KiwiGlimpseOverview
Rakaia is a small town located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand, on the east coast of the South Island. The town is situated on the banks of the Rakaia River, which is known for its excellent salmon fishing.
| Rakaia Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Rakaia |
| Region | Canterbury |
| District Council | Selwyn District |
| Postal Code: | 7784,7781,7772,7710 |
| Current Time: | 04:05 PM |
| Date: | Thursday, July 10, 2025(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 52.43 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -43.7573 |
| Longitude | 172.0217 |
| DMS Lat | -44° 14' 33.7227'' |
| DMS Long | 172° 1' 18.1301'' |
History
The name "Rakaia" comes from the Maori language and means "the place where the canoe was dragged". The area was first settled by European immigrants in the mid-19th century and the town quickly grew into an important hub for the surrounding farming community.
Geography
Rakaia is located on the Canterbury Plains and is surrounded by farmland and hills. The Rakaia River is a prominent feature of the town and is used for fishing, swimming and boating.
Rakaia is located at latitude -43.75729926 and longitude 172.02170280 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -44° 14' 33.7227'' and longitude 172° 1' 18.1301'' (DMS).
Below is map of Rakaia
Demographics
According to the 2018 New Zealand census, Rakaia has a population of approximately 1,230 people. The town has a relatively even split between males and females and a median age of 43 years.
Climate
Rakaia has a temperate maritime climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The town receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year and occasional snowfall during the winter months.
Rakaia Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Rakaia Live Weather
Light rain
Humidity: 95%
Wind: 2.56 mt/sec towards NE
observed on 10 Jul 2025 06:00
Rakaia Weather Forecast for Next 5 days
11.68°C to 12.34°C
Light rain
12.58°C to 12.58°C
Moderate rain
12.64°C to 12.64°C
Light rain
12.49°C to 12.49°C
Light rain
12.55°C to 12.55°C
Light rain
13.35°C to 13.35°C
Overcast clouds
Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
Rakaia is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those interested in fishing and boating. The Rakaia River is a popular spot for salmon fishing and there are several local companies that offer guided fishing trips. The town also has several parks and reserves, including the Rakaia Gorge Scenic Reserve.
Economy
Rakaia's economy is largely based on agriculture, with sheep and cattle farming being the dominant industries. The town also has a number of small businesses and services, including a grocery store, post office and several cafes and restaurants.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chertsey School |
| 2 | Dorie Community Preschool |
| 3 | Dorie School |
| 4 | Dunsandel Playcentre |
| 5 | Dunsandel School |