Balfour

Welcome to an "Angler's Paradise" - the Waimea Plains of Northern Southland, with its world-renowned Mataura River. Balfour, the "Heart of the Waimea Plains" sits between the Hokonui Hills and the Mataura River. It is a peaceful rural town in close proximity to the Fiordland Lakes and the action-packed Queenstown area. Balfour is on State Highway 94, 20 kilometres east of Lumsden on the Gore-Queenstown highway

HistoryThe Waimea Railway from Gore to Lumsden had its first sod turned in 1879 with the Balfour Railway Siding being built in 1899.  This development provided a mode of transport for the grain and wool produced in the area.

The Dairy Factory, opened in 1910 to service a dairy farming industry has since been converted to a residential home.

Midday explosions from the Balfour Lime Works were heard in Balfour for many years.   The Lime Works has had a chequered operating history with closures and management changes since it commenced operating in 1910.  It still operates today, supplying lime to the wider farming community.

Cattle (beef and dairy), sheep, and grain farming continues to support the Balfour community, with recent diversification into deer farming.

Services:

Grocery shop, tavern and garage services are available in Balfour

Of interest:

Fishing

The Balfour area offers a diverse range of rivers within a 10 to 60 minute drive, offering some of the best trout fishing waters in New Zealand. These rivers, coupled with the excellent farm stays in the district, will ensure your stay in Balfour is a happy one.

Glenure-Allan Reserve

To appreciate the tranquility of wide-open spaces in a native bush setting visit the Glenure-Allan Reserve, just a 10 minute drive from the Balfour township. This stand of native bush is a Balfour School conservation project, set up to achieve self-sufficiency in its supply of native plantings for the area.  Walk the loop track at the summit of Glenure Hill and you will discover a grove of kauri trees. Enjoy the tranquility and the wonderful views!

Balfour Rugby Sevens Tournament

The Balfour Rugby Sevens Tournament is held annually with teams converging from all over Otago and Southland. It's your opportunity to observe or participate in a real rugby event!

Sporting Facilities

Balfour has an extensive range of sporting facilities for squash, tennis, rugby, cricket, netball, hockey, small bore rifle shooting, indoor and outdoor bowls.

Other

In Balfour visitors will find Playcentre and Plunket Rooms, an information notice board, public telephone, public toilets, picnic areas, and an excellent children's playground.

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