# Waikuku

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Town in Canterbury, New Zealand

Rural settlement in Canterbury, New Zealand

Waikuku Rural settlement Waikuku Methodist Church Interactive map of Waikuku Coordinates: 43°17′31″S 172°41′06″E / 43.292°S 172.685°E / -43.292; 172.685 Country New Zealand Region Canterbury Territorial authority Waimakariri District Ward Kaiapoi-Woodend Ward Community Woodend-Sefton Community Electorates Waimakariri Te Tai Tonga (Māori) Government • Territorial Authority Waimakariri District Council • Regional council Environment Canterbury • Mayor of Waimakariri Dan Gordon[1] • Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey • Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris[2] Area [3] • Total 1.60 km2 (0.62 sq mi) Population (June 2025)[4] • Total 160 • Density 100/km2 (260/sq mi) Time zone UTC+12 (NZST) • Summer (DST) UTC+13 (NZDT) Postcode 7473 Area code 03

**Waikuku** is a small town in the [Canterbury](/source/Canterbury_Region) region of New Zealand, which sits 28 km north of central [Christchurch](/source/Christchurch). Waikuku lies 11.8 km (7.3 mi) south of [Leithfield](/source/Leithfield) on [state highway 1](/source/State_Highway_1_(New_Zealand)) and 3 km (1.9 mi) north of [Woodend](/source/Woodend%2C_New_Zealand). In 1901 there were 86 people resident in Waikuku according to that year's census.[5] Waikuku settlement had a population of 156 people at the time of the 2018 Census.[6] It is popular with both those that commute into work in Christchurch each day and with owners of holiday houses.[7][8] Waikuku was home to rope and twine works. This business started off using flax from local swamps. It closed in 1987.[5][7] The nearby sandy beach and pine forests are popular with surfers, swimmers, campers and horse-riders, and the large estuary of the [Ashley River](/source/Ashley_River_%2F_Rakahuri) hosts many species of birds.[9]

Just south of Waikuku, on Preeces Road, are the remains of the [Kaiapoi Pa](/source/Kaiapoi), an important trading centre for [Ngāi Tahu](/source/Ng%C4%81i_Tahu) in the 18th century.

## Road safety

The section of State Highway 1 that runs through the middle of Waikuku has been described as "one of the most notorious roads in Canterbury" by Waka Kotahi [NZ Transport Agency](/source/NZ_Transport_Agency) noting that "In the ten years from 2009 to 2018, six people were killed and 33 were seriously injured in crashes" on State Highway in North Canterbury.[10] As a result, the speed limit through the Waikuku township is being reduced from between 80 km/h and 100 km/h to 60 km/h from December 2020.[10] This has led to frustration as the North Canterbury community have been requesting the road to be upgraded to the proposed but unfunded extension of the [Christchurch Northern motorway](/source/Christchurch_Northern_Motorway) (including the Woodend Bypass).[11]

## Demographics

Waikuku is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement and covers 1.60 km2 (0.62 sq mi).[3] It had an estimated population of 160 as of June 2025,[4] with a population density of 100 people per km2. Waikuku is part of the larger Waikuku statistical area.[12]

‹ 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 Waikuku settlement Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 105 — 2013 120 +1.93% 2018 156 +5.39% Source: [6]

Waikuku had a population of 156 at the [2018 New Zealand census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), an increase of 36 people (30.0%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 51 people (48.6%) since the [2006 census](/source/2006_New_Zealand_census). There were 54 households, comprising 81 males and 75 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.08 males per female. The median age was 46.3 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 21 people (13.5%) aged under 15 years, 33 (21.2%) aged 15 to 29, 84 (53.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 21 (13.5%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 96.2% European/[Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81), 13.5% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people), and 1.9% [Asian](/source/Asian_New_Zealanders). People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 57.7% had no religion, 28.8% were [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 1.9% were [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism_in_New_Zealand) and 3.8% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 18 (13.3%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 24 (17.8%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $41,400, compared with $31,800 nationally. 27 people (20.0%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 78 (57.8%) people were employed full-time, 33 (24.4%) were part-time, and 3 (2.2%) were unemployed.[6]

### Waikuku statistical area

Waikuku statistical area, which also includes [Waikuku Beach](/source/Waikuku_Beach) and Ravenswood, covers 28.74 km2 (11.10 sq mi).[3] It had an estimated population of 3,660 as of June 2025,[13] with a population density of 127.3 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 populations for Waikuku statistical area Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 1,413 — 2013 1,458 +0.45% 2018 1,635 +2.32% Source: [14]

Waikuku statistical area had a population of 1,635 at the [2018 New Zealand census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), an increase of 177 people (12.1%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 222 people (15.7%) since the [2006 census](/source/2006_New_Zealand_census). There were 594 households, comprising 828 males and 810 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.02 males per female. The median age was 43.1 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 315 people (19.3%) aged under 15 years, 246 (15.0%) aged 15 to 29, 849 (51.9%) aged 30 to 64, and 225 (13.8%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 94.5% European/[Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81), 11.6% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people), 1.3% [Pasifika](/source/Pasifika_New_Zealanders), 2.4% [Asian](/source/Asian_New_Zealanders), and 1.3% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 17.4, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 60.2% had no religion, 29.7% were [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 0.7% had [Māori religious beliefs](/source/Religion_of_M%C4%81ori_people), 0.2% were [Muslim](/source/Islam_in_New_Zealand), 0.2% were [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism_in_New_Zealand) and 1.1% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 234 (17.7%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 246 (18.6%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $36,700, compared with $31,800 nationally. 255 people (19.3%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 723 (54.8%) people were employed full-time, 243 (18.4%) were part-time, and 30 (2.3%) were unemployed.[14]

## Education

Waikuku presently has no schools. The town previously had one full primary (Year 1–8) school, Waikuku School, which opened in 1872.[15] The school outgrew its site in the late 2000s and early 2010s, and in April 2014 was relocated to a new site in [Pegasus, New Zealand](/source/Pegasus%2C_New_Zealand) and renamed Pegasus Bay School. The site is now used as an outdoor shopping mall called Old School Collective.[16]

Primary school students today are zoned for Pegasus Bay School; secondary school students are zoned for [Kaiapoi High School](/source/Kaiapoi_High_School) in Kaiapoi.

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["2025 Triennial Elections Declaration of Result"](https://www.electionz.com/LGE2025Results/ELT59WK25_Result.pdf) (PDF). Electionz. Retrieved 22 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-Area_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Area_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Area_3-2) ["ArcGIS Web Application"](https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6f49867abe464f86ac7526552fe19787). *statsnz.maps.arcgis.com*. Retrieved 20 August 2023.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2018_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2018_4-1) ["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-Waikuku_{{!}}_NZETC_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Waikuku_{{!}}_NZETC_5-1) ["Waikuku | NZETC"](http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc03Cycl-t1-body1-d4-d11.html). *nzetc.victoria.ac.nz*. Retrieved 21 December 2020.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census_2018_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2018_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2018_6-2) ["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. 7024062.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Taonga_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Taonga_7-1) Taonga, New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu. ["Kaiapoi district"](https://teara.govt.nz/en/canterbury-places/page-5). *[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand](/source/Te_Ara%3A_The_Encyclopedia_of_New_Zealand)*. Retrieved 21 December 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Barclay, Chris (9 November 2020). ["Buyers snap up quintessential Canterbury baches"](https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-lifestyle/star-home-and-gardening/buyers-snap-quintessential-canterbury-baches). *[Otago Daily Times](/source/Otago_Daily_Times)*. Retrieved 21 December 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Ashley-Rakahuri"](http://www.ashleyrivercare.org.nz/). Ashley-Rakahuri Rivercare Group. Retrieved 12 April 2013.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-scoop_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-scoop_10-1) Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (20 November 2020). ["Safer Speed Limits For SH1 Waikuku To Lineside Road, North Canterbury"](https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2011/S00383/safer-speed-limits-for-sh1-waikuku-to-lineside-road-north-canterbury.htm). *www.scoop.co.nz*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["'Notorious' road validates community fight for four-lane motorway – MP"](https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-districts/star-north-canterbury/notorious-road-validates-community-fight-four-lane). *[Otago Daily Times](/source/Otago_Daily_Times)*. 20 November 2020. Retrieved 21 December 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** [2018 Census place summary: Waikuku](https://www.stats.govt.nz/tools/2018-census-place-summaries/waikuku)

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_2018_W_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2018_W_14-1) ["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. Waikuku (314700). [2018 Census place summary: Waikuku](https://www.stats.govt.nz/tools/2018-census-place-summaries/waikuku)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Waikuku"](http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc03Cycl-t1-body1-d4-d11-d1.html). *Cyclopedia of New Zealand*. New Zealand Electronic Text Collection. Retrieved 12 April 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Cafe Chat: Waikuku's Old School Collective Office Cafe open to the public"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/food-wine/food-news/111831385/cafe-chat-waikukus-old-school-collective-office-cafe-open-to-the-public). *[Stuff](/source/Stuff_(website))*. 10 April 2019. Retrieved 18 May 2020.

## Bibliography

- ["Waikuku and Waikuku Beach, Canterbury, New Zealand – Information"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070819202517/http://www.waikuku.info/How_to_get_here.htm). Archived from [the original](http://www.waikuku.info/How_to_get_here.htm) on 19 August 2007. Retrieved 12 April 2013.

v t e Waimakariri District, New Zealand Populated places; seat: Rangiora • Waimakariri District Council Kaiapoi-Woodend Ward Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Sub-Division Clarkville Kaiapoi Kairaki Ohapuku The Pines Beach Flaxton Tuahiwi Woodend-Sefton Sub-Division Coldstream Pegasus Saltwater Creek Sefton Waikuku Waikuku Beach Woodend Woodend Beach Oxford-Ohoka Ward Ohoka-Swannanoa Sub-Division Eyreton Eyrewell Mandeville North Ohoka Swannanoa West Eyreton Wetheral Wilsons Siding Oxford Sub-Division Ashley Gorge Bennetts Bexley Burnt Hill Carleton Coopers Creek Gammans Creek Glenburn Glentui Horrellville Lees Valley Oxford Okuku Range Rockford Starvation Hill The Warren View Hill Okuku Hills Rangiora-Ashley Ward Ashley Sub-Division Ashley Loburn Loburn North Okuku Whiterock Cust Fernside Springbank Summerhill Rangiora Sub-Division Rangiora Southbrook Schools Primary Ashgrove Ashley Clarkville Cust Fernside Kaiapoi Borough Kaiapoi North Loburn North Loburn Ohoka Pegasus Bay (formerly Waikuku) Rangiora Borough Sefton Southbrook St Joseph's St Patrick's Swannanoa Tuahiwi West Eyreton Woodend View Hill Secondary Kaiapoi High Karanga Mai Young Parents' College Rangiora High Area Oxford Area Rangiora New Life Disestablished Primary Okuku Whiterock Facilities Dudley Park, Rangiora Mandeville Sports Centre Rangiora Recreation Ground Rangiora Airport Sports clubs Rangiora AFC Waimakariri United Electorates Historic Ashley Hurunui Kaiapoi Rangiora Current Kaikōura Waimakariri Member of Parliament for the Kaikōura electorate N Doug Kidd (1996–99) N Lynda Scott (1999–2005) N Colin King (2005–14) N Stuart Smith (2014–present) for the Waimakariri electorate L Mike Moore (1996–99) L Clayton Cosgrove (1999–2011) N Kate Wilkinson (2011–14) N Matt Doocey (2014–present) Mayor Trevor Inch (1989–95) Janice Skurr (1995–2001) Jim Gerard (2001–07) Ron Keating (2007–10) David Ayers (2010–2019) Dan Gordon (2019–present) Bodies of water Ashley Gorge Ashley River / Rakahuri Cam River / Ruataniwha Cust River Glentui River Kaiapoi River Karetu River Lilburne River Makerikeri River Okuku River Pegasus Bay Waimakariri Gorge Waimakariri River Ashley Estuary Transportation State Highway 71 Main North Line Eyreton Branch Oxford Branch Public transport in Christchurch Go Bus Christchurch Other MainPower Compass FM 104.9 bold - main town; bold & italics - minor town; normal text - locality; italics - minor locality

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