Seddonville is in the isolated north of the West Coast in the foothills of the Glasgow Range, on the southern bank of the Mokihinui River.

To the west are Summerlea and Mokihinui on the coast of the Tasman Sea, and to the north is Corbyvale on the road to Karamea.

It was established in the late 19th century as a mining community after the discovery of significant coal reserves in the area.

Several mines nearby opened, with varying degrees of success,[7] until the last one closed in 1986, due to having up to 6% sulphur in its coal.

[16] In 1889 the company raised further money to develop the mine and arranged for the river bar to be dredged[17] and a wharf built[18] for use by the former Newcastle steam collier, Lawrence.

[23] Charming Creek mine, between Seddonville and Ngakawau,[24] opened in 1929, employed about 70 men, producing over 40,000 tonnes a year in the 1940s and closed in 1986.

It provides access to the Mokihinui back country and fishing, tramping, and whitewater rafting attract visitors.