Overview
Rakaia Gorge is a stunning natural formation located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. The gorge is carved out by the Rakaia River, which flows through the Southern Alps and into the Pacific Ocean. The Rakaia Gorge offers breathtaking scenery, hiking trails and plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
Rakaia Gorge Details | |
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Location | Rakaia Gorge |
Region | Canterbury |
District Council | Selwyn District |
Sub-District | Selwyn District |
Postal Code: | - |
Current Time: | 07:04 AM |
Date: | Monday, May 19, 2025(NZST) |
Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
Elevation / Altitude | 52.31 meters. Above Seal level |
Latitude | -43.4960 |
Longitude | 171.6250 |
DMS Lat | -44° 30' 14.5104'' |
DMS Long | 171° 37' 30.0014'' |
History
The Rakaia Gorge has been inhabited by the Ngāi Tahu Māori people for over a thousand years. They have used the river as a source of food and transportation. In the 19th century, European settlers arrived in the area and established farms along the riverbanks. Today, the Rakaia Gorge is a popular tourist destination and a key source of hydroelectric power for the region.
Geography
The Rakaia Gorge is situated on the eastern side of the Southern Alps, with the Rakaia River flowing through it. The gorge is approximately 40 kilometers long and the river is known for its clear blue waters. The surrounding area is characterized by steep cliffs, rolling hills and native forests.
Rakaia Gorge is located at latitude -43.49596933 and longitude 171.62500040 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -44° 30' 14.5104'' and longitude 171° 37' 30.0014'' (DMS).
Below is map of Rakaia Gorge
Demographics
The Rakaia Gorge is located in a rural area of the Canterbury region, with a small population of approximately 3,000 people. The local community is predominantly involved in agriculture and tourism, with many small businesses catering to visitors to the area.
Climate
The climate in the Rakaia Gorge is temperate, with warm summers and cool winters. The area receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, with occasional snowfall during the winter months. Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions when visiting the gorge.
Rakaia Gorge Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Rakaia Gorge Live Weather
Broken clouds
Humidity: 74%
Wind: 4.67 mt/sec towards SW
observed on 18 May 2025 21:00
Rakaia Gorge Weather Forecast for Next 5 days
12.87°C to 13.27°C
Broken clouds
14.16°C to 14.9°C
Scattered clouds
12.63°C to 12.63°C
Clear sky
14.21°C to 14.21°C
Clear sky
14.74°C to 14.74°C
Clear sky
15.26°C to 15.26°C
Light rain
Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
The Rakaia Gorge is home to several popular tourist attractions, including hiking trails, fishing spots and scenic drives. The Rakaia Gorge Walkway is a popular hiking trail that follows the river and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The area is also known for its excellent fishing, with trout and salmon found in the river. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the gorge and stop at various lookout points to take in the stunning views.
Economy
The local economy in the Rakaia Gorge is primarily driven by tourism and agriculture. Many small businesses in the area cater to visitors, including accommodations, restaurants and outdoor activity providers. Agriculture is also an important industry in the region, with dairy farming, sheep farming and crop cultivation being common activities.
Nearby Schools
Sr. No. | School Name |
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1 | Leap Ahead Early Childhood Centre |
2 | Methven Playcentre |
3 | Methven Pre-school Learning & Child Care Centre |
4 | Methven School |
5 | Mount Hutt College |
Nearby Towns and Cities
Popular Towns and Cities | |
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Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road, Mount Hutt | Bayfields |
Ben Lea | Birchwood Lodge |
Highlea | Rakaia Gorge |
Raroma Linga | Snowdon Coalmine |
Steep Hill, Canterbury | Terrace Downs |