Rakaia Travel Guide
Rakaia accommodation, Rakaia activities and attractions, Rakaia maps, transportation to and around Rakaia - the ALL NEW Jasons Rakaia Destination Travel Guide is your complete visitor guide for Rakaia.
Located 50km south of
Christchurch, the Rakaia River is the dominant feature of the rural town of Rakaia. The river runs 145km from the high mountain peaks of the Southern Alps, past
Ashburton and Rakaia to the Pacific Ocean, and is the source of many activities.
The fishing here is amazing - trout and salmon thrive in the fresh water. And if you like your salmon, this is one of the top places to head to, in season. For something more hair-raising, a jetboat ride through the river gorge will leave you breathless - from both the speed of the boat and the gorgeous scenery. For something more on the calmer side, there is rafting, kayking and swimming.
Back on land, a picnic on the river banks can be a nice way to spend an afternoon. You can enjoy the peaceful nature and maybe even observe some of the flora and fauna that is unique to this area. Several unique birds live near the river, three are threatened species. After your meal, there are local bushwalks and even hiking to be done. Upstream you can head to the Rakaia Gorge, and downstream you can head to the mouth of the Rakaia River where it meets the ocean.
Lake Ellesmere is nearby. Here you can go boating, windsurfing, swimming and waterskiing.