Overview
Leigh is a small coastal town located in the Rodney District of the Auckland region in New Zealand. The town is situated on the east coast of the North Island and is known for its beautiful beaches, marine reserves and fishing spots. The town has a population of around 1,200 people and is a popular holiday destination for both locals and tourists.
Leigh Details | |
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Location | Leigh |
Region | Auckland |
District Council | Auckland |
Postal Code: | 0985,0972 |
Current Time: | 08:06 AM |
Date: | Monday, May 19, 2025(NZST) |
Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
Elevation / Altitude | 53.28 meters. Above Seal level |
Latitude | -36.2957 |
Longitude | 174.7996 |
DMS Lat | -37° 42' 15.6111'' |
DMS Long | 174° 47' 58.619'' |
History
The area now known as Leigh was originally inhabited by the Ngāti Wai tribe, who used the surrounding waters for fishing and gathering shellfish. In the mid-19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile land and abundant fishing opportunities. The town of Leigh was officially established in the early 1900s and has since developed into a popular tourist destination.
Geography
Leigh is located on the east coast of the North Island, approximately 100 kilometers north of Auckland. The town is situated on a peninsula and is surrounded by the Hauraki Gulf, which is known for its clear waters and diverse marine life. The area is also home to several marine reserves, including the Goat Island Marine Reserve, which is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
Leigh is located at latitude -36.29566359 and longitude 174.79961640 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -37° 42' 15.6111'' and longitude 174° 47' 58.619'' (DMS).
Below is map of Leigh
Demographics
According to the 2018 New Zealand census, the population of Leigh is approximately 1,200 people. The town has a relatively even gender split and is home to a mix of European, Māori and Pacific Islander ethnicities.
Climate
Leigh has a temperate maritime climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The area receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months typically being from June to August. The coastal location of the town means that it can be quite windy at times.
Leigh Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Leigh Live Weather
Scattered clouds
Humidity: 68%
Wind: 4.67 mt/sec towards SW
observed on 18 May 2025 21:00
Leigh 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
Leigh is known for its beautiful beaches and marine reserves, which attract a large number of visitors each year. The Goat Island Marine Reserve is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, while Matheson Bay and Pakiri Beach are both popular swimming and surfing destinations. Other notable attractions in the area include the Leigh Sawmill Cafe, which hosts regular live music events and the Leigh Fisheries Museum, which showcases the history of the local fishing industry.
Economy
The economy of Leigh is largely driven by tourism, with the town attracting a large number of visitors each year. The area is also known for its fishing industry, with several local fishing boats operating in the Hauraki Gulf. The town is home to several cafes, restaurants and accommodation providers, which cater to the needs of tourists and locals alike.
Nearby Schools
Sr. No. | School Name |
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1 | Leigh Community Pre-School Inc |
2 | Leigh School |
3 | Matakana Playcentre |
4 | Matakana School |
5 | Matakana Village Preschool |