Kia ora: Kaiapoi

A whitebaiter at the mouth of the Waimakariri River Photo / NZME.

Enjoy the meandering Kaiapoi River in this pretty little historic town, writes Elisabeth Easther.

Where is it? In the Waimakariri district, on the banks of the Kaiapoi River, Kaiapoi is 15 minutes north of Christchurch.

Origin of name: Some people say Kaiapoi means to "swing food" ("kai" for food and "poi" for the balls on tethers that are swung in dance) although the reason for the name remains obscure.

Population: 10,700.

Town slogan: Kaiapoi - Historic Rivertown.

Town mascot: The historic vessel the MV Tuhoe, built in 1919, is moored at the Kaiapoi Wharf, now under maintenance.

Famous locals: Former Prime Minister Norman Kirk - Big Norm - and All Black Matt Todd.

Old news: Back in the day this area was a bustling metropolis: the Ngai Tahu pa site was home to over 5000 people during its heyday and later, from the 1850s, the rivers became important trade routes for the early settlers.

Best website: visitwaimakariri.co.nz.

Big business: Two major employers are Hellers NZ, with 350 staff, and Patience & Nicholson Evacut Drills, with 125. The Kaiapoi Woollen Mill was the mainstay of the local economy until the 1970s.

Town fiestas: The River Carnival includes a mighty raft race; the streets fill with floats for the Santa Parade on the first Saturday of December each year; and the Kaiapoi Art Expo held in July showcases the work of local artists.

Here for a short time: Enjoy the meandering Kaiapoi River or head for the i-Site at the railway station.

Best reason to stop: Kaiapoi is a perfect pit stop if you're feeling peckish, whether you fancy eating fish and chips down by the river, or prefer to choose from the many other cuisines on offer.

Best activity for kids: A trip to the Woodford Glen Speedway is something kids always enjoy - especially at Guy Fawkes time. And you can't go wrong with a spot of fishing on the river.

Best Park: Trousselot Park Recreation Precinct sits by the Kaiapoi River and contains a skate park, a half basketball court, a play area for younger children (check out the hamster wheel) and a band rotunda. The Scott Rose Gardens are also popular.

Best walk: Enjoy the 150 Year Walkway and Kaiapoi Domain. Suitable for all levels of fitness, you'll want to take your time to appreciate the interpretation panels that outline the region's history.

The Waimakariri River flows to the south of Kaiapoi. Photo / Supplied

Best view: From the bridge on Williams St you can look along the river to the sea and up to the Southern Alps and, if you visit in spring, it'll be especially pretty thanks to the profusion of blossoms.

Best place to pull over: Take time out at the Kaiapoi Lakes to feed the ducks, take a gentle stroll or have a picnic.

Best swim: Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre - indoor heated pools, open year round. Or if you fancy an outdoor swim, Pines Beach is five minutes down the road.

Best museum: Have you ever heard of the National Scout Museum? This engaging exhibit hall celebrates the New Zealand scouting movement - the local Blue Skies troop was the first scout group in New Zealand.

Nice arts: Art on the Quay is a gorgeous new gallery that opened recently in the Ruataniwha Civic Centre. A flash new museum is also expected to open there in June.

Top shop: Blackwells Department Store (est. 1871) - you'll find everything there from fashion to homeware to gifts.

Cream of the coffee: Rivertown Cafe is very popular, operated by a trust a lot of the profits are ploughed back into the community - and they have free wi-fi. Coffee Culture at the New World supermarket is also fab.

Baked: Jacob's Bakery makes all its own bread, and its custard squares and meat pies are fab.

Best food: Visit 3 Cows for generous portions and relaxed dining, Jagger & Co for a good steak and Teppanyaki Takao for a flaming good time.

Wet your whistle: The Kaikanui Tavern has been around for donkey's years and is popular with locals, or for something new, the Mandeville Tavern (99 Raven Quay), rebuilt after the earthquakes, is also pulling a crowd.

Best mountain biking: Go for a cycle round Kaiapoi Island's Raven Quay Loop, part of the Waimakariri River Regional Park.

Best adventure: Take a jet boat trip with Jet Thrills on the Waimakariri River.

Best kept secret: The Southern Grain Distillery brews Kaiapoi Draught & Finnegans Dark Beer, which is said to be especially good for diabetics. You can fill your own container with spirits or buy sarsaparilla if you'd rather.

Wildlife: Salmon come up the Waimakariri right into the Kaiapoi River with a few places where you can catch a salmon in the centre of town. Also on the river, you might see wrybills, heron, spur-winged plovers and black shags.

Safety warnings: Don't jump off the bridge into the river, even if you fancy a swim - some local kids do it, but it's not advised.

Fancy that: A river runs through it.

Thanks to Gwen and her team at the Kaiapoi i-Site.