Owaka guide

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It is the largest community in the rugged, forested Catlins area, close to the border with Southland, some 35 km (22 mi) south of Balclutha on the Southern Scenic Route. The town's population is around 400.

The town's name comes from the Māori for "the place of canoes", a reference to the town's location close to the Owaka River, which joins the Catlins River three kilometres (2 miles) from the town, close to the coast. The town was originally called Catlins River, then Quakerfield.

On 22 June 1896, Owaka became the terminus of the Catlins River Branch railway, and it retained this status until an extension of the branch line to Ratanui was opened on 1 August 1904. The railway ultimately terminated in Tahakopa, but as traffic declined on the line in its later years, the Tuesday freight train (one of four per week) ran only as far as Owaka after 1958. The branch closed on 27 February 1971, and little evidence of its existence remains in or around Owaka besides some of the line's old formation, as the last substantial relic, Owaka station's goods shed, was removed in 1986.

 


Latest Tweets featuring Owaka

  • roko_owaka

    あーー初心に戻らないと。慣れて緩んでしまったのかな。情けない。でもでも、落ち込むのは今でおわりー！！明日から頑張ろー！

    Today, 12:47

  • MargeInovera

    Last night in Owaka. Milton tomorrow then home. #longweekend

    Today, 09:51

  • MargeInovera

    @RobertMcDougall Better than the Lumberjack at Owaka without doubt

    Today, 09:39

  • MargeInovera

    Last night in Owaka. Wondering if I should go out on the town tonight.

    Today, 07:22

  • ichavelia

    Cari sepati :D weh, melu* ig RT @amouraayu: ichavelia owaka. meh kemana emg? hm.m , tmpt.ku libur wog

    Yesterday, 06:19

  • amouraayu

    @ichavelia owaka. meh kemana emg? hm.m , tmpt.ku libur wog

    Yesterday, 05:07

  • PamyDee88

    Oh well othi alale owaka Dlomo umntwana

    Yesterday, 00:35

  • roko_owaka

    鹿児島の友達達が夢に出てきた。会いたくなった(>_<)優しい海と力強くてカッコイイ桜島がある、あの温かい町が私は大好き。

    May 29th, 16:31

  • roko_owaka

    幸せの感じ方は人それぞれだけど、人間として生きれて、笑ってて、回りには大切な人がいて、優しさを分けあって、毎日仕事が出来て、大好きな空があって綺麗だって感じれる。全て私の幸せの固まり。

    May 29th, 15:43

  • AlexDwayre

    http://t.co/ooB1weho @joshy_mellor Are these what you're wearing on holiday?

    May 29th, 14:13

  • intombiyakwantu

    But... Aybo.. Sekyaliwa manje? RT @sandileshange: @Pinky_Smalest kade nhgakbona ukuthi awyena owaka Shange wena,angfune lutho lwakho mina!

    May 29th, 13:51

  • sandileshange

    @Pinky_Smalest kade nhgakbona ukuthi awyena owaka Shange wena,angfune lutho lwakho mina!

    May 29th, 13:44

  • MargeInovera

    Tui in flight in Owaka http://t.co/Fv7cuoEU

    May 29th, 03:19

  • MargeInovera

    Arty Owaka at Owaka http://t.co/K10h1gup

    May 29th, 03:18

  • MargeInovera

    More Owaka fun art http://t.co/H6gqAdm3

    May 29th, 03:18

Featured Businesses and Services in Owaka

  • Kepplestone-by-the-Sea

    Located in Owaka, The Catlins, Otago, New Zealand

    Kepplestone-by-the-Sea

    "There are NO strangers here, only FRIENDS we have not met." Situated 100m from beach, with hooker sealions basking there. Close to all the Catlins scenery, waterfalls, walks, Royal Spoonbills. Private yellow eyed penguin viewing and tours with Catlins...

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