Mataura, Southland Map

About Mataura, Southland

Mataura is a locality in the Southland Region of New Zealand. It has a population of approximately 1,680. It sits at an elevation of around 64 m above sea level. It lies approximately 46 km north-east of Invercargill, the regional capital. Mataura is located at 46.1784°S, 168.8501°E. It observes New Zealand Time (NZST/NZDT). Statistics New Zealand classifies the area as a small urban area.

Mataura lies in a broad, fertile plain, a landscape shaped by ancient geological forces and the patient sculpting of water. It lies 45.6 km east-north-east of Invercargill (from Invercargill: bearing 58°T), and is situated 11.1 km south-west of Gore. The land here rolls gently, a patchwork of cultivated fields and pastureland reaching towards the distant, soft contours of the Hokonui Hills. The air, particularly in the early mornings, carries a crisp, clean scent of damp earth and growing things, a quiet perfume that speaks of the Southland's agricultural heart. Sunlight, when it breaks through the often-clouded skies, can be surprisingly soft, casting a muted glow over the greens and browns of the countryside, and the sky itself often seems to stretch on forever, a vast canvas of shifting greys and blues.

The story of Mataura is deeply entwined with the very land it inhabits, a history of taming and cultivation that has defined its character and economy. For generations, the rich soil has supported a thriving agricultural sector, with dairy farming forming the backbone of its prosperity, evidenced by the creamy hues of milk produced across the surrounding farms. The Mataura River, a vital artery for the region, flows a short distance away, its presence a constant reminder of the water’s essential role in sustaining life and industry. Nearby, the dense, verdant growth of Croydon Bush offers a contrasting natural beauty, a pocket of native forest that hints at the wilder landscapes that once dominated this part of the country. This enduring connection to the land has fostered a practical, down-to-earth spirit amongst the people of Mataura, a quiet resilience that has seen the locality adapt and endure.

About This Mataura Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Mataura, Southland, New Zealand — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: -46.1784, 168.85009. Live weather conditions with current observations and a 7-day forecast are powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time New Zealand and world news feeds keep the page current, while an editorial description provides background on Mataura.

Mataura sits within the Southland Region. Location data is drawn from the GeoNames geographical database and verified by coordinates, ensuring the correct Mataura is identified even where the name is shared across multiple New Zealand localities.