Rakaia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rakaia
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town
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The Big Salmon of Rakaia
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Canterbury |
| Territorial authority | Ashburton District |
| Ward | Eastern |
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| Area | |
| • Total | 11.30 km2 (4.36 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 108 m (354 ft) |
| Population
(June 2023)
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| • Total | 1,580 |
| • Density | 139.8/km2 (362.1/sq mi) |
Rakaia is a town in New Zealand's South Island. It sits on the southern bank of the Rakaia River on the Canterbury Plains. Rakaia is about 57 kilometers south of Christchurch. You can find it along State Highway 1 and the Main South Line railway.
Just north of Rakaia are New Zealand's longest road and rail bridges. Both bridges are about 1,750 meters long. They cross the wide, shingle beds of the Rakaia River. This river is a "braided river," meaning it splits into many smaller channels that weave together.
Rakaia used to be a railway junction for the Methven Branch line. This line went to Methven and operated from 1880 until 1976. In 1899, an accident happened at the railway station where four people sadly lost their lives.
A very noticeable feature in Rakaia is a large fiberglass salmon statue. The Rakaia River is famous for its salmon fishing. It's also a popular spot for jetboating, which is a fun way to explore the river.
The town and river were once called Cholmondeley. However, the Māori name, Rakaia, eventually became the official name. South of Rakaia, you'll find the small farming community of Acton.
Contents
Who Lives in Rakaia?
Rakaia is considered a small urban area. In 2018, about 1,440 people lived there. This was an increase of 168 people since 2013, and 369 people since 2006.
The town has about 576 households. There are slightly more males than females. The average age of people in Rakaia is 42.3 years. About 21% of the people are under 15 years old.
Most people in Rakaia are of European background (86.9%). There are also people of Māori (12.9%), Pasifika (5.2%), and Asian (3.3%) heritage. Some people identify with more than one ethnic group.
About 12.3% of Rakaia's residents were born outside New Zealand. This is lower than the national average of 27.1%.
When it comes to religion, many people (53.1%) said they had no religion. About 34.8% were Christian. A smaller number followed Māori religious beliefs, Hindu, Muslim, or Buddhist faiths.
Many adults in Rakaia are employed. About 55.9% work full-time, and 14.2% work part-time.
Important Buildings to See
Saint Mark's Anglican Church
Saint Mark's Church was built in 1877. It was designed by a famous architect named Benjamin Mountfort. He designed it in a Gothic style, which was popular at the time. This church is a good example of the wooden churches he designed for smaller towns. It was recognized as a historic place in 1992.
Rakaia Post Office
The Rakaia Post Office building was built in 1910. It has served the community for over a century.
Bank of New Zealand
The Bank of New Zealand building in Rakaia is another notable structure in the town.
South Rakaia Hotel
The South Rakaia Hotel is a very old building, almost 150 years old! It has been a part of Rakaia's history for a long time.
St Andrews Presbyterian Church
St Andrews Presbyterian Church is another important place of worship in Rakaia.
