Geography:

The Ida Valley is situated between the Maniototo plains and Manuherikia Valley in the Central Otago District, bounded by the North Rough Ridge and the Raggedy Range. The climate is marked by extremes of hot and cold, with a low annual rainfall. Most of the land is irrigated, with livestock farming the main industry. There is a small village of about 18 households at Oturehua, which also has a transport company, a historic store and a tavern. There is a 2-teacher school at Poolburn with a roll of 34 and a country hotel. There are a total of 124 households in the Valley.

The Manuherikia Valley has the little rural town of Omakau at its heart. The school there has three teachers, and the local Playcentre is situated in the nearby village of Ophir. Apart from those employed at businesses in the township, livestock farming is the economic base of this region also, with some diversification.

Early Childhood Education Services:

• Omakau & Districts Playcentre at Ophir
• Omakau Toddlers Group
• Omakau & Districts Toy Library
• Valley Playgroup at Poolburn
• Oturehua Playgroup

Early Childhood Education Services in Ida Valley/Manuherikia:
Correspondence Kindergarten - if you live too far away from a pre-school or kindy.

Find out about our Adult Courses in this region.