Balclutha is a town in Otago, it lies towards the end of the Clutha River on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is about halfway between Dunedin and Invercargill. A service town for the fertile farming region around the lower reaches of the Clutha River, it is also the nearest large centre to the Catlins, a scenic region of forest, wildlife, and rugged coastline.
Known locally as The Big River Town, Balclutha's name - and that of the river on which it stands - reflects the Scottish origin of the town's settlement, and translates from Scottish Gaelic as "Town on the Clyde". Balclutha has a population of 4104 (2001 census), and is the largest town in South Otago.
