Brightwater railway station Cobb Power Station Ferntown Bridge Gowanbridge railway station Heaphy Track Hope railway station Karamea Aerodrome Kawatiri railway station Langford Store Memorial Park Milnthorpe Model Motueka Aerodrome Moutere Inn Mussel Inn Nelson Lakes National Park Onekaka Ironworks Onekaka Power Station Onekaka Wharf and tramline Proposals for a road through North-west Nelson Pupu Hydro Power Scheme Richmond railway station RNZAF Dip Flat Rutherford memorial Stafford Place St Michael's Church Stoke railway station Tākaka Aerodrome Tākaka Pioneers' Memorial Takaka Tramway Great Taste Trail Tonga Island Marine Reserve Tophouse Tour de Vineyards Wai-iti Dark Sky Park Wangapeka Track Westhaven (Te Tai Tapu) Marine Reserve Wharariki Ecosanctuary Administration Historic Nelson Province (1853–1876) Collingwood County (1877–1956) Waimea County (1877–1989) Richmond Borough (1891–1989 · mayor) Motueka Borough (1900–1989) Takaka County (1904–1956) Murchison County (1909–1965) Golden Bay County (1956–1989) Nelson-Marlborough Regional Council (1989–1992) Current Council Mayor Organisations Golden Bay Air Golden Bay-Motueka Rugby Union New Zealand Energy Richmond Athletic FC Talley's Group Schools Collingwood Area School Golden Bay High School Motueka High School Waimea College Waimea Intermediate

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Pūponga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C5%ABponga) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C5%ABponga?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.