Rakaia's a great place to jet boating, white water rafting or fishing. Photo / Doug Sherring
Salmon 'chanted evenings are the toast of this town, discovers Elisabeth Easther.
Where is it? On the Canterbury Plains on the shores of the renowned braided Rakaia River, 57km south of Christchurch on State Highway One.
Origin of name: O Rakaia is Maori for "the place where people are arranged in rank".
Population: 1113.
Town slogan: Salmon capital of New Zealand.
Town mascot: A giant fibreglass salmon towers 12m above the town. Designed by Philip Price, it's even featured on a stamp.
Fish tales: New Zealand is the only place Chinook salmon have been successfully introduced outside of their natural habitat and, after spawning, all adults die so you may as well catch them and eat them - waste not, want not. Fishing season runs from October to April.
Bridge the gap: The Southern Hemisphere's longest bridge is in Rakaia. Built in 1939, it spans the impressive 1.8km width of the Rakaia River.
Famous locals: Hamish Bond, the champion rower, grew up around these parts as did Tony Carter and Grant Smith (world class shearers), Mark Cromie (jetboat champion) and Grant Perry (All Black).
Best websites: rakaia.co.nz or midcanterburynz.com.
Most prominent industry: Dairy farming, engineering and fishing.
Source of pride: Rakaia-ites will solve problems that arise within the community themselves. For example, if it snows, local contractors will clear the roads rather than wait for the council; everyone donates time and materials to keeping Rakaia beautiful - the super new mural is a case in point. Plus, people here are downright kind and friendly.
Growing concern: The soil is excellent. If you dig horticulture you'll do well here.
Town fiestas: A fishing competition is held each year on the last weekend of February. It's run for more than 25 years and it's massive. The Muddy Good Run is good clean fun. Runners negotiate mud piles and holes although it's not about who crosses the finish line first but more about team spirit and giving people a helping hand - camaraderie over competiveness. The circuit is 5km and the hardcore mud lovers do it twice. Each year, too, there's an excellent Guy Fawkes do.
Here for a short time? Visit the fish site. Aside from the giant much-photographed salmon, there's lots of space to run around in. You can cook a meal on the coin-operated barbecues plus there are public toilets.
Best reason to stop: To meet real New Zealanders who'll take the time to chat. This is a great place to relax.
Best places to take the kids: The public swimming pool, the BMX track and the domain are all good while local kids, when they get a bit older, swim in the river and build huts on the banks. Good old-fashioned fun.
Best playgrounds: Play in the domain or at the salmon site where there's a climbing frame, a little car for toddlers to play on, swings, slides and jungle gyms - all of them new. The Lions have just bought a tractor that's currently being made safe for children to play on and, when it's ready, it'll live beside the jet boat.
Best walks: Rakaia River Walkway, 3.2km from Rakaia Bridge to the township, is beautifully planted with natives and there are plans to plant more. Rakaia Gorge Walkway is also stunning, brimming with geological and visual wonders, it's 10.4km long and takes about three to four hours' return. Or just walk the streets and admire the pretty gardens and houses.
Best view: The river walkway is always delightful, with its uninterrupted views of the mountains and the Rakaia River snaking its way down from the gorge.
Best swims: Join the local children as they jump off the rail bridge into the river or go to the community-run swimming pool, which also has a high diving board.
Nice arts: Rakaia Country Arts is run by a co-op and there you can buy or admire locally-made jewellery, homespun knitwear, paintings, pottery and preserves.
Top shops: There's a service station, two garages, two tearooms, two Four Squares (one with a lovely gift shop within) two pubs and a fish and chip shop.
Cream of the coffee: The Rakaia, the first shop coming into town, and Salmon Tales, where Barista Bryce creates amazing designs on the tops of coffee and hot chocolates.
Hungry? Salmon Tales does lovely baked food and The Original Meads Tearooms on Main South Road does exotic preserves and a lovely menu that runs all day. At night you've a choice of two pubs that do excellent grub including delicious salmon dishes. The Railway Tavern (124 Railway Terrace) does a roast every day.
Wet your whistle: The South Rakaia Hotel (cnr of Elizabeth Avenue and Railway Terrace East) is the quieter of the two pubs, great for a chat and a pint while The Railway is rowdier, ideal for music, dancing and pool.
Best cycling: You can cycle along the river walkway so long as you share with care, of course.
Best adventures: Go jet boating, white water rafting or fishing; the river thrills here are fabulous.
Sporting chances: There's a pony club, equestrian course, golf course, squash and tennis courts and bowling greens, too.
Wildlife: Aside from the aforementioned salmon, high country birds come down in autumn and they look and sound lovely. There are lots of cows.
Safety warnings: SH1 goes through Rakaia so do take care crossing the road.
Locals say: There's always salmon to do in Rakaia.
Visitors say: Salmon tells me you're right.
Thanks to Linda from Rakaia News and all the lovely people she canvassed to get the goods.
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When there's nothing as far as the eye can see, you may appreciate the company.