Esk Valley, sometimes called Upper Otaio, is in the Otaio riding of the Waimate county, on the road to Bluecliffs, and about five miles from St. Andrews. The district has a public school, and a church, and is largely devoted to sheepfarming. Esk Bank estate, which was in the neighbourhood, has been cut up and sold by its owners.

The Esk Valley Public School was established about 1878, under the name of Upper Otaio, but the name was changed in 1900. The building, which is prettily ornamented with climbing roses, was erected about 1878. It is of wood and iron, and has accommodation for sixty pupils. The number on the roll is fifty-nine. There is an average attendance of forty-eight, and the mistress-in-charge has one assistant. The land attached to the premises is two acres in extent, and there is a convenient playground, with shelter sheds, besides a comfortable five-roomed residence which stands in a well kept garden.

St. Mary's Anglican Church, Esk Valley, was built in 1879 by the late Mr. Charles Meyer, the original owner of Bluecliff station. It is a handsome stone building with seating accommodation for fifty persons. Mr. Meyer presented the church and five acres of land to the parish. The church has some very fine stained glass windows, the gift of various donors. Part of the land is used as a cemetery. The church is in the parish of Otaio with Bluecliff.