Carterton, New Zealand

Carterton
Taratahi (Māori)
Central Carterton
Motto: 
Daffodil capital
Carterton district within the North Island
Coordinates: 41°01′30″S 175°31′39″E / 41.02500°S 175.52750°E / -41.02500; 175.52750
CountryNew Zealand
RegionWellington Region
Territorial authorityCarterton District
Town founded1857
Named afterCharles Carter
Electorates
Government
  Territorial AuthorityCarterton District Council
  Regional councilGreater Wellington Regional Council
  Mayor of CartertonRon Mark
  Wairarapa MPMike Butterick
  Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MPCushla Tangaere-Manuel
Area
  Territorial
1,179.91 km2 (455.57 sq mi)
  Urban
5.30 km2 (2.05 sq mi)
Elevation
77 m (253 ft)
Population
 (June 2024)
  Territorial
10,300
  Density8.7/km2 (23/sq mi)
  Urban
5,950
  Urban density1,100/km2 (2,900/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+12 (NZST)
  Summer (DST)UTC+13 (NZDT)
Postcode(s)
5713
Area code06
Websitewww.cdc.govt.nz District Council

Carterton (Māori: Taratahi) is a small town in the Wellington Region of New Zealand and the seat of the Carterton District (a territorial authority or local government district). It lies in a farming area of the Wairarapa in New Zealand's North Island. It is located 14 km (8.7 mi) southwest of Masterton and 80 km (50 mi) northeast of Wellington. The town has a population of 5,950 (June 2024), out of a total district population of 10,300.

Carterton was founded in 1857. Originally known as Three Mile Bush, it served as housing for workers building the road between Wellington and Masterton. It was later renamed after Charles Carter, who was in charge of the building of the Black Bridge over the Waiohine River south of the town. The town describes itself as New Zealand's daffodil capital, holding a Daffodil Festival each year on the second Sunday in September, with the main event taking place at Middle Run along Gladstone Road.