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Leeston, Canterbury | Post Code, Weather, Map & nearby locations

Explore Leeston, Canterbury, in the Nelson City, Nelson. This includes the postal code, map coordinates (latitude and longitude), travel guide, weather, police station, college, schools, airport, railway station, business, cinema, nearby street addresses and nearby locations of interest.

Overview

Leeston is a small town located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It is situated approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Christchurch and is home to a population of around 2,200 people. The town serves as a hub for the surrounding rural area, with many agricultural and farming activities taking place in the region.

Leeston Details
LocationLeeston
RegionCanterbury
District CouncilSelwyn District
Postal Code:7683,7682,7632
Current Time:08:27 AM
Date:Monday, May 19, 2025(NZST)
Time zone:NZST (UTC+12:00)
Elevation / Altitude52.52 meters. Above Seal level
Latitude-43.7671
Longitude172.2941
DMS Lat-44° 13' 58.488''
DMS Long172° 17' 38.935''

History

Leeston was originally known as 'The Homebush,' after the estate of the same name that was established in the area in the early 1860s. The town was founded in 1864 and named after John Lee, who was an early settler in the region. The first public building in Leeston was the courthouse, which was completed in 1865. The town grew rapidly in the late 1800s and early 1900s and many of its historic buildings date back to this time.

Geography

Leeston is situated on the Canterbury Plains, which is a large area of flat land that stretches across the eastern side of New Zealand's South Island. The town is surrounded by farmland and is located near the foothills of the Southern Alps. The nearby Lake Ellesmere, which is the country's fifth-largest lake, is a popular destination for boating and fishing enthusiasts.

Leeston is located at latitude -43.76708666 and longitude 172.29414860 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -44° 13' 58.488'' and longitude 172° 17' 38.935'' (DMS).
Below is map of Leeston

Demographics

The population of Leeston is predominantly European, with around 90% of residents identifying as such in the latest census. The remaining 10% of the population is made up of Maori, Pacific Islanders and other ethnicities. The town has a relatively high median age compared to other New Zealand towns, with many of its residents being over 50 years old.

Climate

Leeston has a temperate oceanic climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The town experiences relatively low rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being June and July. The prevailing wind in the region is from the west and this can result in some strong gusts at times.

Leeston Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.

Leeston Live Weather

Temperature: 13.27 °C
Scattered clouds
Humidity: 68%
Wind: 4.67 mt/sec towards SW
observed on 18 May 2025 21:00

Leeston Weather Forecast for Next 5 days

18-05-2025
13.27°C to 13.27°C
Scattered clouds
19-05-2025
13.81°C to 14.9°C
Scattered clouds
20-05-2025
12.63°C to 12.63°C
Clear sky
21-05-2025
14.21°C to 14.21°C
Clear sky
22-05-2025
14.74°C to 14.74°C
Clear sky
23-05-2025
15.26°C to 15.26°C
Light rain

Landmarks and Tourist Attractions

Leeston is home to several historic buildings, including the courthouse, which is still in use today. The town's war memorial and clock tower is also a popular landmark. The nearby Lake Ellesmere is a popular destination for fishing and boating enthusiasts and the surrounding wetlands are home to a variety of birdlife.

Economy

Leeston's economy is largely driven by agriculture and farming activities. The town is home to several dairy farms and other agricultural businesses and many of its residents are employed in these industries. There are also several small businesses located in the town, including shops, cafes and other services.