Aparima

Aparima is a rural locality and the river of the same name in the Southland region of New Zealand’s South Island. The locality sits along the southern coast near the town of Riverton and is part of the broader Southland District. The Aparima River rises in inland hills, flows through the Aparima Plain, and reaches the sea at the Riverton area on the Tasman Sea. The name Aparima is of Māori origin, reflecting the area’s traditional Indigenous associations.

Historically, the region was inhabited by Māori before European settlement, which began in earnest in the 19th century with farming and forestry. The surrounding landscape remains predominantly rural, with dairy farming, sheep farming, and cropping as common activities in the local economy. The river and estuary also support wildlife and provide opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing and birdwatching.

Geographically, Aparima lies in a cool temperate climate zone, featuring flat to gently rolling farmland and riparian vegetation along the river. The locality is closely linked to Riverton, a nearby service town situated at the river’s mouth that serves residents and the surrounding rural community.

See also: Aparima River; Riverton, New Zealand; Southland Region.