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
Coordinates: 46°14′S 169°45′E / 46.233°S 169.750°E / -46.233; 169.750
CountryNew Zealand
RegionOtago
Territorial authorityClutha District
WardBalclutha
Electorates
Government
  Territorial authorityClutha District Council
  Regional councilOtago Regional Council
  Mayor of CluthaBryan Cadogan
  Taieri MPIngrid Leary
  Te Tai Tonga MPTākuta Ferris
Area
  Total
7.55 km2 (2.92 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2024)
  Total
4,400
  Density580/km2 (1,500/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+12 (NZST)
  Summer (DST)UTC+13 (NZDT)
Postcode(s)
9230
Area code03
Local iwiNgāi 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 4,400 (as of June 2024), 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.