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Visit Waimakariri

Address:
New Zealand, 7440 - View the map
Kaiapoi is built around a river that once served as a port in the 1870s before road and rail access. The history of Kaiapoi dates back to the early 1700s with the Maori occupation. The Ngai Tahu stronghold built the Kaiapoi Pa as its main food storage but in 1832 Te Rauparaha destroyed this with only a few locals escaping.
Today the town thrives and offers big city perks with small town hospitality. Punctuating the boutique shops and great cafés are relaxing walks and bike trails, golf and rowing courses as well as many events the locals host to entertain everyone.
Blackwells Department Store is the region's biggest and oldest store which has recently been rebuilt bigger and stronger following the 2010 Canterbury earthquakes. This flagship store emphasises the warm welcome you will find everywhere in Kaiapoi.
Close by is the Kaiapoi Lakes which is sure to leave a cultural impression on you with its integral part in the Maori history of the area. Known as Nga Tapuwae O Mua, which means footsteps of the past, the lakes are a magnet for fishing, bird watching, walking or simply enjoying a picnic in a tranquil setting. Kaiapoi is motorhome-friendly and houses the districts i-SITE Information Visitor Centre with easy access and parking which you can't find readily in Christchurch..
Today the town thrives and offers big city perks with small town hospitality. Punctuating the boutique shops and great cafés are relaxing walks and bike trails, golf and rowing courses as well as many events the locals host to entertain everyone.
Blackwells Department Store is the region's biggest and oldest store which has recently been rebuilt bigger and stronger following the 2010 Canterbury earthquakes. This flagship store emphasises the warm welcome you will find everywhere in Kaiapoi.
Close by is the Kaiapoi Lakes which is sure to leave a cultural impression on you with its integral part in the Maori history of the area. Known as Nga Tapuwae O Mua, which means footsteps of the past, the lakes are a magnet for fishing, bird watching, walking or simply enjoying a picnic in a tranquil setting. Kaiapoi is motorhome-friendly and houses the districts i-SITE Information Visitor Centre with easy access and parking which you can't find readily in Christchurch..
Food & Drink in Canterbury Region
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