Average Height in New Zealand (2026 Data)
The average height in New Zealand is approximately 5'10" (178 cm) for men and 5'5" (164 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates. New Zealand ranks above the global and US averages.
Average Height in New Zealand: Men and Women
Adult height in New Zealand reflects its diverse population encompassing European, Māori, Pacific Islander, and Asian heritage. The most recent pooled population studies provide the best estimates for current average stature among adults.
For men, the population mean is about 178 cm (5'10"); for women, about 164 cm (5'5"). These figures represent adults aged 18 and older and are typically measured barefoot in health surveys.
Height varies by ethnicity, region, and birth cohort within New Zealand. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in New Zealand
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 180 cm (5'11") | 165 cm (5'5") |
| 26–35 | 179 cm (5'10") | 165 cm (5'5") |
| 36–50 | 178 cm (5'10") | 164 cm (5'5") |
| 50+ | 176 cm (5'9") | 163 cm (5'4") |
Age-group estimates derived from NCD-RisC pooled estimates. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How New Zealand Compares to the World and the US
Globally, the approximate mean adult height is about 171 cm (5'7") for men and 159 cm (5'2.5") for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates. Compared to this, New Zealand men are 7 cm taller and women are 5 cm taller.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). New Zealand men are 3 cm taller than US men on average; New Zealand women are 2 cm taller than US women.
New Zealand's position relative to global and US averages reflects its diverse population combining European, Māori, Pacific Islander, and Asian genetics, resulting in a height profile similar to neighboring Australia.
Why Heights Differ: Genetics, Nutrition, and Trends
Height is roughly 80% genetic and 20% environmental, but nutrition in the first years of life matters enormously at the population level. New Zealand's average stature is shaped by its diverse population—European descendants tend to be taller, while Māori and Pacific Islander populations have distinct genetic height profiles.
New Zealand has a similar height profile to Australia, reflecting shared British colonial heritage and similar dietary patterns rich in dairy, meat, and protein. The country's strong public health system supports childhood growth across all ethnic groups.
Comparing your personal height to New Zealand's average is informative, but percentile rankings depend on which reference population you use. Our calculator compares against US CDC/NHANES data, which may differ from New Zealand's national distribution.
Data source: NCD-RisC pooled estimates. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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