# Ruby Bay

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Settlement in Tasman District, New Zealand

Rural settlement in Tasman, New Zealand

Ruby Bay Rural settlement The view from Ruby Bay beach across Tasman Bay to Nelson and the Barnicoat Range. Interactive map of Ruby Bay Coordinates: 41°14′10″S 173°04′59″E / 41.236°S 173.083°E / -41.236; 173.083 Country New Zealand Territorial authority Tasman Ward Moutere-Waimea Ward 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 [4] • Total 4.83 km2 (1.86 sq mi) Population (June 2025)[5] • Total 810 • Density 170/km2 (430/sq mi) Postcode(s) 7005, 7173 Area code 03

**Ruby Bay** is a settlement in the [Tasman District](/source/Tasman_District) of New Zealand's upper [South Island](/source/South_Island). It is located between [Māpua](/source/M%C4%81pua%2C_New_Zealand) and [Tasman](/source/Tasman_(settlement)) on [Te Mamaku / Ruby Bay](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Te_Mamaku_/_Ruby_Bay&action=edit&redlink=1).[6] Ruby Bay was named after small 'rubies' (red chert) found within the moutere gravel.[7]

## Demographics

Ruby Bay is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement. It covers 4.83 km2 (1.86 sq mi)[4] and had an estimated population of 810 as of June 2025,[5] with a population density of 168 people per km2. It is part of the larger Ruby Bay statistical area.[8]

‹ 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 the settlement Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 555 — 2013 684 +3.03% 2018 765 +2.26% 2023 795 +0.77% The 2006 population is for a smaller area of 2.96 km2. Source: [9][10]

Ruby Bay had a population of 795 in the [2023 New Zealand census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), an increase of 30 people (3.9%) since the [2018 census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 111 people (16.2%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census). There were 393 males and 402 females in 342 dwellings.[11] 1.9% of people identified as [LGBTIQ+](/source/LGBTQ). The median age was 57.5 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 96 people (12.1%) aged under 15 years, 66 (8.3%) aged 15 to 29, 363 (45.7%) aged 30 to 64, and 270 (34.0%) aged 65 or older.[9]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 96.2% [European](/source/European_New_Zealanders) ([Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81)); 3.8% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people); 1.5% [Pasifika](/source/Pasifika_New_Zealanders); 1.1% [Asian](/source/Asian_New_Zealanders); 0.8% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.6% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 98.9%, Māori by 1.1%, Samoan by 0.4%, and other languages by 9.8%. No language could be spoken by 1.1% (e.g. too young to talk). The percentage of people born overseas was 30.9, compared with 28.8% nationally.[9]

Religious affiliations were 23.8% [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 0.4% [Hindu](/source/Hinduism_in_New_Zealand), 0.4% [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism_in_New_Zealand), 0.4% [New Age](/source/New_Age), 0.4% [Jewish](/source/Judaism_in_New_Zealand), and 0.4% other religions. People who answered that they had [no religion](/source/Irreligion_in_New_Zealand) were 65.3%, and 9.4% of people did not answer the census question.[9]

Of those at least 15 years old, 243 (34.8%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 315 (45.1%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 138 (19.7%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $36,800, compared with $41,500 nationally. 108 people (15.5%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 252 (36.1%) full-time, 102 (14.6%) part-time, and 18 (2.6%) unemployed.[9]

### Ruby Bay statistical area

Ruby Bay statistical area covers 11.72 km2 (4.53 sq mi)[12] and had an estimated population of 1,460 as of June 2025,[13] with a population density of 125 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 Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2013 1,143 — 2018 1,356 +3.48% 2023 1,434 +1.12% Source: [14]

Ruby Bay had a population of 1,434 in the [2023 New Zealand census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), an increase of 78 people (5.8%) since the [2018 census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 291 people (25.5%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census). There were 705 males, 726 females, and 3 people of [other genders](/source/Non-binary_gender) in 573 dwellings.[15] 2.1% of people identified as [LGBTIQ+](/source/LGBTQ). The median age was 55.0 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 192 people (13.4%) aged under 15 years, 135 (9.4%) aged 15 to 29, 693 (48.3%) aged 30 to 64, and 414 (28.9%) aged 65 or older.[14]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 95.4% [European](/source/European_New_Zealanders) ([Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81)); 5.9% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people); 1.0% [Pasifika](/source/Pasifika_New_Zealanders); 1.5% [Asian](/source/Asian_New_Zealanders); 0.4% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 3.3% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 98.7%, Māori by 1.3%, Samoan by 0.2%, and other languages by 10.0%. No language could be spoken by 1.0% (e.g. too young to talk). [New Zealand Sign Language](/source/New_Zealand_Sign_Language) was known by 0.2%. The percentage of people born overseas was 29.3, compared with 28.8% nationally.[14]

Religious affiliations were 24.5% [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 0.2% [Hindu](/source/Hinduism_in_New_Zealand), 0.4% [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism_in_New_Zealand), 0.4% [New Age](/source/New_Age), 0.2% [Jewish](/source/Judaism_in_New_Zealand), and 0.4% other religions. People who answered that they had [no religion](/source/Irreligion_in_New_Zealand) were 65.3%, and 8.8% of people did not answer the census question.[14]

Of those at least 15 years old, 432 (34.8%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 585 (47.1%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 219 (17.6%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $37,700, compared with $41,500 nationally. 186 people (15.0%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 501 (40.3%) full-time, 201 (16.2%) part-time, and 24 (1.9%) unemployed.[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-Area_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Area_4-1) ["Stats NZ Geographic Data Service"](https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/). Urban Rural 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 12 April 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2018_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2018_5-1) ["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. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Ruby Bay"](https://gazetteer.linz.govt.nz/place/39107). *New Zealand Gazetteer*. Toitū Te Whenua - Land Information New Zealand. Retrieved 26 July 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Tasman_Local_History_Book_7-0)** Wells, B.L. *The fruits of labour : a history of the Moutere Hills Area served by the Port of Mapua*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Geographic Boundary Viewer"](https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=3a406ce8fbb14367ab5caae21c07ab8b). Stats NZ. Urban Rural Areas – 2023 and Statistical Area 2 – 2023.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_9-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_9-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_9-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_9-4) ["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_008&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.2014.2013%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. Ruby Bay (2014). Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census_2018_10-0)** ["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. 7022670–7022672 and 7022676.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["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_005&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=doTotal%2Bdo1.2014.2023&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Stats NZ Geographic Data Service"](https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/). Statistical Area 2 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 12 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2023_SA2_13-0)** ["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_2023_RB_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_RB_14-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_RB_14-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_RB_14-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_RB_14-4) ["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_008&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.301703.2013%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. Ruby Bay (301703). Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["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_005&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=doTotal%2Bdo1.301703.2023&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

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