OUR PLACE
About Rakaia
A well-connected rural community beside one of New Zealand’s great braided rivers.
Our town
Rakaia is a rural community on the Canterbury Plains, about 50 kilometres south of Christchurch and 28 kilometres north of Ashburton. The township was established beside the braided Rakaia River at its major crossing and remains a natural gateway to Mid Canterbury and the Southern Alps.
Over 1,560 people
A friendly town with strong sporting, social and volunteer networks.
1.9 km bridge
The road bridge crosses one of the world’s best examples of a braided river.
Salmon country
The river supports salmon and trout fishing, recreation and memorable scenery.
Rakaia today
Rakaia is a rural service town with farming, horticulture, engineering and small businesses, supported by creative residents and an active community.