Woodlands, New Zealand


Woodlands is a small town in the Southland region of New Zealand's South Island on the banks of the Waihopai River. It is northeast of Invercargill between Dacre and Longbush. Other nearby settlements are Rakahouka to the northwest and Rimu and Waituna to the south.

Demographics

Woodlands' population at the time of the 2001 New Zealand census was 279, comprising 144 males and 135 females. This represented a decline of 6.1% or 18 people since the 1996 census.

Transport

The town is located on State Highway 1 and the Main South Line portion of the South Island Main Trunk Railway. The railway has been freight-only since the cancellation of the Southerner passenger express on 10 February 2002. During the construction of the Main South Line, Woodlands was briefly a railway terminus. The first section of the line out of Invercargill was opened to Woodlands on 11 February 1874. On 7 June 1875, the next section beyond Woodlands was opened to Mataura via Edendale.

War memorial

A number of Woodlands residents fought overseas in World War I. A memorial to those who died stands in the town.