Darfield, New Zealand
Darfield is a town in the Selwyn District of the South Island of New Zealand. It is 35 kilometres west of Christchurch. Its population is 3,150 as of June 2023.
Darfield | |
|---|---|
Minor urban area | |
Darfield sign on New Zealand State Highway 73, the main street of Darfield | |
| Coordinates: 43°29′S 172°07′E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Canterbury |
| Territorial authority | Selwyn District |
| Ward | Malvern |
| Community | Malvern |
| Electorates |
|
| Government | |
| • Territorial authority | Selwyn District Council |
| • Regional council | Environment Canterbury |
| • Mayor of Selwyn | Sam Broughton |
| • Selwyn MP | Nicola Grigg |
| • Te Tai Tonga MP | Tākuta Ferris |
| Area | |
| • Total | 15.14 km2 (5.85 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2023) | |
| • Total | 3,150 |
| • Density | 210/km2 (540/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+12 (NZST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+13 (NZDT) |
| Postcode(s) | 7510 |
| Area code | 03 |
| Local iwi | Ngāi Tahu |
Darfield is the main town between Christchurch and the West Coast region. It is often called "The township under the nor'west arch" in reference to a characteristic weather phenomenon that often creates an arch of cloud in an otherwise clear sky to the west of the township. This is caused by the condensation of water particles channelled upwards over the Southern Alps.
Darfield lies in the Malvern district's arable and pastoral farming area. It is a gateway to the scenic Waimakariri and Rakaia rivers and the Southern Alps, and is also a popular lift-off place for hot air ballooning.
Darfield is located around the former junction of the railway lines coming from Christchurch and going to Whitecliffs (where coal was mined) and Springfield and on to the West Coast.