Balclutha, New Zealand
Balclutha
Iwikatea (Māori) | |
|---|---|
Town | |
Looking across the Clutha towards the town centre. The distinctive road bridge is visible in the centre of the picture | |
Interactive map of Balclutha | |
| Coordinates: 46°14′S 169°45′E / 46.233°S 169.750°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Otago |
| Territorial authority | Clutha District |
| Ward | Balclutha |
| Electorates |
|
| Government | |
| • Territorial authority | Clutha District Council |
| • Regional council | Otago Regional Council |
| • Mayor of Clutha | Jock Martin |
| • Taieri MP | Ingrid Leary |
| • Te Tai Tonga MP | Tākuta Ferris |
| Area | |
• Total | 7.55 km2 (2.92 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2025) | |
• Total | 4,460 |
| • Density | 591/km2 (1,530/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+12 (NZST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+13 (NZDT) |
| Postcode(s) | 9230 |
| Area code | 03 |
| Local iwi | Ngāi Tahu |
Balclutha (Māori: Iwikatea) is a town in South Otago, lying towards the end of the Clutha River, on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is about halfway between Dunedin and Gore on the Main South Line railway, State Highway 1 and the Southern Scenic Route. Balclutha has a population of 4,460 (as of June 2025), and is the largest town in South Otago.
The Clutha District Council is based in Balclutha.
The major service centre for the fertile farming region around the lower reaches of the Clutha River, it is also the nearest large town to the Catlins, a scenic region of native forest, wildlife, and rugged coastline.