KiwiGlimpseOverview
Reefton is a small town located in the West Coast region of the South Island of New Zealand. It is situated in a valley between the Paparoa Range and the Victoria Range and it is known for its rich mining history and stunning natural beauty. Reefton is a popular destination for both history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts, with its unique blend of heritage and natural attractions.
| Reefton Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Reefton |
| Region | West Coast |
| District Council | Buller District |
| Postal Code: | 7895,7830 |
| Current Time: | 08:36 AM |
| Date: | Sunday, March 15, 2026(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 52.38 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -42.1168 |
| Longitude | 171.8621 |
| DMS Lat | -43° 52' 59.5704'' |
| DMS Long | 171° 51' 43.4218'' |
History
Reefton was founded in 1868 during the height of the West Coast gold rush. The town quickly grew to become a bustling center of mining activity, with thousands of miners flocking to the area in search of their fortunes. Today, Reefton is a well-preserved example of a gold rush town, with many of its historic buildings and landmarks still standing. Visitors can explore the town's mining history through a number of museums and heritage trails.
Geography
Reefton is located in a valley between two ranges of hills and it is surrounded by rugged mountains, dense forests and pristine rivers. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, with a number of hiking trails and outdoor recreation opportunities available for visitors to explore. Reefton is also close to a number of popular tourist attractions, including the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and the glaciers of the West Coast.
Reefton is located at latitude -42.11678601 and longitude 171.86206160 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -43° 52' 59.5704'' and longitude 171° 51' 43.4218'' (DMS).
Below is map of Reefton
Demographics
Reefton has a small population of approximately 1,000 people. The town has a mix of permanent residents and holiday home owners, with a range of ages and ethnicities represented. Reefton is known for its friendly and welcoming community, with locals who are proud of their town's rich history and stunning natural surroundings.
Climate
Reefton has a mild, temperate climate with cool winters and warm summers. The area experiences moderate levels of rainfall throughout the year, with the most rain falling during the winter months. The surrounding mountains and forests help to regulate the temperature and create a unique microclimate in the area.
Reefton Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Error: Unable to retrieve weather forecast data.Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
Reefton is known for its rich mining history, with many of its historic buildings and landmarks still standing. Visitors can explore the town's heritage through a number of museums and heritage trails, including the Reefton Distric Museum and the Heritage Trail. The area is also popular for outdoor recreation, with a number of hiking trails and nature walks available for visitors to explore. Nearby attractions include the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and the glaciers of the West Coast.
Economy
Reefton's economy is largely based on tourism, with visitors attracted to the town's rich mining history and stunning natural surroundings. The town is also home to a number of small businesses, including cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops, which cater to the needs of the local community and visitors to the area.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Awahono School - Grey Valley |
| 2 | Grey Valley Playcentre |
| 3 | Kawatiri Kids |
| 4 | Maruia School |
| 5 | Reefton Area School |