mountain pass
Porters Pass
939 m pass on State Highway 73, the highest point on that route and the first alpine climb heading west from Christchurch.
56 km · about 65 min drive
Canterbury, New Zealand · Oceania
Rakaia sits on the route: 25 minutes from Southbridge, 56km from Porters Pass.
Rakaia is a town located in Canterbury, New Zealand. With a population of 1,680, it is an important destination in Oceania.
On a road trip, Rakaia sits in New Zealand, where you drive on the left. It's in the Pacific/Auckland time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Rakaia to your route.
Rakaia is a town sited on the southern banks of the Rakaia River on the Canterbury Plains in New Zealand's South Island, approximately 57 km south of Christchurch on State Highway 1 and the Main South Line. Immediately north of the township are New Zealand's longest road bridge and longest rail bridge, both of whichRead more
cross the wide shingle beds of the braided river at this point. Both bridges are approximately 1,750 metres (5,740 ft) in length.
Rakaia was also the junction of the Methven Branch, a branch line railway to Methven that operated from 1880 until its closure in 1976. An accident at the railway station in 1899 killed four people.
Rakaia's most obvious feature is a large fibreglass salmon. The river from which the town takes its name is known for its salmon fishing and jetboating. In 2025 the sculture was temporarily moved to the workshop of its creator Phil Price for restoration.
The town and river were previously known as Cholmondeley, but the Māori name would eventually prevail over the English one.
The rural community of Acton is located south of the Rakaia township.
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Rakaia offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Rakaia is located in Canterbury, New Zealand, Oceania. The coordinates are -43.7500 latitude, 172.0167 longitude.
Rakaia has a population of approximately 1,680 people, making it a town in New Zealand.
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Many rural bridges are single-lane. Give way as signed.
Full driving guide for New Zealand1 notable place within an hour's drive.
mountain pass
939 m pass on State Highway 73, the highest point on that route and the first alpine climb heading west from Christchurch.
56 km · about 65 min drive
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