HAMPDEN Hampden is a very small community on state highway 1 that is 20kms south of Oamaru. If you blink you will miss Hampden. Under the synopsis protocols Hamden makes the grade. It was named after the English politician John Hampden. In 2004, the population was put at 304. Hampden is situated beside a broad bay stretching from Adorer Point and the popular Moeraki together with a small cafe and restaurant are located 2 kilometres south of Hampden. Hampden has a Hotel on the main highway. The War Memorial is located on the southern end of the town. Hampden has three old churches that bear testimony to an historic past. If the time is right be sure to have a drink at the Hotel before marveling at the geological wonder of the Moeraki Boulders.