Mid Canterbury, New Zealand
There’s more to Rakaia than the river.
A welcoming rural community and a great place to live, play, work and do business.
Welcome to our place
Small-town warmth. Big Canterbury skies.
Rakaia sits beside its braided river, within easy reach of Christchurch, Ashburton and the Southern Alps. Explore the people, places and practical information that make our river town home.
01 · PUT DOWN ROOTS
Live in Rakaia
Schools, health services, community facilities, groups and everyday essentials.
02 · COME AND STAY
Visit and play
Attractions, recreation, food, accommodation and places to discover across Mid Canterbury.
03 · BUILD SOMETHING HERE
Work and business
Local businesses, services, trades and useful information for people working in Rakaia.
What’s happening around town?
Find community activities, local groups, sports, events and Rakaia stories in one easy place.
DISCOVER MID CANTERBURY
A natural stop on the journey—and worth staying for.
From the braided Rakaia River and its famous salmon to rural views, friendly places to eat and easy access across Mid Canterbury, Rakaia is ready to welcome you.
FROM OUR COMMUNITY, EVERY FORTNIGHT
Keep up with Rakaia News.
Local stories, notices, events and people—published for the Rakaia community since 1997.