Overview
Bideford is a small rural community located in the Manawatu-Wanganui region of the North Island of New Zealand. The town is known for its peaceful, rural atmosphere and beautiful countryside, with a close-knit community that values tradition and a strong connection to the land. Despite its small size, Bideford is an important center for agriculture and serves as a hub for the surrounding farming community.
| Bideford Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Bideford |
| Region | Taranaki |
| District Council | Stratford District |
| Sub-District | Stratford District |
| Postal Code: | - |
| Current Time: | 12:08 PM |
| Date: | Saturday, May 30, 2026(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 53.61 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -40.8700 |
| Longitude | 175.8700 |
| DMS Lat | -41° 7' 48'' |
| DMS Long | 175° 52' 12'' |
History
Bideford has a rich history dating back to the early days of European settlement in New Zealand. The town was originally established as a farming community, with sheep farming and dairy farming becoming the primary industries in the area. Over time, Bideford grew and evolved into an important center for agriculture, with the town serving as a hub for the surrounding farming community. Today, the town pays tribute to its rich history while looking towards the future.
Geography
Bideford is located in the Manawatu-Wanganui region of the North Island, surrounded by rolling hills and fertile farmland. The town is situated near the Rangitikei River, which provides a vital source of water for the surrounding farmland. The area is known for its mild climate and relatively dry weather, making it an ideal location for agriculture and outdoor recreation.
Bideford is located at latitude -40.87 and longitude 175.87 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -41° 7' 48'' and longitude 175° 52' 12'' (DMS).
Below is map of Bideford
Demographics
Bideford is a small community with a population of only a few hundred people. The majority of the population is of European descent, with a small number of Maori and other ethnic groups also present in the area. The community is closely connected to the surrounding farming community, with many residents working in agriculture or related industries.
Climate
The climate in Bideford is typical of the Manawatu-Wanganui region, with warm summers and cool winters. The area receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with most of it falling in the winter months. Temperatures during the summer months can reach into the mid-20s Celsius, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing.
Bideford Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Error: Unable to retrieve weather forecast data.Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
Despite its small size, Bideford is home to a number of popular tourist attractions and landmarks. One of the most popular is the nearby Mangaweka Adventure Company, which offers a range of outdoor activities such as rafting, kayaking and mountain biking. The area is also known for its excellent hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities, with a number of scenic trails and parks located within easy driving distance of the town.
Economy
The economy of Bideford is primarily based on agriculture, with sheep farming and dairy farming being the primary industries in the area. The town serves as a hub for the surrounding farming community, with many residents working in agriculture or related industries. In addition, the town is home to a small number of businesses and services that cater to the needs of the local community.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lansdowne Kindergarten |
| 2 | Mauriceville School |
| 3 | Opaki School |
| 4 | Rathkeale College |
| 5 | Te KÅhanga Reo o Hinetearorangi |
Nearby Towns and Cities
| Popular Towns and Cities | |
|---|---|
| Berwyn, Wellington | Bideford, Wellington |
| Bideford | Bowlands |
| Braebourne | Canoga Park |
| Dursley | Earlyhurst |
| Hadleigh, Wellington | Kingsley |
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