Longbeach, New Zealand facts for kids

Longbeach is a small, quiet place in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It's located in a farming area on the coast, right by the Pacific Ocean. You can find it near the mouth of the Hinds River.

Where is Longbeach?

Longbeach is in a rural part of the Canterbury Plains. It sits on the coast, close to where the Hinds River meets the sea.

Other small places nearby include Waterton and Eiffelton to the north. Across the Hinds River, you'll find Lowcliffe to the west. The village of Hinds is a bit further northwest. The closest bigger town is Ashburton, which is even further north.

Longbeach School

Even though it's called Longbeach School, it's actually located in a nearby place called Willowby. This school was created in 2000. That's when three local schools joined together. It teaches students from their first year up to year 8.

Railway History

Back in the 1860s, there was an idea to build a railway line. This line, called the Main South Line, would connect Christchurch and Dunedin. The plan was for it to go along the coast and pass through Longbeach.

However, this coastal plan was later changed. Builders decided on a route that went more inland, through Ashburton. This new path made it easier to cross rivers.

Even after this, people in Longbeach still wanted a railway. In 1878, a new idea came up. It was to extend the Southbridge Branch railway. This extension would cross the Rakaia River to reach Longbeach and Waterton.

The main reason for this railway was to help farmers in the area. They needed an easier way to transport their goods. A good spot for a bridge was even found. But the government never went ahead with the plan, and it was eventually dropped.