Riverton

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Riverton or Aparima is a small town at the south of the South Island of New Zealand. It is in the Southland region and lies at the western end of Oreti Beach, 30 kilometres west of Invercargill on the Southern Scenic Route. It is approx. 45 km from Stewart Island and provides a safe harbour from the Foveaux Straight.
Riverton is one of New Zealand's oldest towns. 2011 saw their 175th celebrations.
The Pourakino River and Aparima River empty into Foveaux Strait at Riverton. Riverton's population is currently about 1900 people, and its main industry is fishing. However farming (esp. dairying) is fast becoming the industry of influence as the fishing slowly dries up. The fish factory based on its main wharf has now closed. The harbour is still quite busy however as it is the nearest safe harbour for access to NZ's south / west seas. It is also popular for water skiing, rowing, fishing and catching the occasional flounder.
Real estate has been the biggest boom of late which has seen prices rise over 300 - 500 percent. In 2005 there was one main estate agent but as of 2008[update] the town has up to 6 at any one time. This is mainly due to the recent economic boom in NZ and the fact that Riverton has one of a few safe swimming beaches making it a popular destination within the immediate region surrounding Invercargill.
The large camping ground which was only one block off the beach has been bought by land developers and is sliced up into house lots. This leaves one small camping ground up on the hill and very limited other accommodation.
It has a high school called Aparima College (years 7-13), and a primary school called Riverton Primary.

www.riverton-aparima.co.nz/ for more information