Pahia

Pahia is a small rural locality at the bottom of New Zealand. Surrounding areas include Ruahine, Wakapatu, Round Hill, Colac Bay and Orepuki. The main road, Orepuki-Riverton Hwy (section of State Highway 99), runs through it. Pahia is 15 minutes from Riverton, 20 minutes from Tuatapere and 45 minutes from Invercargill.

It use to have rail running through, a cheese factory, forest industry and a small gold mining industry. It also once used to have a primary school named Pahia School, which closed its doors in 1997. Pahia is part of a historic trial with signage informing you of its history. The area today is made up of many farms, including ones for sheep, dairy and deer.

Geographical it lies between the thick, forest-covered Longwood Range and the Tasman Sea. There are outlooks in places over Te Waewae Bay and the Princess Mountains, and also Stewart Island. Pahia Hill, and across to Ruahine the Ruahine Hills and Mt Victoria make up some of the geographic landmarks. The weather on average is cold and very windy. Pahia is exposed to the weather coming from across the sea, but also sees its share of fine weather.

Attractions include:

• Cosy Nook, a very small fishing village
• Porridge, a world famous surf spot

46°20′S 167°45′E