Overview
Gowanbridge is a small rural settlement located in the Southland region of New Zealand's South Island. The town is known for its remote and rugged setting, with the surrounding countryside consisting of farmland and rolling hills. It is a quiet and peaceful town, with a small population of permanent residents. The town is primarily an agricultural area, with farming and horticulture being the main industries.
Gowanbridge Details | |
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Location | Gowanbridge |
Region | Otago |
District Council | Central Otago District |
Sub-District | Central Otago District |
Postal Code: | - |
Current Time: | 03:04 AM |
Date: | Saturday, January 18, 2025(NZST) |
Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
Elevation / Altitude | 52.60 meters. Above Seal level |
Latitude | -41.7200 |
Longitude | 172.5700 |
DMS Lat | -42° 16' 48'' |
DMS Long | 172° 34' 12'' |
History
The area around Gowanbridge has a rich Maori history, with evidence of early settlement dating back over 1,000 years. The town was established in the mid-19th century as a stop on the coach route between Invercargill and Dunedin. The town grew in the early 20th century with the establishment of several dairy farms in the surrounding area. Today, the town is a mix of permanent residents and holiday homes, with many visitors coming to enjoy the area's natural beauty.
Geography
Gowanbridge is located in a valley surrounded by rolling hills, with the Mataura River flowing through the town. The town is located on State Highway 1, which runs from Auckland to Wellington. The surrounding area is primarily farmland, with dairy farms and sheep farms being the main land uses.
Gowanbridge is located at latitude -41.72 and longitude 172.57 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -42° 16' 48'' and longitude 172° 34' 12'' (DMS).
Below is map of Gowanbridge
Demographics
As of the 2018 census, Gowanbridge had a population of 120 people. The town has a slightly more female than male population. The median age of residents is 48 years, which is higher than the national median of 38 years. The majority of residents are of European descent, with small Maori and Pacific Islander populations.
Climate
Gowanbridge has a cool, temperate climate, with mild summers and cool winters. The town receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being June and July. Snowfall is common in the winter months, with the surrounding hills often covered in snow. The town is exposed to strong winds, particularly in the winter months.
Gowanbridge Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Gowanbridge Live Weather
Overcast clouds
Humidity: 83%
Wind: 1.46 mt/sec towards E
observed on 17 Jan 2025 15:00
Gowanbridge Weather Forecast for Next 5 days
14.33°C to 14.33°C
Overcast clouds
20.34°C to 20.34°C
Light rain
22.66°C to 22.66°C
Overcast clouds
21.39°C to 21.39°C
Overcast clouds
15.91°C to 15.91°C
Moderate rain
18.22°C to 18.22°C
Overcast clouds
Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
Gowanbridge is a remote town with no major tourist attractions. However, the surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing and hunting. The town is surrounded by scenic farmland and rolling hills, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The nearby Mataura River is also a popular destination for fly fishing.
Economy
The economy of Gowanbridge is based primarily on agriculture and horticulture. The town is surrounded by dairy farms and sheep farms, which provide employment for many residents. There are also several small businesses in the town, including a general store and a pub. Tourism is not a major part of the local economy, but visitors do come to the town to enjoy the area's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Nearby Schools
Sr. No. | School Name |
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1 | Lake Rotoiti School |
2 | Murchison Area School |
3 | Murchison Kindergarten |
4 | Murchison Playcentre |
5 | Richmond School (Nelson) |