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Rakaia creates an immediate imprint on its visitors with its landmark salmon and 1.8 kilometre bridge spanning its world famous salmon-fishing river.� This impressive braided river is a natural playground and major drawcard offering visitors to the area a memorable New Zealand experience. Easily accessible activities include salmon fishing, jet boating, winery visit, golf, gig rides, horse riding, and farm tours.� A variety of accommodations can be enjoyed through farmstays, guesthouses, holiday parks, motels and hotel.
The unique climate provided by the proximity to the broad riverbed, in combination with the alluvial soils provides ideal growing conditions for intensive vegetable and cereal crops. Rakaia is one of New Zealand's most productive farming areas - described by many as the "Salad Bowl" of the nation.� The diverse nature of the area extends to the wide variety of livestock grown on the larger farms surrounding the Rakaia Township. Visitors are welcome to explore the beautifully landscaped garden tours, the cut flower farms, the vineyards and winery, and the animal farms ranging from sheep and dairy cows to ostriches and worms.�
Craft lovers are well catered for by the local artisans who create pottery, bone carving, gnomes, floral art, oil and water colours, folkart and homespun knitwear each with their own particular design.� These wonderful arts and crafts are available year round but a favourite time to select your unique momento is during the summer months at the Rakaia craft fair.� This is held at the landmark salmon site every second Sunday of each month from September through to March. Exhibitors and shoppers gather from far afield for this monthly occasion.
Another highlight in the Rakaia calendar is the three day event at the end of February when the Rakaia Salmon Fishing Competition takes place.� The internationally renowned salmon spawning river attracts recurrent and new contestants each year.
Other uniquely rural events focused around Rakaia are the Ploughing Match in May and the Rakaia Sheep Shearing Competition in November.� These affairs provide the perfect setting for urban visitors to delight in the wonders of country life.
Visitors (from an individual to a coach load) wishing to explore Rakaia need only to contact one of the listed attractions or accommodations and the visit will be arranged.
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