Are you looking for a new favorite city in New Zealand? New Zealand not only features some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery you’ll ever see, but it also has some fairly cool cities. Cities on the coast, cities surrounded by volcanoes, cities with a geothermal park as a city park… Knowing New Zealand’s major cities is not only useful for understanding the country’s geography, but it also comes in handy when visiting or planning to settle down for a time on a working trip.

11 Biggest cities in New Zealand

Work options abound in New Zealand’s cities, which are great for saving money for the next part of your journey. They’re also a fantastic spot to have fun. As a result, we’ve put up some local accommodation recommendations to assist you in settling in, as well as valuable resources on things to do in each city, public transportation, and other topics.

So choose your city from this list of New Zealand’s “major” cities and get planning! Please keep in mind that the population figures are estimates based on the urban population of the cities.

Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, with a population of slightly under 1.5 million people. When it comes to shopping, dining, and entertainment, it ranks among the top cities in the world. Auckland’s bustling nightlife and restaurant scene, with Michelin-starred restaurants and some of the best fish and chips in the world, is a big draw for many, but for the majority, it’s the amazing waterfront location and access to golden sandy beaches or trips out to discover the amazing marine life that also calls Auckland home.

Wellington

New Zealand’s capital city is ranked second among the world’s largest cities and is frequently referred to as one of the world’s ‘coolest’ cities (we’re not sure if they mean cool like the Fonz!). Wellington is a fantastic place to visit and another of our wonderful seaside cities, although it can get a little windy. Wellington is also the site of some of New Zealand’s best museums, as well as the annual World of Wearable Art Show.

Christchurch

Christchurch is the third New Zealand city on this list. Not only does the South Island’s main city have many job options for travelers, but the artwork, vistas from the Port Hills, and surf beaches all tempt visitors to visit. For ideas on what to do in Christchurch, check out The Complete Guide to Christchurch.

Take a look at our Accommodation Guide to Christchurch City Central and Accommodation Guide to Christchurch whether you’re seeking short-term or long-term accommodation in Christchurch.

Hamilton

Hamilton, or ‘the Tron’ as it is affectionately known, ranks fourth on the list of New Zealand’s largest cities. Hamilton is the main city in the Waikato area, located on the banks of the huge Waikato River. It’s an excellent location to stop on your way to Raglan, Waitomo, or even further south to Taupo or Rotorua. The annual hot air balloon festival is usually a hit, with visitors coming from all over the country to marvel at the aerial displays.

Tauranga

Tauranga is number five on our list of significant cities in New Zealand. Tauranga, a coastal city, is adjacent to various fruit-picking jobs as well as the popular beaches of Mt Maunganui and Papamoa. In the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park, take a road trip to see glowworm dells and waterfalls. The Complete Guide to Tauranga contains more information.

Lower Hutt

Lower Hutt comes in at number seven on our list of New Zealand’s largest cities. The city is a bustling center for the Wellington workforce, as it is located in the broader Wellington region. It’s also a great place to start exploring the Wairarapa region. The Complete Guide to Hutt Valley contains more information.

Dunedin

Dunedin is the next city on our list of New Zealand’s largest cities. Wildlife spotting on the Otago Peninsula, exploring the world’s steepest street, motorcycling the Otago Central Rail Trail, and going back in time in what may be regarded as New Zealand’s most European-style city are all available in the student city.

New Plymouth

New Plymouth boasts the best of both worlds, with pounding surf on one side and the magnificent cone-shaped Mt Taranaki on the other. You’ll have access to the best of New Zealand’s countryside while living in a traditional New Zealand metropolis. It’s no surprise that so many Kiwis call it home. New Plymouth not only has a wealth of outdoor adventures to offer, but it also places a strong emphasis on the arts, with a variety of art galleries and street art to be seen throughout the city.

Palmerston North

Travelers frequently overlook it. Palmerston North is a well-known city in New Zealand. Palmerston North, the Manawatu region’s hub, is an exceedingly affordable city to settle for a while, work, and play. Explore the Manawatu Gorge on foot, explore the Te Apiti Windfarm, visit beaches, and more!

Napier and Hastings

Napier and Hastings are popular destinations for travelers searching for work and sun because they are surrounded by vineyards and are close to beaches, bike trips, and walks. Explore Napier’s art deco buildings, or rent a bike and tour the Hastings area while sampling wonderful food and wine.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a geothermal powerhouse. Even in metropolitan parks, the bubbling mud can be seen when the earth’s heat rises to the surface. This North Island city has geothermal parks, mountain biking, Maori culture, hikes, and more to offer.