Omakau
Omakau | |
|---|---|
Rural settlement | |
Former Bank of New Zealand building | |
| Coordinates: 45°07′S 169°36′E / 45.117°S 169.600°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Otago |
| Territorial authority | Central Otago District |
| Ward | Vincent Ward |
| Community | Vincent Community |
| Electorates |
|
| Government | |
| • Territorial authority | Central Otago District Council |
| • Regional council | Otago Regional Council |
| • Mayor of Central Otago | Tamah Alley |
| • Waitaki MP | Miles Anderson |
| • Te Tai Tonga MP | Tākuta Ferris |
| Area | |
• Total | 21.47 km2 (8.29 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2024) | |
• Total | 400 |
| • Density | 19/km2 (48/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+12 (NZST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+13 (NZDT) |
| Local iwi | Ngāi Tahu |
Omakau (sometimes spelled Ōmakau) is a settlement in Central Otago, New Zealand, located between Alexandra and Ranfurly on the northwest bank of the Manuherikia River. The smaller settlement of Ophir is located on the opposite bank, three kilometres to the southeast.
Ōmakau is the Māori name for a nearby hill, Blackstone Hill and it is also the Māori name for Idaburn. Omakau has since been applied to the wider region and the settlement. The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "belonging to husband and wife" for Ōmakau.
Omakau grew when the Otago Central Railway was opened in 1904. Today Omakau has a population of about 250, and is a stopover on both State Highway 85 and the Otago Rail Trail.
Omakau is the site of many historic buildings, including the local hotel built in 1898 and the Catholic Church. Omakau also hosts the Central Otago A&P Show at the local domain, which attracts people from all over the country in February.