KiwiGlimpseOverview
Irwell is a small rural settlement located in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand. The settlement is situated near the foothills of the Southern Alps and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the Mount Hutt Range and the Rakaia River. Despite its small size, Irwell has a rich history and is home to a number of unique attractions and landmarks.
| Irwell Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Irwell |
| Region | Canterbury |
| District Council | Selwyn District |
| Sub-District | Selwyn District |
| Postal Code: | - |
| Current Time: | 05:20 PM |
| Date: | Thursday, July 10, 2025(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 52.53 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -43.7051 |
| Longitude | 172.3539 |
| DMS Lat | -44° 17' 41.4657'' |
| DMS Long | 172° 21' 13.9064'' |
History
Irwell was established in the mid-19th century during the gold rush period in New Zealand. The settlement quickly grew due to its location on the Rakaia River, which was used to transport goods and supplies to other towns in the region. Today, Irwell has a rich history and is home to a number of historic buildings and landmarks, including the St. John's Church.
Geography
Irwell is situated near the foothills of the Southern Alps and is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including the Mount Hutt Range and the Rakaia River. The area is known for its stunning scenery, with rolling hills, beautiful forests and crystal-clear rivers. The settlement is also located close to a number of natural attractions, including the Mount Hutt Ski Area and the Rakaia Gorge.
Irwell is located at latitude -43.70514841 and longitude 172.35386290 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -44° 17' 41.4657'' and longitude 172° 21' 13.9064'' (DMS).
Below is map of Irwell
Demographics
Irwell is a small settlement with a population of around 300 people. The settlement has a strong sense of community and is known for its friendly locals and welcoming atmosphere. The majority of the population is of European descent, with a small Maori population also present in the area.
Climate
Irwell has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. The area receives a moderate amount of rainfall, which keeps the area green and lush. The settlement is also sheltered from harsh winds, making it a pleasant place to live and visit.
Irwell Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Irwell Live Weather
Light rain
Humidity: 97%
Wind: 2.56 mt/sec towards NE
observed on 10 Jul 2025 06:00
Irwell Weather Forecast for Next 5 days
11.68°C to 11.68°C
Light rain
12.58°C to 12.58°C
Moderate rain
12.64°C to 12.64°C
Light rain
12.49°C to 12.49°C
Light rain
12.55°C to 12.55°C
Light rain
13.35°C to 13.35°C
Overcast clouds
Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
Irwell is home to a number of unique landmarks and tourist attractions, including the St. John's Church, which dates back to the mid-19th century. The settlement is also located close to a number of natural attractions, including the Mount Hutt Ski Area and the Rakaia Gorge. Irwell is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a range of activities on offer, including skiing, hiking and fishing.
Economy
Irwell's economy is primarily based on agriculture and tourism, with a focus on dairy farming and sheep farming. The settlement is also home to a number of small businesses, including cafes, restaurants and specialty shops. The area is known for its high-quality produce, including cheese, milk and meat, which are sold locally and exported to markets around the world.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Active Explorers Leeston |
| 2 | BestStart Faringdon East |
| 3 | Burnham Country Montessori |
| 4 | Children First Pre School |
| 5 | Ellesmere College |