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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Otapiri
Otapiri is a portion of the Hokonui district, and the local public school and post office bear the name of Otapiri Gorge. The chief industry of the settlers is farming, but there are some sawmills at work in the bush portions of the district. Otapiri Gorge, where the post office is situated, is at the mouth of a long, narrow valley, just at the point where it opens out towards the Hokonuis. This valley, through which the Otapiri stream runs, has been occupied by settlers since the early eighties. The Otapiri Gorge school is not more than four miles from Centre Bush, and is attended by about thirty-five children. The flag station named Otapiri is on the Invercargill. Hedgehope line, eight miles from Winton, twenty-seven from Invercargill, and six from Hedgehope; and stands at an elevation of of 203 feet above the level of the sea. The settlement is in the Winton riding of the county of Southland. At the census of 1901, the population under the heading of Otapiri was twenty-four; Otapiri Gorge, seventy-six; Otapiri Flat, sixty-two; and Otapiri Downs, twenty-two.