KiwiGlimpseOverview
Ballance is a small rural town located in the Manawatū-Whanganui region of the North Island of New Zealand. The town is named after James Ballance, a former Prime Minister of New Zealand. Ballance is primarily an agricultural town, with sheep and dairy farming being the main industries. The town is surrounded by picturesque farmland and is a popular destination for visitors looking to experience the rural lifestyle of New Zealand.
| Ballance Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Ballance |
| Region | Manawatu-Whanganui |
| District Council | Tararua District |
| Postal Code: | 4983 |
| Current Time: | 07:14 AM |
| Date: | Monday, May 19, 2025(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 53.58 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -40.3996 |
| Longitude | 175.7971 |
| DMS Lat | -41° 36' 1.3227'' |
| DMS Long | 175° 47' 49.4232'' |
History
Ballance was founded in the late 19th century as a railway settlement. The town 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. The town was named after James Ballance, a former Prime Minister of New Zealand who was born in the nearby town of Glenavy.
Geography
Ballance is situated in a valley between the Tararua Range to the west and the Ruahine Range to the east. The town is located on the banks of the Pohangina 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.
Ballance is located at latitude -40.39963258 and longitude 175.79706200 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -41° 36' 1.3227'' and longitude 175° 47' 49.4232'' (DMS).
Below is map of Ballance
Demographics
As of the 2018 census, Ballance had a population of 156. 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 49 years.
Climate
Ballance 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 12.1°C (53.8°F).
Ballance Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Ballance Live Weather
Broken clouds
Humidity: 74%
Wind: 4.67 mt/sec towards SW
observed on 18 May 2025 21:00
Ballance Weather Forecast for Next 5 days
12.87°C to 13.27°C
Broken clouds
14.16°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
Ballance is known for its beautiful countryside and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Pohangina River is a popular destination for fishing and there are several walking and hiking trails in the area, including the Manawatū Gorge Track and the Te Apiti - Manawatū Gorge Loop Track. The nearby city of Palmerston North is home to several museums and galleries, including the Te Manawa Museum and the New Zealand Rugby Museum.
Economy
The economy of Ballance 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 café. 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 | Ballance School |
| 2 | Dot Kids Early Learning Centre - Pahiatua |
| 3 | Holyoake Kindergarten |
| 4 | Mangatainoka School |
| 5 | Pahiatua Early Learning |