Hampden

Hampden is a rural settlement defined as a "populated area less than a town" in North Otago, New Zealand. It is located close to the North Otago coast, some 30 kilometres south of Oamaru, and 50 minutes north of Otago's largest city, Dunedin. It was named after the English politician John Hampden. In 2004, the population was put at 304. The town consists of a rural fire station, fish and chips shop, general store, motel and backpackers, The Hampden Lodge, service station and mechanics workshop, a small second hand goods shop, tavern, and a historic town hall. There is a primary school with around thirty pupils. Hampden was featured on National Radio's 'Your Place' show where it was said that the fish and chip shop was the best in New...