RAKAIA Rakaia is 20kms from Ashburton and is considered an outer suburb of the larger centre. But the difference being Rakaia is not considered a dormitory suburb of Christchurch even though much closer. Rakaia is snuggled against the Rakaia River that has the longest highway bridge on its exit to Christchurch. Unlike Ashburton the small town of Rakaia stands for a branding and that being ‘salmon’ and salmon fishing. The Rakaia River is a celebrated Chinook salmon and Rakaia the town is known for its large wrybill bird population which represents. So the small town has earned its name as the Salmon Capital of New Zealand, with large populations of both salmon and trout in the Rakaia River. The fishing season stretches from October through until April, peaking in the months of February and March. During this time, anglers line the 20 kilometers closest to the mouth of the river. The annual Rakaia Salmon Fishing Competition puts the skills of local and visiting fishermen to the test. Rakaia has three churches. The two hotels are traditional and have their individual profiles. The Rakaia War Memorial is on the main street. Travelers will pass through and is worth a stopover.