Overview
Howard is a small rural town located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It is situated approximately 25 km northwest of Christchurch, the region's largest city and is known for its quiet, laid-back lifestyle and strong sense of community. Despite its small size, Howard offers a range of amenities for residents and visitors, including a primary school, community hall and local shops.
Howard Details | |
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Location | Howard |
Region | Canterbury |
District Council | Selwyn District |
Sub-District | Selwyn District |
Postal Code: | - |
Current Time: | 07:44 AM |
Date: | Monday, May 19, 2025(NZST) |
Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
Elevation / Altitude | 52.63 meters. Above Seal level |
Latitude | -41.7700 |
Longitude | 172.6700 |
DMS Lat | -42° 13' 48'' |
DMS Long | 172° 40' 12'' |
History
The area around Howard was originally inhabited by Maori tribes, who used the land for hunting and fishing. European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century and established farms and pastoral land in the area. Today, the region is known for its agriculture and farming industry, with many residents working in these sectors.
Geography
Howard is located on the Canterbury Plains, a vast area of flat land that stretches from the Southern Alps to the east coast of the South Island. The region is characterized by its fertile soil and temperate climate, making it ideal for farming and agriculture. The landscape around Howard is predominantly rural, with rolling hills and farmland stretching out to the horizon.
Howard is located at latitude -41.77 and longitude 172.67 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -42° 13' 48'' and longitude 172° 40' 12'' (DMS).
Below is map of Howard
Demographics
Howard has a small population of approximately 500 people, with a mix of European and other ethnic groups. The settlement has a strong sense of community and is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The primary industries in the area are agriculture and farming, with many residents working in these sectors. The settlement also has a small retail sector, with several shops and cafes serving both locals and visitors.
Climate
Howard has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The settlement receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being from May to August. The area is prone to occasional frosts during the winter months, but the mild climate overall makes it ideal for farming and agriculture.
Howard Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Howard Live Weather
Scattered clouds
Humidity: 68%
Wind: 4.67 mt/sec towards SW
observed on 18 May 2025 21:00
Howard 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
Howard is a rural settlement with few tourist attractions, but visitors can enjoy the surrounding countryside and outdoor recreation opportunities. The nearby Waimakariri River offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking and other water sports, while the local farmland provides opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also explore the local shops and cafes or take a scenic drive through the countryside to see the region's stunning natural beauty.
Economy
Agriculture and farming are the primary industries in Howard, with many residents working in these sectors. The settlement also has a small retail sector, with several shops and cafes serving both locals and visitors. The local economy is closely tied to the agricultural industry, with many businesses and services supporting the farming community.
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) |
Nearby Towns and Cities
Popular Towns and Cities | |
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Coleman Creek | Gibbs Creek |
Howard River | Howard Valley Road, Howard |
Howard Vly Road, Howard | Howard |
Long Gully Stream | Louis Creek |
Porika Knob | Porika Stream |