2 minute read
Kaiapoi Must Do's
River Perks
Pretty river town Kaiapoi boasts two beautiful rivers passing through it, allowing for jet boat rides, river walks, bike rides and fishing. Jump aboard the Kaiapoi River Queen paddle steamer to cruise the river in vintage style or catch a ride on New Zealand’s only air boat with Alpine Jet Thrills.
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Alpine Jet Thrills
Zip up and down Waimakariri River by jet boat or air boat. Skilled drivers thrill passengers with 360-degree spins and detailed insight into the area’s history, nature and beautiful braided river.
Fishing
The Waimakariri River is a top salmon and trout fishery so come and hook yourself a large one at the river’s mouth. Whitebaiting is also popular on the lower reaches of the river.
Kaiapoi Museum
There’s enough preserved history from Kaiapoi and surrounds in this little museum to ensure you smash every Kaiapoi-related pub quiz here on in. Entry is free. Kaiapoi Museum is housed within the modern Ruataniwha Civic Centre, where you’ll also find the Art on Quay art gallery.
Kaiapoi Lakes Reserve
The eastern-most lake is a breeding ground for rare water birds while the south-western lake offers a peaceful recreation area for kayakers, picnic lovers and walkers.
Kaiapoi Island
Part of the Waimakariri River Regional Park and a haven of outdoor pursuits. There are several shared tracks for cycling and walking as well as fishing and swimming spots.
Kaiapoi Letterbox
Find a series of higgledy-piggledy red-letter boxes sculptured by Mark Larsen to reflect 1049 homes destroyed by the 2010 earthquake.
Blackwell’s Department Store
has been in Kaiapoi since 1871. Opposite the store is a small new shopping precinct punching above its weight.
Alpine Airboats
Be blasted around down the Waimakariri river everglade-style onboard New Zealand’s only airboat.
Aqualand NZ
As the weather heats up, don your togs and hit Aqualand inflatable waterpark for thrills and spills.
Kaiapoi River Queen © ChristchurchNZ
