Summary
New Zealand’s Nepali community New Zealand has grown dramatically over the past decade — international students from Nepal have been arriving in significant numbers since the mid-2010s, with Auckland the primary hub, followed by Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin; the 2023 census is expected to show a significant increase from the 3,630 recorded in 2018
Nepali New Zealanders are concentrated in Auckland’s central and south Auckland suburbs, with Hamilton having an established Nepali community New Zealand — many Nepali students have settled in cities with major universities including the University of Auckland, AUT, Waikato, Victoria and Canterbury
New Zealand’s Nepali community New Zealand maintains strong cultural ties with Nepal through regular festivals, food, remittances and community organisations — NZD to NPR transfers with OrbitRemit carry a flat NZD $4 fee, with over 85% arriving within 2 hours
Nepal and New Zealand share a connection that has grown remarkably in just a few years. Drawn by world-class universities, a safe environment and a pathway to permanent residence, thousands of Nepali students and skilled workers have made New Zealand their home — bringing with them the food, festivals and tight-knit community culture that defines the Nepali diaspora wherever it settles.
How the Nepali community in New Zealand grew
The Nepali presence in New Zealand was small for many years — a modest community of mostly scholarship recipients, skilled migrants and a small number of Bhutanese Nepali-speaking refugees resettled from the 1990s onwards.
The inflection point came in the mid-2010s, mirroring the same wave that transformed the Nepali community in Australia. New Zealand’s world-ranked universities, its pathway from student visa to skilled residence, and its reputation for quality of life began attracting Nepali students in growing numbers. By the time of the 2023 census, the community was significantly larger than the 3,630 recorded in 2018 — though the full 2023 census figure by birthplace is yet to be widely published.
The Nepali community in New Zealand is young, highly educated and predominantly urban — concentrated in university cities and their surrounding suburbs.
Where Nepali New Zealanders live
Auckland — the largest hub
Auckland is home to the largest Nepali community in New Zealand, driven by the University of Auckland, AUT (Auckland University of Technology), Manukau Institute of Technology and numerous private training establishments. The central city, Mt Roskill, Papatoetoe and Manukau in South Auckland have the highest concentrations of Nepali residents.
Auckland’s Nepali community is visible through its restaurants, grocery stores stocking Nepali ingredients, and regular community events held at Aotea Square and community halls across the city. The annual Nepali New Year celebration (Navabarsha) has been held at Aotea Square since 2018, drawing thousands of community members.
Hamilton — an established community
Hamilton has one of the most established Nepali communities in New Zealand relative to its size. The University of Waikato and Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) have drawn Nepali students for over a decade, and many have settled permanently. Some families in Hamilton have been New Zealand residents for two decades — one of the longest-established Nepali communities in the country.
Wellington
Wellington’s Nepali community has grown alongside Victoria University of Wellington’s international student intake. The central city and Newtown (Wellington’s most diverse suburb) have established Nepali restaurants and grocery stores.
Christchurch and Dunedin
Both cities have growing Nepali communities driven by Canterbury and Otago universities. Christchurch’s rebuild after the 2011 earthquake attracted skilled construction workers from various South Asian communities including Nepal. Dunedin’s student population includes a growing Nepali cohort at the University of Otago.
Who the Nepali New Zealand community is
New Zealand’s Nepali community shares the educational profile of Nepali communities worldwide — highly educated, with a strong orientation toward healthcare, IT, engineering, hospitality and education. Many arrived as international students and transitioned to skilled residence through the Skilled Migrant Category or post-study work visas.
The community is majority Hindu, with Buddhist, Kirant Mundhum and Christian minorities. A notable part of New Zealand’s Nepali-speaking population is the Bhutanese Lhotshampa community — ethnic Nepalis expelled from Bhutan in the 1990s and resettled in New Zealand as refugees. New Zealand accepted over 600 Bhutanese refugees under a five-year resettlement programme beginning in 2008.
Community organisations and culture
New Zealand Nepal Society — one of the longest-running Nepali community organisations in New Zealand, organising cultural events including the annual Nepali New Year (Navabarsha) at Aotea Square.
Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Association New Zealand — part of the global NRN network, coordinating advocacy, community events and links between New Zealand Nepalis and Nepal.
Religious institutions: Hindu temples and Buddhist centres across Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington serve the community’s spiritual and cultural needs. Dashain, Tihar, Teej, Holi and Buddha Jayanti are celebrated at community events each year.
Media: Nepali-language YouTube channels, Facebook groups and radio programming on community stations keep the community connected to Nepal’s news and culture.
Major Nepali festivals in New Zealand
Dashain (October): Nepal’s most important festival — 15 days of celebration of Goddess Durga. Community tika ceremonies where elders bless younger members are held across Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington.
Tihar (October/November): Festival of lights. Houses decorated with oil lamps and marigolds. Bhai Tika — the siblings’ celebration — is observed widely in the community.
Navabarsha (April): Nepali New Year — celebrated at Aotea Square in Auckland with music, dance, food and cultural performances. Has grown into one of the most visible Nepali cultural events in New Zealand.
Teej (August): Festival for women — fasting, prayers and celebration. Red sarees, singing and community gatherings mark the day.
Holi (March): Festival of colours — celebrated with organised community events in Auckland and Hamilton.
Nepali food in New Zealand
Nepali cuisine has established a strong foothold in Auckland and Hamilton. The momo — Nepal’s beloved steamed or fried dumpling — is the dish most associated with Nepali restaurants in New Zealand.
Essential Nepali dishes:
Momos — steamed or fried dumplings filled with buff (buffalo), chicken, pork or vegetables, served with spiced tomato and sesame achar. The signature Nepali dish.
Dal Bhat Tarkari — the national meal: rice, lentil soup and vegetable curry. Wholesome, filling and deeply comforting.
Sekuwa — Nepali-style barbecued meat marinated in ginger, garlic, cumin and timur (Sichuan pepper).
Thukpa — Tibetan-influenced noodle soup; hearty and warming — popular in New Zealand’s cooler months.
Chiya — Nepali-style spiced milk tea; a staple at Nepali gatherings and cafés.
Nepali restaurants in New Zealand
Auckland
Mt Everest Kitchen — Blockhouse Bay, Auckland One of Auckland’s most popular Nepali and Indian restaurants — confirmed in Yelp’s top 10 Nepali/Himalayan restaurants in Auckland (July 2026). Known for authentic Nepali and Indian cuisine in West Auckland.
Everest Dine — Parnell, Auckland A well-established Nepali restaurant in Parnell with 286 Tripadvisor reviews and consistently strong ratings. One of Auckland’s best-known Nepali dining experiences.
TAMA Eatery and Bar — 4 Upper Queen Street, Auckland CBD Nepali and Newari food in central Auckland, paired with local NZ craft beers. A welcoming spot for both the Nepali community and New Zealanders curious about Himalayan cuisine.
Olive Indo-Nepali Eatery — New Lynn, West Auckland A fully licensed Nepali and Indian eatery in West Auckland, popular for its chicken momo and butter chicken. BYO available, functions catered.
Himalayan Station — Auckland Authentic Nepali takeaway built on family recipes — known for unique dishes including Himalayan yak cheese curry. Online ordering available for pickup across Auckland.
TIMMUR Nepalese and Indian Cuisine — Papakura, Auckland Rated 4.7 on Tripadvisor. Known for its Thakali Thali Set — described by reviewers as “a taste of home.” Family-friendly atmosphere, organic ingredients, consistently praised for authenticity.
Indreni — Auckland An Indo-Nepali restaurant bringing traditional spices and cultural richness from Nepal to New Zealand. Catering available for functions and events.
Hamilton
Himalayan Kitchen Hamilton — Hamilton CBD Authentic Nepali and Himalayan cuisine in Hamilton’s city centre. Popular with Waikato University students and Hamilton’s established Nepali community.
Wellington
Wellington’s Nepali dining scene is smaller but growing. Search Google Maps for current Nepali restaurant listings in Wellington — the community recommends checking local Nepali Facebook groups for the most up-to-date options.
Sending money to Nepal from New Zealand
Remittances from Nepali New Zealanders are a vital connection to family back home — used for daily expenses, school fees, home construction, healthcare and community events.
NZD to NPR with OrbitRemit:
NZD to NPR transfers from New Zealand carry a flat NZD $4 fee (fee-free above NZD $10,000). OrbitRemit supports direct bank transfers to all major Nepali banks including Nepal Bank Limited, Rastriya Banijya Bank, NABIL Bank, Everest Bank, NIC Asia and Global IME Bank. Mobile wallet delivery is also available for eSewa, IME Pay and Khalti.
What it means for your transfers
Over 85% of transfers to Nepal arrive within 2 hours. The rate is locked at the moment you confirm — no hidden margin, no weekend surcharges.
FAQs (frequently asked questions)
How many Nepali people live in New Zealand?
The 2018 census recorded 3,630 people identifying as Nepali in New Zealand. The community has grown significantly since then through international student and skilled worker migration — the 2023 census is expected to show a material increase, though the full figure by birthplace has not yet been widely published.
Which city has the most Nepali people in New Zealand?
Auckland is the largest hub, concentrated around the University of Auckland, AUT and South Auckland. Hamilton has one of the longest-established Nepali communities relative to its size.
What language do Nepali New Zealanders speak?
Nepali is the primary community language. English proficiency is high across the community, which is predominantly educated to degree level. Maithili, Newari and other Nepali regional languages are also spoken.
How do I send money to Nepal from New Zealand?
OrbitRemit supports NZD to NPR transfers with a flat NZD $4 fee (fee-free above NZD $10,000). Delivery to all major Nepali banks and mobile wallets including eSewa, IME Pay and Khalti. Visit orbitremit.com/nepal for current rates.
This guide is for general information only. Population figures are based on the 2018 New Zealand Census (Stats NZ), with the 2023 census community data not yet fully published at time of writing. Restaurant listings are based on community recommendations and publicly available information. Last updated August 2026.
Sources: Stats NZ — 2023 New Zealand census (stats.govt.nz) | RNZ — Thousands gather to celebrate Nepali culture (March 2021) | Figure.NZ — Nepali people in New Zealand (2023 Census data) | Wikipedia — Nepalese New Zealanders | New Zealand Nepal Society
