Rangitata (hamlet)
Rangitata is a small rural settlement in Canterbury, New Zealand. It sits at the junction of State Highway 1 and State Highway 79. The Rangitata River is about 3 km to the north, and Orari is roughly 11 km away.
The Rangitata area covers about 172 square kilometres and includes Orari but not Geraldine. It had an estimated population of about 1,740 in June 2025, giving a low population density of around 10 people per square kilometre. In the 2018 census, the area’s population was 1,653, up from 2013 and 2006 levels.
Demographics (roughly): mostly European descent (about 91%), with small Māori, Pasifika, and Asian communities. About 18% of residents were born overseas. The median age is around 51, older than the national median. There are about 687 households.
Religion: roughly 46% Christian and 45% with no religion.
Education and income: about 18% of people aged 15 and over have a bachelor’s degree or higher, and about 22% have no formal qualifications. The median income is around NZ$32,000. About 16% earn over NZ$70,000. In employment, around 44% work full-time, about 15% part-time, and around 2% are unemployed.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 20:47 (CET).