KiwiGlimpseOverview
Bankside is a small rural community located in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand. The community is primarily a farming area, with sheep and dairy farming being the main industries. Bankside is situated in a picturesque countryside setting, with rolling hills, farmland and the Rakaia River providing a scenic backdrop. The area is known for its peaceful rural lifestyle and outdoor recreational opportunities.
| Bankside Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Bankside |
| Region | Canterbury |
| District Council | Selwyn District |
| Postal Code: | 7783,7682 |
| Current Time: | 04:23 PM |
| Date: | Friday, February 13, 2026(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 52.07 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -44.2390 |
| Longitude | 170.8432 |
| DMS Lat | -45° 45' 39.4244'' |
| DMS Long | 170° 50' 35.3958'' |
History
Bankside was founded in the late 19th century as a stopover point for travelers and traders on their way to the West Coast goldfields. The locality 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. Today, Bankside is a close-knit community that values its rural lifestyle and strong sense of community.
Geography
Bankside is situated in the Canterbury Plains, which is a large flat area of land that covers much of the east coast of the South Island. The community is situated on the banks of the Rakaia River, which is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. The surrounding area is characterized by farmland, with several small hills providing a scenic backdrop.
Bankside is located at latitude -44.23904877 and longitude 170.84316550 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -45° 45' 39.4244'' and longitude 170° 50' 35.3958'' (DMS).
Below is map of Bankside
Demographics
As of the 2018 census, Bankside had a population of 231. The population is predominantly European, with a small Māori and Pacific Islander population also present. The community has a higher proportion of older residents compared to the national average, with a median age of 47 years.
Climate
Bankside has a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters. The community receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, with occasional snowfall during the winter months. The average annual temperature is 11.6°C (52.9°F).
Bankside Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Error: Unable to retrieve weather forecast data.Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
Bankside is known for its beautiful countryside and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Rakaia River is a popular destination for fishing and there are several walking and hiking trails in the area, including the Hakatere Conservation Park and the Rakaia Gorge Walkway. The nearby town of Ashburton is home to several museums and galleries, including the Ashburton Art Gallery and the Ashburton Aviation Museum.
Economy
The economy of Bankside is primarily based on agriculture, with sheep and dairy farming being the main industries. The community is also home to several small businesses, including a general store and a post office. Tourism is an important contributor to the local economy, with visitors attracted by the area's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Albury School |
| 2 | BestStart Pleasant Point |
| 3 | Cannington School |
| 4 | Fairlie Area Kindergarten |
| 5 | Fairlie Early Learners |