KiwiGlimpseOverview
Blackball is a small town located on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The town is known for its strong mining and union heritage, as well as its stunning natural surroundings. Blackball is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities and a rich cultural history.
| Blackball Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Blackball |
| Region | West Coast |
| District Council | Grey District |
| Postal Code: | 7871,7804 |
| Current Time: | 08:12 AM |
| Date: | Monday, May 19, 2025(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 52.25 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -42.3651 |
| Longitude | 171.4136 |
| DMS Lat | -43° 38' 5.7109'' |
| DMS Long | 171° 24' 49.1'' |
History
Blackball has a rich history dating back to the early days of European settlement in New Zealand. The town was originally founded as a mining community in the late 1800s and quickly grew into a thriving industrial center. Over time, the town became known for its strong union movement, with workers banding together to fight for better working conditions and fair wages. Today, Blackball is still proud of its mining and union heritage and many of the town's buildings and landmarks reflect this history.
Geography
Blackball is located on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, surrounded by stunning natural scenery. The town is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, providing a beautiful backdrop for outdoor recreation activities. The area is known for its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a challenge.
Blackball is located at latitude -42.36508031 and longitude 171.41363890 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -43° 38' 5.7109'' and longitude 171° 24' 49.1'' (DMS).
Below is map of Blackball
Demographics
Blackball is a small town with a population of around 330 people. The majority of the population is of European descent, with a small number of Maori and Pacific Islander residents also present in the area. The town has a strong sense of community, with many residents actively involved in local events and organizations.
Climate
The climate in Blackball is typical of the West Coast of New Zealand, with high rainfall and mild temperatures throughout the year. The area receives an average of 2,500 mm of rainfall per 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 rarely drop below freezing.
Blackball Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Blackball Live Weather
Scattered clouds
Humidity: 68%
Wind: 4.67 mt/sec towards SW
observed on 18 May 2025 21:00
Blackball 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
Blackball is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The town is home to a variety of historic buildings and landmarks, including the Blackball Workingmen's Club and the Miners' Memorial. In addition, the surrounding area offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking and fishing.
Economy
The economy of Blackball is primarily based on tourism and agriculture. The town is known for its rich mining and union heritage, which attracts visitors from around the world. In addition, the surrounding area is home to a variety of agricultural operations, including dairy farms and sheep stations.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Awahono School - Grey Valley |
| 2 | Barrytown School |
| 3 | Cobden School |
| 4 | Grey Valley Playcentre |
| 5 | Learning Adventures Cobden |