This investigation into immunisation coverage levels in New Zealand used data from the National Immunisation Register of children aged 12 months old in 2007–2009. It reports substantial variations in uptake by ethnicity and District Health Board (DHB) level. After adjusting for socio-economic deprivation, Māori and ‘Other’ ethnicity were substantial risk factors for low immunisation uptake. The paper also reports a general north–south gradient across New Zealand.