Clarence, New Zealand
Clarence | |
|---|---|
Interactive map of Clarence | |
| Coordinates: 42°9′19″S 173°55′42″E / 42.15528°S 173.92833°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Canterbury |
| Territorial authority | Kaikōura District |
| Electorates | |
| Government | |
| • Territorial Authority | Kaikōura District Council |
| • Kaikōura District Mayor | Craig Mackle[1] |
| • Kaikōura MP | Stuart Smith[2] |
| • Te Tai Tonga MP | Tākuta Ferris[3] |
| Area | |
• Total | 59.47 km2 (22.96 sq mi) |
| Population (2023 census)[5] | |
• Total | 63 |
| • Density | 1.1/km2 (2.7/sq mi) |
Clarence is a small town in Canterbury, in the South Island of New Zealand. It was named after King William IV of the United Kingdom, who prior to his accession was Duke of Clarence.
It lies on State Highway 1, about 30 km (19 mi) north of Kaikōura, near the mouth of the Waiau Toa / Clarence River.
Woodbank School in Clarence opened in 1914 and closed in February 2014 due to declining roll numbers[6]
Demographics
Clarence locality covers 59.47 km2 (22.96 sq mi)[4] It had a population of 63 people in the 2023 census.[5] Clarence is part of the larger Kekerengu locality and Kaikōura Ranges statistical areas.[7]
Surfing
Clarence has several surf breaks near the river mouth. Due to their difficulty, they are recommended for advanced to expert surfers.[8]
River rafting
River rafting trips on the Waiau Toa / Clarence River have been run commercially since 1998.[9]
2016 Kaikōura earthquake
Clarence and the surrounding area was significantly affected by the M7.8 2016 Kaikōura earthquake and cut off for some months from the rest of the South Island. The area was briefly evacuated following a slip upstream on the Waiau Toa / Clarence which caused a build up of water, threatening flash flooding in the town.[10][11][12]
References
- ↑ "2025 Triennial Elections Declaration of Result" (PDF). Electionz. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ↑ "Kaikōura - Official Result". Electoral Commission. Retrieved 9 May 2026.
- ↑ "Te Tai Tonga – Official Result". Electoral Commission. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- 1 2 "Stats NZ Geographic Data Service". Meshblock 2025. Retrieved 3 June 2026.
- 1 2 "Stats NZ Geographic Data Service". 2023 Census electoral population at meshblock level (2025 Meshblock). Retrieved 3 June 2026.
- ↑ Dangerfield, Emma (18 December 2013). "Farewell to Woodbank School after 99 years". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 3 June 2026.
- ↑ "Geographic Boundary Viewer". Stats NZ. Meshblock - 2025 and Statistical Area 2 – 2023.
- ↑ "Clarence | Surf Seeker | NZ Surf Guide". surfseeker.nz. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ↑ "Clarence River Rafting makes most of post-earthquake changes to Clarence River". Stuff. 15 February 2017. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ↑ "Earthquake turns Clarence road into cliff". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ↑ "Clarence River: Slip causes breach after earthquake damage". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ↑ "Quake shuts off Clarence Valley access, isolates farmers and residents". Stuff. 21 November 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- Reed, A. W. (2002). The Reed Dictionary of New Zealand Place Names. Auckland: Reed Books. ISBN 0-7900-0761-4.