| Makahika | |
| Settlement Type: | Rural locality |
| Pushpin Label Position: | bottom |
| Coordinates: | -40.637°N 175.399°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | New Zealand |
| Subdivision Type1: | Region |
| Subdivision Name1: | Manawatū-Whanganui region |
| Subdivision Type2: | Territorial authority |
| Subdivision Name2: | Horowhenua District |
| Subdivision Type3: | Wards |
| Seat Type: | Electorates |
| Leader Title: | Territorial Authority |
| Leader Name: | Horowhenua District Council |
| Leader Title1: | Regional council |
| Leader Name1: | Horizons Regional Council |
| Leader Title2: | Horowhenua Mayor |
| Leader Title3: | Ōtaki MP |
| Leader Title4: | Te Tai Hauāuru MP |
| Area Total Km2: | 170.32 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
Makahika is a rural locality in the Horowhenua District of the Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand's North Island. It is located in the Makahika Stream valley. The stream runs southwest from the Tararua Range to join the Ōhau River.[1]
The Mangahao Makahika Track is a 15 km tramping track through the Tararua Range which takes 6-8 hours one-way depending on direction.[2]
Glamping accommodation is available at Arete Village, part of the Makahika Outdoor Pursuits Centre.[3]
Makahika statistical area covers 170.32km2.[4] It had an estimated population of as of with a population density of people per km2.
Makahika had a population of 960 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 102 people (11.9%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 153 people (19.0%) since the 2006 census. There were 372 households, comprising 504 males and 456 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.11 males per female. The median age was 50.6 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 138 people (14.4%) aged under 15 years, 138 (14.4%) aged 15 to 29, 495 (51.6%) aged 30 to 64, and 189 (19.7%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 91.9% European/Pākehā, 11.9% Māori, 2.5% Pasifika, 2.5% Asian, and 1.9% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
The percentage of people born overseas was 16.2, compared with 27.1% nationally.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 56.2% had no religion, 33.4% were Christian, 0.6% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.3% were Buddhist and 1.2% had other religions.
Of those at least 15 years old, 138 (16.8%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 168 (20.4%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $30,000, compared with $31,800 nationally. 135 people (16.4%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 372 (45.3%) people were employed full-time, 150 (18.2%) were part-time, and 21 (2.6%) were unemployed.