KiwiGlimpseOverview
Canvastown is a small town located in the Marlborough region of New Zealand's South Island. It is situated on the banks of the Wakamarina River, surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains. The town is known for its rich history, stunning natural scenery and outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.
| Canvastown Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Canvastown |
| Region | Marlborough |
| District Council | Marlborough District |
| Postal Code: | 7192,7178 |
| Current Time: | 09:14 AM |
| Date: | Saturday, October 04, 2025(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 52.94 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -41.2936 |
| Longitude | 173.6713 |
| DMS Lat | -42° 42' 22.9686'' |
| DMS Long | 173° 40' 16.685'' |
History
Canvastown has a rich history dating back to the gold rush era of the mid-1800s. The town was named after the canvas tents used by gold miners who flocked to the area in search of gold. The town was a bustling center of activity during the gold rush, with many shops, hotels and businesses catering to the needs of gold miners. Today, Canvastown is a reminder of the region's rich gold mining history and visitors can explore the many historical sites and relics in the area.
Geography
Canvastown is located in the Marlborough region of New Zealand's South Island, approximately 20 kilometers west of the town of Havelock. The town is situated on the banks of the Wakamarina River, surrounded by forested hills and mountains. The area is known for its stunning natural scenery, with opportunities for hiking, fishing and hunting in the surrounding forests and mountains.
Canvastown is located at latitude -41.29361982 and longitude 173.67130140 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -42° 42' 22.9686'' and longitude 173° 40' 16.685'' (DMS).
Below is map of Canvastown
Demographics
The population of Canvastown is small, with only around 100 permanent residents. The town has a mix of ethnicities, with a significant proportion of residents identifying as European or Maori. The majority of residents work in agriculture, forestry or tourism-related industries.
Climate
Canvastown has a temperate climate, with mild temperatures and moderate rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 10°C in winter to 20°C in summer. The area receives the most rainfall during the winter months, with occasional snowfall in the surrounding mountains.
Canvastown Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Canvastown Live Weather
Light rain
Humidity: 92%
Wind: 4.01 mt/sec towards W
observed on 03 Oct 2025 21:00
Canvastown Weather Forecast for Next 5 days
13.49°C to 13.49°C
Light rain
13.78°C to 14.36°C
Light rain
13.48°C to 13.48°C
Light rain
14.48°C to 14.48°C
Light rain
11.17°C to 11.17°C
Light rain
14.31°C to 14.31°C
Broken clouds
Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
Canvastown is home to several historical sites and landmarks, including the Canvastown Cemetery, which contains the graves of many early settlers and gold miners and the Wakamarina Track, a popular hiking trail that follows the Wakamarina River through the surrounding forest. Other nearby attractions include the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, the Marlborough Sounds and the town of Havelock, known as the "Green-lipped Mussel Capital of the World."
Economy
The economy of Canvastown is primarily driven by agriculture, forestry and tourism-related industries. The town's rich history and stunning natural scenery make it a popular destination for tourists, with many visitors coming to explore the area's hiking trails, fishing spots and historical sites. The town also has a small number of shops and cafes catering to tourists and locals alike.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Canvastown School |
| 2 | Havelock School |
| 3 | Hira School |
| 4 | Linkwater School |
| 5 | Pelorus Community Preschool - Kōhungahunga o Te Hoiere |