KiwiGlimpseOverview
Darfield is a small town located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. The town is situated on the Canterbury Plains and is surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. Despite its small size, Darfield is an important hub for the local agricultural industry and serves as a gateway to several popular outdoor recreation areas.
| Darfield Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Darfield |
| Region | Canterbury |
| District Council | Selwyn District |
| Postal Code: | 7671,7571,7510 |
| Current Time: | 09:05 AM |
| Date: | Thursday, October 30, 2025(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 52.46 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -43.4895 |
| Longitude | 172.1119 |
| DMS Lat | -44° 30' 37.8012'' |
| DMS Long | 172° 6' 42.7964'' |
History
Darfield was originally settled by European pioneers in the mid-19th century. The town grew quickly in the late 1800s and early 1900s, thanks in part to the arrival of the railway in the area. Today, Darfield is a thriving community that is known for its rich agricultural history and strong community spirit.
Geography
Darfield is located on the Canterbury Plains, which are situated between the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and farmland and is situated near several important rivers and waterways. The nearby Southern Alps provide a stunning backdrop to the town and offer numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Darfield is located at latitude -43.48949967 and longitude 172.11188790 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -44° 30' 37.8012'' and longitude 172° 6' 42.7964'' (DMS).
Below is map of Darfield
Demographics
As of the 2018 census, Darfield had a population of approximately 2,600 people. The town has a relatively young population, with a median age of 36 years. The majority of residents are of European descent, although there is also a significant Maori population in the area.
Climate
Darfield has a temperate oceanic climate, with mild temperatures and moderate rainfall throughout the year. Summers are warm and sunny, with temperatures averaging around 22°C, while winters are cool and damp, with temperatures averaging around 7°C. The area is known for its strong winds, particularly in the spring and summer months.
Darfield Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Darfield Live Weather
Light rain
Humidity: 66%
Wind: 1.74 mt/sec towards W
observed on 29 Oct 2025 21:00
Darfield Weather Forecast for Next 5 days
13.75°C to 13.75°C
Light rain
14.22°C to 15.17°C
Light rain
15.44°C to 15.44°C
Few clouds
17.87°C to 17.87°C
Clear sky
19.54°C to 19.54°C
Clear sky
18.68°C to 18.68°C
Overcast clouds
Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
One of the main attractions in Darfield is the nearby Waimakariri River, which is a popular destination for fishing, kayaking and other water sports. The town is also home to several parks and reserves, including the Darfield Domain and the Darfield Recreation Reserve. Other popular tourist attractions in the area include the nearby ski fields and the Canterbury Plains Railway Museum.
Economy
Darfield is an important hub for the local agricultural industry and is home to several large dairy farms and other agricultural businesses. The town also has a small retail and service sector, which serves the needs of local residents and visitors. Tourism is an important source of income for the area, particularly during the summer months.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Annabel's Educare |
| 2 | Annabel's Kindergarten - Darfield |
| 3 | Annabel's Private Kindergarten |
| 4 | Darfield High School |
| 5 | Darfield Playcentre |