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Rakaia

Dive into Rakaia, New Zealand, where charming riverbanks meet friendly locals! Feel the thrill as you jetboat through sparkling waters and enjoy stunning views of the Southern Alps. Indulge in fresh fish and chips while strolling by the iconic Rakaia River bridge. Perfect for an adventurous day trip or a scenic getaway—this hidden gem is simply unmissable!

From the Community

rachelhelsby

Aquariustravel

Recommendations

Drink$2.75/5

South Rakaia Hotel

<h2>Comfortable Accommodations</h2> South Rakaia Hotel in Rakaia offers comfortable rooms with garden views, walk-in showers, and modern amenities. Each room includes a dining area, wardrobe, and shared bathroom. <h2>Dining and Leisure</h2> The family-friendly restaurant serves Asian cuisine with brunch, lunch, dinner, high tea, and cocktails. Guests can relax in the bar or lounge, enjoy live music, and utilise the outdoor fireplace and picnic area. <h2>Convenient Facilities</h2> The hotel features a garden, outdoor seating, indoor play area, games room, and full-day security. Free WiFi is available in public areas, ensuring connectivity for all guests. <h2>Accessible Location</h2> Located 51 km from Christchurch International Airport, the hotel provides easy access to local attractions.

Eat$$$4.4/5

Railway Tavern Rakaia

Eat$$$4.7/5

Harvey's Bakehouse

Eat$$3.9/5

Rakaia Takeaways

Known for its delicious fish and chips, Rakaia Takeaways offers a taste of local flavor in a charming setting, making it a must-visit spot for both residents and travelers exploring New Zealand's scenic delights.

Cafe$$4.4/5

Dunsandel Café & Store

Stays

Stay4.3/5

Rakaia River Holiday Park

Things To Do
Provided by

5/5

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight over Canterbury Plains

Escape to peace and tranquillity with a hot air balloon flight over the Canterbury Plains. Your day starts early. Ballooning is best at sunrise, when the air is calmest and light finest. You'll be contacted the evening before to confirm time and place. Meet the team at the Hororata base, just 30 minutes from Christchurch Airport, then transfer to the best launch site for the day, chosen for the best views based on the weather. Family-run since 2012. Chief Pilot Michael Oakley has flown since 1997, A New Zealand Champion who has represented New Zealand at the World Hot Air Balloon Championships. Son Nicholas has flown since age 4 and now flies commercially alongside him. Flight time is about an hour over the Canterbury Plains, with views to the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. It can be hands-on: help the crew inflate the balloon and pack it away after landing. Back on the ground, celebrate with chilled bubbly or juice, fresh muffins and seasonal fruit.

$226.03

5/5

6 h 30 mins

Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day Tour

This is a private small group tour for up to 11 people. The route around Christchurch and Lyttelton takes you over the old volcanoes of Banks Peninsula with varied scenery onto some of the smaller, less traveled roads to some uniquely scenic places. With approximately 6 hours 30 min from start to finish we will spend about 5 hours 30 min exploring points of interest etc. and an hour driving from point to point on the itinerary. We are happy to customise your tour to include attractions such as the International Antarctic Centre or Willowbank Wildlife Park (cost extra) , etc. We are locals and give an in-depth commentary covering the volcanoes, NZ and local history, earthquakes etc. and have been proudly sharing our back yard with visitors for over 25 years.

$900.00

5/5

3 h

Tekapo to Christchurch Small-Group Tour (one-way)

Travel from Lake Tekapo to Christchurch in a comfortable, small group setting. This one-way transfer offers a unique opportunity to soak in stunning views and highlights along the way. With passionate guides who share stories and insights, the journey is enriched with local knowledge and pleasant surprises. After a picturesque drive, you'll be dropped off at your chosen accommodation in Christchurch, ready to enjoy the evening in the Garden City. - Small group tour ensuring a personal experience - Scenic drive with commentary from knowledgeable guides - Complimentary Wi-Fi and USB charging available on board - Includes drop-off at central accommodation in Christchurch

$90.98

4.9/5

3 h

Christchurch to Tekapo Small-Group Tour (one-way)

Travel from Christchurch to the stunning Lake Tekapo on a fully-guided small group tour. This 3-hour journey showcases the picturesque Canterbury plains, where your passionate guides will share insider stories along the way. Stop at the charming town of Fairlie to pick up a delicious picnic lunch before arriving at the breathtaking Lake Tekapo, famous for its vibrant blue waters and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Enjoy a comfortable ride in modern minibuses with plenty of extra amenities for your convenience. - Small group tour ensuring a personalized experience - Guided commentary from knowledgeable tour leaders - Picnic lunch included for your journey

$113.87

4.9/5

5 h

Christchurch to Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo One Way Small Group Tour

Christchurch to Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour (1 way). This small group, fully-guided day transfer allows you to travel in style to Mt Cook while seeing all the key highlight along the way. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

$128.75

4.8/5

Methven Ōpuke Hot Pool & Scenic Canterbury Tour from Christchurch

Experience the award winning Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa, located in the heart of Mid-Canterbury. Start in Christchurch, where you’ll begin your bespoke tour filled with views of untouched Cantabrian landscapes as you pass through the majestic Rakaia River Gorge to Methven Village, found at the foothills of the Southern Alps. Arrive to Ōpuke and feel immersed in nature from the moment you walk through the doors. Receive entry to your own locker with a robe and towel then enjoy luxurious relaxation in Tranquility, the adult exclusive pools complete with a swim up bar (NZ accepted ID may be required for entry). Alternatively, enjoy a soak in Discovery, which is open to all ages. After 2 hours of relaxation in the solar thermal pools at Ōpuke, your tour will return to Christchurch

$143.06

4.8/5

13 h

Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included)

Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Tour. This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier as key highlights. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. Highlights: Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepard Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park Tasman Glacier, Lake Pukaki While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

$171.10

4.7/5

14 h

Christchurch to Queenstown One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo

This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. The ultimate way to get from Christchurch to Queenstown and includes a picnic lunch. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. Highlights: Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepard Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park Tasman Glacier, Lake Pukaki Lindis Pass, Kawarau Gorge While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

$228.32

4.6/5

5 h

Mt Cook to Christchurch One-Way Small Group Tour via Lake Tekapo

Mt Cook to Christchurch Small Group Tour Via Lake Tekapo (1 way), this small group, fully-guided transfer means you can travel in style while seeing all the key highlights along the way. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complimentary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

$108.15

Private Tour to Mt. Sunday (Edoras) Lord Of The Rings

The Ultimate Private Tour for "Lord of the Rings" fans or those who want to experience the Southern Alps. Enjoy panoramic views, Alpine lakes and expansive farmland. Travel at your own pace and spend more time in the southern alps. All Scotty B Tours are flexible and can tailor to suit your timings

$1,144.46

4 h

Mt Cook Scenic & Tasman Glacier Heli Hike

As a country recognised for its hiking opportunities and stunning scenery, take your pick of an untouched landscape to explore. If you would rather leave the planning up to us, we recommend lifting off from Christchurch and enjoying an incredible scenic flight of braided rivers, towering mountain ranges and high-country lakes inbound for the famous Aoraki National Park. Land at Glentanner airfield to meet your guide and get briefed before flying up onto New Zealand’s largest Glacier, the mighty Tasman. Explore the gently undulating terrain, as your crampons bite into ancient 2-million-year-old ice. The highest peaks of the Southern Alps, Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman will tower above you. When your legs become tired and your heart becomes full, fly back down to Glentanner airport to drop off your guide and equipment before heading North via some incredible Canterbury landscapes inbound for Christchurch. We have plenty to share with you and can’t wait for you to experience it.

$3,885.45

World in a day

Take off from Christchurch & fly over the Canterbury Plains towards the spectacular Rangitata Gorge, side by side with the Southern Alps. Sidle up to Forest Creek through to the expansive Mackenzie Basin & down to the aquamarine glow of Lake Tekapo to touch down & soak in the spectacular vista. Feast your eyes on the unforgettable azure of Lake Pukaki & head up to the famous Aoraki, Mount Cook as the Tasman Glacier comes into full view. Fly towards the Murchison Glacier to the head of the Rangitata River Valley. Sour along Mount Arrowsmith & touch down at the top of the interweaving braids of Rakaia River. Settle in for a picnic served with unobstructed views, overlooking two of Canterbury's glaciers only accessible by helicopter. After lunch, follow the wandering braids of the stony river, past Lake Coleridge & into the blockbuster scenery of the Craigieburn Basin. Please note we are unable to guarantee snow at any time particularly during Summer months (November – February)

$3,462.00

3 h

Rakaia Glaciers

Get to know the real untouched New Zealand as you take off over the Canterbury Plains towards the well-known braided Waimakariri River. Notice the Craigieburn Basin come into view, a distinguished blockbuster film set, followed by the curious rockscape of Castle Hill. See the glisten of Lake Pearson as you fly by the Southern Alps' main divide, climbing up & over the ridgeline, to debut at the mighty Rakaia River. Without another aircraft in sight come to two of Canterbury's best kept secrets, the rarely visited Lyell & Ramsay Glaciers due to their inaccessibility. Touch down to overwhelming 360 degree views, filled with staggeringly sharp mountaintops & turquoise waters of the the glacier lakes. Enjoy lunch in the amphitheatre of the outdoors without a single disruption. Rise over the depths of Lake Coleridge and return over the Canterbury Plains, inbound for Christchurch. Please note we are unable to guarantee snow at any time particularly during Summer months (November – February)

$2,409.10

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