Pahia

Pahia is a small rural locality in coastal Southland, New Zealand, not to be confused with the North Island tourist resort of Paihia. 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.

History

During the early years of European contact with New Zealand, Pahia was home to a substaintial Maori village and island pa (fortified stronghold) near Cosy Nook (known locally as the "Old Pa"). The village served as an important contact point for European sealers and traders requiring potatoes and flax for the Australian market in the 1820s. The name 'Pahia' comes from the village Chief of the time, Pahi.

It used 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 sheep, dairy and deer.

Geographically Pahia 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.

Nearby attractions

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