Average Height New Zealand - Male & Female - The Definitive Data Study
The average height in New Zealand is 169.5 cm (176.1 cm male, 163.1 cm female) - our guide is based on Official 2024 NZ Health Survey data by age, gender, ethnicity and trends
Updated 28 December 2025
Summary and Key Findings
Our guide covers:
Data Source
- Average adult height: 169.5 cm (176.1 cm for males, 163.1 cm for females)
- New Zealanders have grown 0.6 cm taller on average since 2011
- 25-34 year olds are the tallest age group (171.1 cm average)
- Pacific peoples are the tallest ethnic group (170.6 cm)
- The average height for New Zealand children aged 2-14 is 132.9 cm (133.2 cm for boys, 132.6 cm for girls) - children's height is typically monitored through Well Child Tamariki Ora checks.
- New Zealand's average adult height of 169.5 cm places us in the mid-range globally. The Netherlands has the world's tallest average height at approximately 175.6 cm, while countries in Southeast Asia average around 160-165 cm.
Our guide covers:
- Average Height by Gender, Age Group, Ethnicity, Children and Historical Trends
- How Tall Am I Compared to Other New Zealanders?
- Why Height Matters for Health, Life and Income Protection Insurance
- Frequently Asked Questions
Data Source
- All statistics in this guide are sourced from the New Zealand Health Survey 2024, published by the Ministry of Health.
- The survey measures a representative sample of New Zealanders and provides the most authoritative data on population health metrics.
- Data are collected year-end June 2024 and represent adults aged 15+ and children aged 2-14.
Average Height by Gender (2024)
The table below shows the average height for New Zealand adults based on Ministry of Health survey data:
| Group | Height (cm) | Height (ft/in) |
|---|---|---|
| All Adults | 169.5 | 5'7" |
| Males | 176.1 | 5'9" |
| Females | 163.1 | 5'4" |
Average Height by Age Group (2024)
Height decreases with age, primarily due to spinal compression and generational differences in nutrition:
| Age Group | All (cm) | Male (cm) | Female (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-24 | 171.2 | 177.0 | 165.3 |
| 25-34 | 171.1 | 177.6 | 164.5 |
| 35-44 | 170.1 | 176.4 | 163.8 |
| 45-54 | 170.4 | 176.8 | 164.2 |
| 55-64 | 169.2 | 176.1 | 162.7 |
| 65-74 | 167.4 | 174.2 | 161.0 |
| 75+ | 164.1 | 171.9 | 157.7 |
Average Height by Ethnicity (2024)
Height varies across ethnic groups, reflecting a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
| Ethnicity | All (cm) | Male (cm) | Female (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific | 170.6 | 176.9 | 165.2 |
| European/Other | 170.5 | 177.4 | 163.8 |
| Māori | 170.3 | 176.7 | 164.3 |
| Asian | 165.5 | 171.5 | 159.2 |
Average Height by Child Age (2024)
| Age Group | All (cm) | Boys (cm) | Girls (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-4 years | 99.6 | 99.9 | 99.3 |
| 5-9 years | 126.7 | 126.5 | 126.8 |
| 10-14 years | 155.8 | 156.5 | 155.0 |
Historical Trends (2011-2024)
New Zealanders have been gradually getting taller over the past decade, reflecting improved nutrition and healthcare.
| Year | All (cm) | Male (cm) | Female (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 168.9 | 175.7 | 162.5 |
| 2015 | 169.0 | 175.8 | 162.6 |
| 2019 | 169.1 | 175.6 | 162.9 |
| 2022 | 169.4 | 176.0 | 163.0 |
| 2024 | 169.5 | 176.1 | 163.1 |
How Tall Am I Compared to Other New Zealanders?
Height percentiles show where you rank compared to the rest of the population. If you're in the 70th percentile, you're taller than 70% of New Zealanders of your gender. The tables below are estimates based on NZ Health Survey mean heights using the standard population distribution. They answer the question most people actually want to know: "Am I tall, short, or average?"
What the percentiles mean in practice:
Important: Percentiles are estimates based on the mean height and a standard population distribution. The NZ Health Survey does not publish official percentile data.
What the percentiles mean in practice:
- Below 25th percentile - Shorter than average
- 25th to 75th percentile - Average range
- Above 75th percentile -Taller than average
- Above 90th percentile - Notably tall
Important: Percentiles are estimates based on the mean height and a standard population distribution. The NZ Health Survey does not publish official percentile data.
Male Height Percentiles (2024)
A 180 cm male, for example, is taller than roughly 7 in 10 New Zealand men. At 185 cm, you're in the top 10%.
| Your Height | Percentile | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| 165 cm (5'5") | 6th | Taller than ~6% of NZ men |
| 170 cm (5'7") | 19th | Taller than ~19% of NZ men |
| 175 cm (5'9") | 44th | Taller than ~44% of NZ men |
| 180 cm (5'11") | 71st | Taller than ~71% of NZ men |
| 185 cm (6'1") | 90th | Taller than ~90% of NZ men |
| 190 cm (6'3") | 98th | Taller than ~98% of NZ men |
Female Height Percentiles (2024)
A 165 cm female is taller than roughly 6 in 10 New Zealand women. At 170 cm, you're in the top 12%.
| Your Height | Percentile | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| 150 cm (4'11") | 2nd | Taller than ~2% of NZ women |
| 155 cm (5'1") | 9th | Taller than ~9% of NZ women |
| 160 cm (5'3") | 30th | Taller than ~30% of NZ women |
| 165 cm (5'5") | 62nd | Taller than ~62% of NZ women |
| 170 cm (5'7") | 88th | Taller than ~88% of NZ women |
| 175 cm (5'9") | 98th | Taller than ~98% of NZ women |
Why Height Matters for Health, Life and Income Protection Insurance
Height alone doesn't affect health insurance premiums, but it's a critical component in calculating your Body Mass Index (BMI), which insurers use extensively.
How BMI Affects Life Insurance
Life and health insurers and income protection providers use BMI bands to assess risk:
For example, a 176 cm male weighing 90 kg has a BMI of 29 (overweight, but within standard ranges), while the same weight at 170 cm gives a BMI of 31 (obese, potentially subject to premium loading).
How BMI Affects Life Insurance
Life and health insurers and income protection providers use BMI bands to assess risk:
- BMI 18.5-25 (healthy): Standard rates apply
- BMI 25-30 (overweight): Usually standard rates, may face minor loading
- BMI 30-35 (obese class 1): Premiums may be loaded 25-75%
- BMI 35-40 (obese class 2): Significant loadings or exclusions possible
- BMI 40+ (obese class 3): May face declines or substantial premium increases
For example, a 176 cm male weighing 90 kg has a BMI of 29 (overweight, but within standard ranges), while the same weight at 170 cm gives a BMI of 31 (obese, potentially subject to premium loading).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average height for a New Zealand male?
The average New Zealand male is 176.1 cm tall (approximately 5'9"). This is based on the 2024 NZ Health Survey data from the Ministry of Health.
What is the average height for a New Zealand female?
The average New Zealand female is 163.1 cm tall (approximately 5'4"). Women in the 15-24 age group are tallest at 165.3 cm.
Are New Zealanders getting taller?
Yes, but slowly. The average adult height has increased by 0.6 cm since 2011 (from 168.9 cm to 169.5 cm). This reflects improved childhood nutrition and healthcare over recent decades.
Which age group is the tallest?
Adults aged 25-34 are the tallest, averaging 171.1 cm. Height decreases with age, with those 75+ averaging 164.1 cm - a difference of 7 cm.
Does height affect my insurance?
Height itself doesn't directly affect insurance premiums, but it's used to calculate your BMI. A higher BMI (particularly above 30) will likely result in higher risks and costs for life insurance and income protection policies.
How is height measured in the NZ Health Survey?
The Ministry of Health measures participants using standardised equipment and protocols. Heights are measured without shoes, standing upright with heels together.
