KiwiGlimpseOverview
Longford is a small rural town located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. The town is situated on State Highway 1, approximately 15 km north of Ashburton. Longford is a quiet, peaceful community with a population of around 150 people and it is known for its beautiful countryside and relaxed lifestyle.
| Longford Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Longford |
| Region | Southland |
| District Council | Southland District |
| Sub-District | Southland District |
| Postal Code: | - |
| Current Time: | 03:48 AM |
| Date: | Sunday, April 19, 2026(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 52.54 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -41.7800 |
| Longitude | 172.3700 |
| DMS Lat | -42° 13' 12'' |
| DMS Long | 172° 22' 12'' |
History
Longford was founded in the late 1800s as a farming community, with sheep farming and dairy farming being the main industries. The town grew slowly over the years, with a school and church being established in the early 1900s. Today, Longford is still primarily a farming community, although there has been some recent growth in the tourism industry due to the town's proximity to popular tourist destinations like Lake Tekapo and Mount Hutt.
Geography
Longford is located on the Canterbury Plains, surrounded by farmland and rolling hills. The town is situated near the Rangitata River, which is a popular spot for fishing and white-water rafting. The climate in Longford is mild, with warm summers and cool winters.
Longford is located at latitude -41.78 and longitude 172.37 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -42° 13' 12'' and longitude 172° 22' 12'' (DMS).
Below is map of Longford
Demographics
The population of Longford is small and predominantly European, with a mix of young families and retirees. The town has a close-knit community, with many residents involved in local organizations and events. The majority of residents work in agriculture, although there are also some small businesses in the town.
Climate
Longford has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The town receives an average of 700 mm of rainfall per year, with the wettest months being May and June. The average temperature in January, the warmest month, is 22°C, while the average temperature in July, the coldest month, is 5°C.
Longford Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Error: Unable to retrieve weather forecast data.Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
Longford is a peaceful town with beautiful countryside and scenic views. Visitors can enjoy hiking or biking along the nearby Rangitata River or take a drive to nearby attractions like Lake Tekapo and Mount Hutt. There are also several wineries and farm-to-table restaurants in the surrounding area, offering visitors a taste of the local cuisine.
Economy
The economy of Longford is primarily based on agriculture, with sheep farming and dairy farming being the main industries. There has been some recent growth in the tourism industry, with visitors drawn to the area's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Longford has a small commercial district, which includes a convenience store and a petrol station, but many residents commute to nearby Ashburton for work and shopping.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Granity/Ngakawau Playcentre |
| 2 | Granity School |
| 3 | Lake Rotoiti School |
| 4 | Maruia School |
| 5 | Murchison Area School |