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Riverton, New Zealand

Southland · New Zealand

Riverton is a small town in Southland, New Zealand with a population of 1,680. Elevation: 23 ft (7 m). Average temperature: 51°F (11°C).

2.5 /5.0
C+ Fair
1,680 Population 9/sq mi density
23 ft Elevation 7 meters
51°F Avg Temperature 11°C
40.6 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$19,200 Median Income
C+
Overall
2.5 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.9 / 5.0
$19,200 median income, 3.2% unemployment
C
Affordability
2.0 / 5.0
$158,000 home value, $790/mo rent

Discover Riverton, New Zealand

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
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Full City Profile

About Riverton

Riverton

Riverton / Aparima, is a small New Zealand town 30 kilometres (19 mi) west of Invercargill, on the south-eastern shorelines of the Jacobs River Estuary. The estuary is formed by the Aparima and Pourakino rivers, leading through a narrow outflow channel into Foveaux Strait. Accessible via State Highway 99 on the Southern Scenic Route, the main part of the town is on flat land and the northern end of Oreti Beach. South Riverton is built on the hills between the eastern shore of the estuary and Taramea Bay.

People

Population1,680
Median Age52.7 yrs
Density9/mi²

Economy

C+
Median Income$19,200
Per Capita$19,200
Unemployment3.2%

Housing

C
Home Value$158,000
Rent$790
Ownership79.4%
Housing Units672

Climate

Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
Rain40.6 in/yr
Sunny Days262/yr
Elevation23 ft (7 m)
Population1,680
Population Density9 / sq mi
Elevation23 ft (7 m)
Coordinates-46.3500°, 168.0167°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceSouthland
Average Temperature51°F (11°C)
January Average58°F (14°C)
July Average43°F (6°C)
Annual Precipitation40.6 inches (1,032 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$19,200
Median Age52.7 years

About Riverton

Riverton is a small town in New Zealand (Southland) with a population of 1,680. The city sits at an elevation of 23 feet (7 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 51°F (11°C). Temperatures range from 58°F in January to 43°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 40.6 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Riverton has a population of 1,680 with a density of 9 people per square mile, spread across 189.6 square miles. The median age is 52.7 years, 35% older than the national median of 38.9.

Population

1,680
Total Population
9
People / sq mi
52.7yrs
Median Age
35% above New Zealand avg
189.6mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Riverton vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Riverton is $19,200, which is 74% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,200 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $369, 74% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 155 business establishments.

Income: Riverton vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$19,200
74% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$19,200
Avg Weekly Wage$369

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.2%
11% below New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)155

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Riverton is $158,000, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $790 (32% below the national average of $1,163). 79.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 672 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.2x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$158,000
44% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$790
32% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership79.4%
Owner-Occupied79.4%
Renter-Occupied20.6%
Housing Units672

Property Tax

Climate in Riverton

Riverton has an average annual temperature of 10°C (50°F). The hottest month is Jan (14.1°C), the coldest is Jul (5.4°C). Average annual precipitation is 1101 mm.

Month Avg °C / °F Min / Max °C Rain (mm)
Jan 14.1°C / 57°F 9.5° / 18.7° 109.5
Feb 14°C / 57°F 9.3° / 18.6° 79.3
Mar 12.6°C / 55°F 7.8° / 17.5° 84.9
Apr 10.4°C / 51°F 5.7° / 15° 86.2
May 8.2°C / 47°F 4° / 12.5° 103.8
Jun 6°C / 43°F 1.9° / 10° 93.7
Jul 5.4°C / 42°F 1.1° / 9.6° 87.2
Aug 6.7°C / 44°F 2.3° / 11.1° 77.6
Sep 8.5°C / 47°F 4° / 13° 89.9
Oct 9.9°C / 50°F 5.4° / 14.3° 96.6
Nov 11.3°C / 52°F 6.9° / 15.7° 101.4
Dec 13.2°C / 56°F 8.5° / 17.8° 91.0
Riverton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 58°F in January while summers reach 43°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 262 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.6 inches. The city sits at an elevation of 23 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

58°F Jan (14°C) 43°F Jul (6°C)
Annual Average50.9°F
6% below New Zealand avg
January Average58°F (14°C)
July Average43°F (6°C)
Sunny Days262 days/yr

Geography

Elevation23 ft (7 m)
Area189.6 sq mi (491.0 km²)
Population Density9/sq mi
Coordinates-46.3500°N, 168.0167°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 40.6"
7% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (May) 4.33"
Driest Month (Nov) 2.48"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

342 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M7.8. Most recent: M4.3 on Jul 21, 2025.

Jul 15, 2009 97 km WSW of Te Anau, New Zealand M7.8 130 km
Aug 10, 1993 63 km WNW of Te Anau, New Zealand M7.0 146 km
Aug 21, 2003 53 km W of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.9 137 km
Jul 16, 2009 146 km W of Riverton, New Zealand M5.7 146 km
Sep 30, 2003 53 km W of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.6 122 km
Aug 26, 2003 71 km W of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.5 139 km
Sep 4, 2003 53 km WNW of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.5 147 km
Aug 21, 2003 63 km WNW of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.3 147 km
Jul 15, 2009 105 km WSW of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.3 137 km
Aug 25, 2009 145 km W of Riverton, New Zealand M5.2 145 km
Jul 16, 2009 144 km W of Riverton, New Zealand M5.2 144 km
Feb 25, 2010 139 km WSW of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.1 144 km
Aug 21, 2003 25 km NNW of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.1 131 km
Aug 23, 2003 64 km WNW of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.1 148 km
Aug 21, 2003 72 km W of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.1 144 km
Jul 12, 2008 85 km WSW of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.1 112 km
Feb 28, 2010 48 km WSW of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.1 106 km
Jul 18, 2009 85 km W of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.1 137 km
Aug 21, 2003 64 km W of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.1 140 km
Apr 25, 2000 35 km WNW of Te Anau, New Zealand M5.0 125 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 0.5 m (2 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
2009 OFF WEST COAST OF SOUTH ISLAND Earthquake 0.5 m 130 km
1987 DEEP COVE Meteorological 120 km
1839 WAIKAWA, SOUTHLAND Unknown 90 km
1826 DUSKY SOUND Earthquake 134 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 58°F (14°C) 4.1 in Warmest
February 58°F (14°C) 2.9 in
March 56°F (13°C) 3.7 in
April 52°F (11°C) 3.6 in
May 48°F (9°C) 4.3 in Wettest
June 44°F (6°C) 4.0 in
July 43°F (6°C) 2.9 in Coldest
August 45°F (7°C) 2.6 in
September 48°F (9°C) 3.1 in
October 51°F (11°C) 3.5 in
November 53°F (12°C) 2.5 in Driest
December 56°F (13°C) 3.5 in

Riverton has a seasonal temperature swing of 15°F / from 43°F in July to 58°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 40.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and November the driest (2.5").

View full weather details →

Schools in Riverton

3 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Aparima College
Riverton Primary School
Thornbury School
View full schools details →

Museums in Riverton

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Riverton Community Arts Centre
Te Hikoi Southern Journey Heritage Museum

Libraries in Riverton

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Library0.0

Hotels in Riverton

9 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

B&B Riverton
B&B Riverton
Carriers Arms Hotel
Riverslodge
Riverton Beachfront Bed & Breakfast
Riverton Bed and Breakfast 4 R's B&B
Riverton Rocks Crib Accommodation
Riverton Rocks Retreat
Riverton Rocks Retreat - Motel

Restaurants in Riverton

1 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Aparina

Cafes in Riverton

5 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Beach House Cafe & Bar
Crib Cafe
Jacob’s River Bakehouse
Mrs Clarks Cafe
The Postmaster Bakery

Clinics in Riverton

1 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Riverton Medical Centre

Gas Stations in Riverton

2 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

G.A.S.
McKeown Riverton

Banks in Riverton

2 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

ANZ
ANZ

Golf Courses in Riverton

1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Riverton Golf Course

Airports Near Riverton

4 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Invercargill AirportIVCMedium Airport
Center Island AirstripSmall Airport
Centre Bush AerodromeSmall Airport
Ryan's Creek AerodromeSZSSmall Airport

Churches & Religious Organizations in Riverton

3 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Catholic Church
Hope Centre Riverton
Union Church

Quick Facts

Timezone
Pacific/Auckland

🇳🇿 About New Zealand

Capital Wellington
Population 4,885,500
Area 268,680 km²
GDP (USD) $255,194,972,673
GDP per capita $49,076
HDI 0.939
Life expectancy 83.0 years
Internet users 96.2%
Urban population 83.9%
Currency NZD (Dollar)
Languages English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
Calling code +64
TLD .nz
Driving side left

Public Holidays in New Zealand

23 public holidays this year

Date Holiday Local Name
Jan 1 New Year's Day New Year's Day
Jan 2 Day after New Year's Day Day after New Year's Day
Jan 19 Wellington Anniversary Day Wellington Anniversary Day
Jan 26 Auckland Anniversary Day Auckland/Northland Anniversary Day
Feb 2 Nelson Anniversary Day Nelson Anniversary Day
Feb 6 Waitangi Day Waitangi Day
Mar 9 Taranaki Anniversary Day Taranaki Anniversary Day
Mar 23 Otago Anniversary Day Otago Anniversary Day
Apr 3 Good Friday Good Friday
Apr 6 Easter Monday Easter Monday
Apr 7 Southland Anniversary Day Southland Anniversary Day
Apr 27 Anzac Day Anzac Day
Jun 1 King's Birthday King's Birthday
Jul 10 Matariki Matariki
Sep 28 Canterbury (South) Anniversary Day Dominion Day
Oct 23 Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day
Oct 26 Labour Day Labour Day
Nov 2 Marlborough Anniversary Day Marlborough Anniversary Day
Nov 13 Canterbury Anniversary Day Canterbury (North & Central) Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Chatham Islands Anniversary Day Chatham Islands Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Westland Anniversary Day Westland Anniversary Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day Christmas Day
Dec 28 Boxing Day Boxing Day

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Frequently Asked Questions About Riverton

What is the population of Riverton?

Riverton has a population of 1,680 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 9 people per square mile, spread across 189.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Riverton expensive to live in?

The median household income is $19,200, 74% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $158,000 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $790 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Riverton?

Riverton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 58°F in January, while summers reach an average of 43°F in July. The area receives 262 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.6 inches.

How is the job market in Riverton?

Riverton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $369. There are 155 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Riverton?

The median home value in Riverton is $158,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $790. The homeownership rate is 79.4%.

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