KiwiGlimpseOverview
Longbush is a rural community located in the Gisborne Region of New Zealand. The town is located on the banks of the Waimata River and is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. Longbush is a small town with a population of approximately 100 people and it is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
| Longbush Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Longbush |
| Region | Southland |
| District Council | Southland District |
| Postal Code: | 9871 |
| Current Time: | 03:48 PM |
| Date: | Thursday, July 10, 2025(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 51.36 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -46.3718 |
| Longitude | 168.5107 |
| DMS Lat | -47° 37' 41.4527'' |
| DMS Long | 168° 30' 38.5621'' |
History
Longbush was settled in the 1860s by European pioneers who were drawn to the area's fertile land and abundant natural resources. The town grew slowly over the years, with farming and forestry becoming the main industries. Today, Longbush is home to a number of historic sites, including the Longbush Ecosanctuary, which was established in 2006 to preserve and restore the area's native flora and fauna.
Geography
Longbush is situated on the east coast of the North Island, approximately 15 km south of the city of Gisborne. The town is located in a valley surrounded by hills and forests and the Waimata River runs through the town, providing a source of water for agriculture and recreation. The climate in Longbush is mild, with warm summers and cool winters.
Longbush is located at latitude -46.37181870 and longitude 168.51071170 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -47° 37' 41.4527'' and longitude 168° 30' 38.5621'' (DMS).
Below is map of Longbush
Demographics
The population of Longbush is small and predominantly European, with a small number of Māori residents. The town is home to a mix of young families and retirees and the median age is 47. The majority of residents work in agriculture, forestry or tourism.
Climate
Longbush has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The town receives an average of 1,300 mm of rainfall per year, with the wettest months being June and July. The average temperature in January, the warmest month, is 22°C, while the average temperature in July, the coldest month, is 10°C.
Longbush Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Longbush Live Weather
Light rain
Humidity: 95%
Wind: 2.56 mt/sec towards NE
observed on 10 Jul 2025 06:00
Longbush Weather Forecast for Next 5 days
11.68°C to 12.34°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
Longbush is home to several natural attractions, including the Longbush Ecosanctuary, which features walking trails and native birdlife. The Waimata River is also a popular spot for fishing and kayaking and the surrounding forests offer hiking and mountain biking opportunities. Other nearby attractions include the city of Gisborne, which has a rich Māori history and a vibrant arts and culture scene and the Eastwoodhill Arboretum, which is one of the largest and most diverse collections of trees in the Southern Hemisphere.
Economy
The economy of Longbush is primarily based on agriculture and forestry, with sheep farming and timber harvesting being the main industries. The town also has a small tourism industry, with visitors drawn to the area's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Longbush has a small commercial district, which includes a general store and a petrol station, but many residents commute to nearby Gisborne for work and shopping.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Blue Duck Early Learning Centre Invercargill |
| 2 | James Hargest College |
| 3 | Longbush Rural Kindergarten |
| 4 | Myross Bush School |
| 5 | Rimu School |