Ōwaka - population 340
Rural community living at the heart of The Catlins.
Surrounded by farmland, native forest and the distinctive landscapes of The Catlins, Ōwaka is an established rural town with the services and facilities needed for everyday life. As the main service centre for The Catlins, it offers local education, healthcare, businesses and community facilities, with Balclutha around 25 minutes away for a wider range of employment and services.
Living in Ōwaka
Ōwaka provides many of the services needed for everyday life within a compact rural town.
The town has local healthcare, early childhood and Year 1–13 education, a library, shops, cafés and other local businesses and services. The Catlins Area School allows students to complete their schooling locally and serves families from Ōwaka and the surrounding communities.
Balclutha is around 25 minutes away, providing access to a wider range of shopping, healthcare, professional services and employment when required.
For people looking for a smaller community and a rural lifestyle, Ōwaka offers everyday convenience alongside ready access to the coast, countryside and natural environment of The Catlins.
Working in Ōwaka
Ōwaka supports a diverse local economy, reflecting its role as both a rural service centre and the main township of The Catlins.
Agriculture and the businesses that support the surrounding farming community provide an important base for employment, alongside forestry, transport, trades, construction, education, healthcare, retail and other local services.
Tourism and hospitality are also an important part of the local economy, supporting accommodation, hospitality, visitor activities and other businesses throughout The Catlins. Balclutha's proximity further broadens the range of employment available within practical commuting distance.
Community and Lifestyle
Ōwaka has a close-knit and active community, with schools, sports clubs, community organisations and volunteers contributing to life in the town and surrounding area.
The Owaka Memorial Community Centre provides an important venue for community activities and events, while local sporting facilities, the swimming pool and recreation areas provide opportunities for people of all ages. The Community Centre is also clearly used as a gathering place for wider community occasions — including school events such as The Catlins Area School prizegiving.
Living in Ōwaka also means having The Catlins on your doorstep. Beaches, native forest, rivers, walking tracks and rural landscapes are all within easy reach, providing opportunities for walking, cycling, fishing, surfing and other outdoor recreation.
The combination of a strong rural community and easy access to the natural environment gives Ōwaka a lifestyle quite different from the district's larger towns.
Location and Connectivity
Ōwaka’s location provides easy access to nearby coastal communities including Kākā Point and Pounawea, while Balclutha connects Ōwaka with State Highway 1 and the wider district.
Approximate travel times from Ōwaka:
Pounawea - 3 minutes |
Kākā Point - 15 minutes |
Clinton - 40 minutes |
Invercargill - 2 hours |
Dunedin 1 hour 25 minutes |
Dunedin Airport - 1 hour 5 minutes |
Balclutha - 25 minutes |
Milton - 45 minutes |
Explore More of Clutha
Living in Ōwaka puts The Catlins and the wider Clutha District on your doorstep. From beaches and native forest to rivers, walking tracks, heritage towns and outdoor adventures, there is always somewhere new to discover.