Eltham, New Zealand

Eltham
The town centre of Eltham
Interactive map of Eltham
Coordinates: 39°25′47″S 174°17′57″E / 39.42972°S 174.29917°E / -39.42972; 174.29917
CountryNew Zealand
RegionTaranaki Region
Territorial authoritySouth Taranaki District
Ward
  • Eltham-Kaponga General Ward
  • Te Kūrae Māori Ward
  • Te Tai Tonga Māori Ward
CommunityEltham-Kaponga Community
Electorates
Government
 • Territorial AuthoritySouth Taranaki District Council
 • Regional councilTaranaki Regional Council
 • Mayor of South TaranakiPhil Nixon
 • Whanganui MPCarl Bates
 • Te Tai Hauāuru MPDebbie Ngarewa-Packer
Area
 • Total
3.43 km2 (1.32 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2025)
 • Total
2,120
 • Density618/km2 (1,600/sq mi)
Postcode
4322

Eltham is a small inland town in South Taranaki, New Zealand, located 50 kilometres (31 mi) south of the city of New Plymouth and southeast of the volcanic cone of Mount Taranaki. Stratford is 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) north, Kaponga 13 km (8 mi) west, and Hāwera is 19 km (12 mi) south. State Highway 3 runs through the town.

Eltham is South Taranaki's second largest town.

Eltham is known as the cradle of the Taranaki dairy industry (the co-operative system in particular), and for being the one place in New Zealand that manufactured rennet which is important in cheesemaking. It was also the first place to export butter to England.