Clarence, New Zealand facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Clarence
Clarence Location in New Zealand Marlborough
Country	New Zealand
Region	Canterbury
District	Kaikōura District

Clarence is a small, quiet town in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. It's located on the South Island, which is one of New Zealand's two main islands. The town was named after King William IV of the United Kingdom. Before he became king, he was known as the Duke of Clarence.

Clarence sits right on State Highway 1, which is a major road in New Zealand. It's about 30 km (19 mi) (about 18.6 miles) north of a larger town called Kaikōura. The town is also very close to where the Waiau Toa / Clarence River meets the sea.

Exploring Clarence

Surfing Adventures

If you love to surf, Clarence has some exciting spots near the river mouth. These surf breaks are known for being quite challenging. Because of this, they are best suited for surfers who are already very experienced. Beginners should probably look for easier waves elsewhere!

River Rafting Fun

The Waiau Toa / Clarence River is also a great place for river rafting. Since 1998, companies have been offering guided rafting trips down the river. It's a fun way to experience the beautiful natural surroundings.

The 2016 Kaikōura Earthquake

In 2016, Clarence and the areas around it were greatly affected by a strong earthquake. This earthquake was a magnitude 7.8, and it's known as the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake.

For several months after the earthquake, Clarence was cut off from the rest of the South Island. This meant roads were damaged, making it hard to travel in and out of the town. There was also a time when people in Clarence had to leave their homes quickly. This happened because a landslide upstream on the Waiau Toa / Clarence River caused water to build up. This created a risk of sudden flooding in the town. Luckily, the situation was managed safely.