Overview
Alford Forest is a small rural village located in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand. The village is situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills and is known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Alford Forest is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a range of recreational activities including hiking, fishing and camping.
| Alford Forest Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Alford Forest |
| Region | Canterbury |
| District Council | Ashburton District |
| Postal Code: | 7771 |
| Current Time: | 12:42 PM |
| Date: | Sunday, November 16, 2025(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 52.22 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -43.6201 |
| Longitude | 171.3136 |
| DMS Lat | -44° 22' 47.5258'' |
| DMS Long | 171° 18' 49.122'' |
History
Alford Forest was originally settled by Maori people who used the area for hunting and gathering. In the mid-1800s, European settlers arrived in the area and established farms and businesses. The village was named after a local landowner, Thomas Alford. Today, Alford Forest is a small but thriving community that celebrates its rich history and cultural heritage.
Geography
Alford Forest is located in the Canterbury region of the South Island and is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, including the Southern Alps. The village is situated in a valley and is surrounded by rolling hills and lush green farmland. The area is known for its rugged and beautiful landscape and is popular with hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Alford Forest is located at latitude -43.62013172 and longitude 171.31364500 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -44° 22' 47.5258'' and longitude 171° 18' 49.122'' (DMS).
Below is map of Alford Forest
Demographics
According to the 2018 New Zealand census, Alford Forest has a population of approximately 200 people. The village has a diverse population, with a mix of Maori, European and Pacific Islander residents. The median age of residents is 45 years and the village has a relatively even gender split.
Climate
Alford Forest has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The village experiences moderate levels of rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being May and June. The area is prone to occasional snowfall in winter, which can create stunning scenery and excellent skiing conditions.
Alford Forest Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Alford Forest Live Weather
Clear sky
Humidity: 45%
Wind: 2.64 mt/sec towards W
observed on 16 Nov 2025 00:00
Alford Forest Weather Forecast for Next 5 days
19.09°C to 19.09°C
Clear sky
22.51°C to 22.51°C
Clear sky
18.48°C to 18.48°C
Light rain
21.9°C to 21.9°C
Light rain
23.61°C to 23.61°C
Scattered clouds
Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
Alford Forest is home to a range of tourist attractions, including the Alford Forest Railway, which is a heritage railway that operates on a 10-kilometre section of track through the surrounding countryside. The village is also close to the ski resorts of Mount Hutt and Porters, which offer excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Other popular attractions in the area include the Ashburton Lakes, which are a stunning collection of glacial lakes that are popular for fishing and camping.
Economy
The economy of Alford Forest is primarily driven by agriculture and tourism. The village is surrounded by productive farmland, which produces a range of crops including wheat, barley and oats. The area is also popular with tourists and offers a range of accommodation options, including motels, bed and breakfasts and holiday parks.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mayfield Playcentre |
| 2 | Mayfield School (Mid-Canterbury) |
| 3 | Methven Playcentre |
| 4 | Methven Pre-school Learning & Child Care Centre |
| 5 | Mt Somers Springburn School |
Nearby Towns and Cities
| Popular Towns and Cities | |
|---|---|
| Alford Forest | Barrosa |
| Ghost Stream | Morgan Stream |
| Mount Somers Coal Mine | Mount Somers Walkway |
| Orr Stream, Canterbury | Stour River West Branch |
| Stour River | Weta Stream |
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