KiwiGlimpseOverview
Balfour is a small rural town located in the Southland region of the South Island of New Zealand. The town is known for its picturesque countryside, with rolling hills and farmland surrounding the town. Balfour is a quiet town with a strong sense of community and it is a popular destination for visitors looking to experience the rural lifestyle of New Zealand.
| Balfour Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Balfour |
| Region | Southland |
| District Council | Southland District |
| Postal Code: | 9779,9776 |
| Current Time: | 07:50 AM |
| Date: | Monday, May 19, 2025(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 51.39 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -45.8399 |
| Longitude | 168.5866 |
| DMS Lat | -46° 9' 36.422'' |
| DMS Long | 168° 35' 11.8021'' |
History
Balfour was originally settled in the late 19th century by European farmers who were attracted to the fertile farmland in the area. The town was named after Arthur Balfour, a British statesman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1902 to 1905. Balfour grew slowly during the early part of the 20th century, but it experienced a period of growth during the 1950s and 1960s when the local dairy industry expanded.
Geography
Balfour is situated in a valley between the Takitimu Mountains to the west and the Hokonui Hills to the east. The town is located on the banks of the Oreti River, which is known for its excellent trout fishing. The surrounding area is characterized by rolling hills and farmland and there are several scenic drives and walking trails in the area.
Balfour is located at latitude -45.83988277 and longitude 168.58661170 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -46° 9' 36.422'' and longitude 168° 35' 11.8021'' (DMS).
Below is map of Balfour
Demographics
As of the 2018 census, Balfour had a population of 402. The population is predominantly European, with a small Māori and Pacific Islander population also present. The town has a higher proportion of older residents compared to the national average, with a median age of 51 years.
Climate
Balfour has a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters. The town receives moderate rainfall throughout the year and occasional snowfall during the winter months. The average annual temperature is 10.3°C (50°F).
Balfour Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Balfour Live Weather
Scattered clouds
Humidity: 68%
Wind: 4.67 mt/sec towards SW
observed on 18 May 2025 21:00
Balfour Weather Forecast for Next 5 days
13.27°C to 13.27°C
Scattered clouds
13.81°C to 14.9°C
Scattered clouds
12.63°C to 12.63°C
Clear sky
14.21°C to 14.21°C
Clear sky
14.74°C to 14.74°C
Clear sky
15.26°C to 15.26°C
Light rain
Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
Balfour is known for its beautiful countryside and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Oreti River is a popular destination for fishing and there are several walking and hiking trails in the area, including the Hump Ridge Track and the Kepler Track. The nearby town of Gore is home to several museums and galleries, including the Hokonui Moonshine Museum and the Eastern Southland Gallery.
Economy
The economy of Balfour is primarily based on agriculture, with sheep and dairy farming being the main industries. The town is also home to several small businesses, including a general store and a pub. Tourism is an important contributor to the local economy, with visitors attracted by the town's natural beauty and rural lifestyle.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Balfour Playcentre |
| 2 | Balfour School |
| 3 | Funshine Early Learning Centre |
| 4 | Lumsden School |
| 5 | Northern Southland College |