Balclutha, town population around 5000, is situated on the banks of the Clutha River, 82 kilometres south west of Dunedin City. The town’s icon is an impressive concrete-arched bridge that spans the river, separating the main business and residential areas of the town. Balclutha is the commercial hub of the Clutha District and boasts an enviable range of services and amenities for a town of its size.
The land surrounding Balclutha is highly productive, with rich alluvial flats and terraces rising to gently undulating land. The town had its beginnings in the 1830s with visits by sealers and whalers. With the discovery of gold in 1861, the Clutha River played an important historical role in the area bringing wealth to the district. These days the Clutha River boasts some of the best salmon in New Zealand, while surrounding lakes are well-stocked with brown and rainbow trout. Numerous recreational opportunities include fishing, power boating, sailing, kayaking, water skiing and windsurfing. Mountain biking, horse riding, shooting, tramping and hiking are also popular past times and the region offers a selection of stunning picnic locations. Popular Central Otago ski fields can be reached with two hour’s drive, including Queenstown, the four season alpine lake resort that offers year round action-packed thrills.
Balclutha is the gateway to the picturesque Catlins area, and Southern Scenic Route. Described as 'the jewel in the crown', Catlins State Forest Park in eastern Southland is renowned for its spectacular coastal scenery and wildlife. There are rocky headlands, sandy bays and estuaries, waterfalls and lakes alongside forests of rimu, kamahi and silver beech. Yellow-eyed penguins nest along the coast, there's a wide variety of other penguins and bird life, and seals, sea lions and Hector's dolphins are commonly seen. These can be appreciated with various options for walking and hiking, including the popular five-hour-long Catlins Coastal Heritage Trail.
The town supports a number of official services, including Clutha District Council, police, court and various Government support agencies. Comprehensive health facilities, including a local hospital, are available and numerous shops and community facilities are complemented by those in Dunedin (one hour’s drive away) and Invercargill (90 minute’s drive). There are several pre-schools, primary schools and a high school within Balclutha, with other options available within the district. Both Invercargill and Dunedin offer tertiary education, and the Otago School of Medicine is located in Dunedin.
For further information about this location, please refer to:
www.cluthadc.govt.nz is the website of Clutha District Council with information on the town’s resources and a photo gallery
www.panoramas.co.nz includes several photographs of the countryside surrounding Balclutha
www.stats.govt.nz (statistics by area /community profiles/alphabetical list /balclutha) for statistical information about the population of Balclutha
www.ero.govt.nz for an official performance evaluation of each New Zealand School
The information on these pages was accurate at the time of listing. As some detail may have since changed, NZLocums recommends the information be used as a guideline only.
Balclutha, town population around 5000, is situated on the banks of the Clutha River, 82 kilometres south west of Dunedin City. The town’s icon is an impressive concrete-arched bridge that spans the river, separating the main business and residential areas of the town. Balclutha is the commercial hub of the Clutha District and boasts an enviable range of services and amenities for a town of its size.
fishing, power boating, sailing, kayaking, water skiing and windsurfing. Mountain biking, horse riding, shooting, tramping and hiking are also popular past times and the region offers a selection of stunning picnic locations. Popular Central Otago ski fields can be reached with two hour’s drive, including Queenstown, the four season alpine lake resort that offers year round action-packed thrills.