KiwiGlimpseOverview
Lochiel is a small rural town located in the Southland region of the South Island in New Zealand. The town is situated on the banks of the Aparima River and is surrounded by farmland and native bush. Despite its small size, Lochiel offers a range of activities and attractions for tourists to enjoy.
| Lochiel Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lochiel |
| Region | Southland |
| District Council | Southland District |
| Postal Code: | 9781 |
| Current Time: | 05:00 PM |
| Date: | Thursday, July 10, 2025(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 51.31 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -46.2041 |
| Longitude | 168.3333 |
| DMS Lat | -47° 47' 45.1719'' |
| DMS Long | 168° 19' 59.9498'' |
History
Lochiel was settled by European farmers in the mid-19th century. The town takes its name from Lochiel, a village in the Scottish Highlands. At its peak, the town had a population of over 300 people and was a centre for farming and timber milling. Today, Lochiel has a population of around 70 people and is a popular destination for tourists.
Geography
Lochiel is located in the Southland Plains, just north of the town of Riverton. The town is situated on the banks of the Aparima River, which is popular for fishing and kayaking. The surrounding countryside is home to a variety of wildlife, including native birds and fish.
Lochiel is located at latitude -46.20411893 and longitude 168.33331940 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -47° 47' 45.1719'' and longitude 168° 19' 59.9498'' (DMS).
Below is map of Lochiel
Demographics
The population of Lochiel is predominantly European, with a small Maori community. The town has a mix of young families and older residents, with many attracted to the town's rural lifestyle and peaceful atmosphere.
Climate
Lochiel has a temperate climate, with cool temperatures throughout the year. The summer months (December to February) are the warmest, with temperatures averaging around 18°C. The winter months (June to August) are cooler, with temperatures averaging around 7°C. The town receives moderate levels of rainfall throughout the year.
Lochiel Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Lochiel Live Weather
Light rain
Humidity: 97%
Wind: 2.56 mt/sec towards NE
observed on 10 Jul 2025 06:00
Lochiel 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
Lochiel is home to several historic buildings and landmarks, including the Lochiel School and the Lochiel Presbyterian Church. The town is also a popular destination for outdoor activities, such as fishing, kayaking and hiking in the surrounding countryside. Nearby attractions include the Colac Bay and the Te Waewae Bay.
Economy
The economy of Lochiel is largely based on agriculture and tourism. Many of the residents are involved in sheep and dairy farming, while others run small tourism-related businesses, such as guesthouses and cafes.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Blue Duck Early Learning Centre Winton |
| 2 | Central Southland College |
| 3 | Hillside Primary School |
| 4 | Lochiel School |
| 5 | St Thomas School (Winton) |