[5] Balfour is located between the Hokonui Hills and the Mataura River in the Waimea Plains, and is about fifteen kilometres southeast of Lumsden.

It is located on New Zealand State Highway 94, the main road linking Gore with the tourist destination of Milford Sound.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 53.8% had no religion, and 35.9% were Christian.

[7] In 1880, the Waimea Plains Railway was opened; it linked Gore on the Main South Line with Lumsden on the Kingston Branch and passed through Balfour.

With the improvement of road transportation and changes in government regulations, the railway lost its profitability, and in 1971, most of it was closed.

Unfortunately, the quantities of traffic desired from Balfour did not eventuate and the railway was closed on 15 January 1978.