Huntingdon, New Zealand facts for kids

Huntingdon is a small, quiet place in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. It's located on the South Island, right by the Ashburton River / Hakatere. Huntingdon is just south of a bigger town called Ashburton.

Other small towns close by include Willowby to the west. To the south, you'll find Wheatstone, Flemington, and Ashton. Across the river to the east is Wakanui.

Life in Huntingdon: People and Places

Huntingdon is part of a larger area known as the Lake Hood rural settlement. It's also included in the Eiffelton statistical area. This helps experts keep track of how many people live there.

What People Do: Huntingdon's Economy

For a long time, the main way people made a living in Huntingdon was through agriculture. This means farming, like growing crops or raising animals.

However, things started to change in 1987. A new watersports center was built, along with homes nearby. This has brought new jobs and activities to the area.

Huntingdon's Natural Surroundings

Huntingdon is located on the Canterbury Plains, which are flat lands close to the Pacific Ocean. A special feature of the area is a small lake called Lake Hood. It sits right next to the Ashburton River / Hakatere.

Lake Hood: A Hub for Water Fun

In 1987, a big project began to develop Lake Hood. Today, it's a popular spot for public water activities. The lake is surrounded by a park called Huntingdon Park.

You can enjoy many different watersports here. These include kayaking, rowing, and water skiing. There are also walking trails through the wetland areas around the lake. Many new homes have been built around Lake Hood, which has helped Huntingdon's population grow.

Getting Around: Transport in Huntingdon

Huntingdon itself is not on the busiest roads. However, major transport routes are nearby. State Highway 1, a main road, passes to the northwest. The Main South Line railway also runs through this area. Both of these go through towns like Tinwald and Winslow.