Hampden, New Zealand

Hampden
Rural settlement
The beach at Hampden looking south
Interactive map of Hampden
Coordinates: 45°19′40″S 170°49′00″E / 45.32778°S 170.81667°E / -45.32778; 170.81667
CountryNew Zealand
RegionOtago
Territorial authorityWaitaki District
WardWaihemo Ward
CommunityWaihemo Community
Electorates
Government
 • Territorial authorityWaitaki District Council
 • Regional councilOtago Regional Council
 • Mayor of WaitakiMelanie Tavendale
 • Waitaki MPMiles Anderson
 • Te Tai Tonga MPTākuta Ferris
Area
 • Total
2.56 km2 (0.99 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2025)
 • Total
410
 • Density160/km2 (410/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+12 (New Zealand Standard Time)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+13 (New Zealand Daylight Time)
Postcode
9410

Hampden, a small town in North Otago, New Zealand, lies close to the North Otago coast, 35 kilometres south of Oamaru and 80 kilometres north of the city of Dunedin, to both of which it is connected by State Highway 1.

The township's population at its largest was about 560, but by 2009 it had dwindled to approximately 230. Hampden is named in honour of the English politician John Hampden by early surveyor W. B. D. Mantell, possibly influenced by the location of a public house, The Hampden Hotel, at the site.