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Rakaia Gorge

New Zealand
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Photographing Rakaia Gorge

Rakaia Gorge is where the braided Rakaia River cuts through the Canterbury foothills, with a walkway along the rim and jet boating on the water below.

Where to shoot

  • Rakaia Gorge Walkway — about two hours return along the northern rim, with two lookouts over the turquoise river.
  • The glacial water — the colour comes from rock flour suspended in meltwater off the Southern Alps, and it is most vivid under cloud.
  • Jet boating — the other way to see the gorge, running the shallows between the cliffs.
  • The drive in from Christchurch — about an hour through the Canterbury Plains, with the Alps filling the horizon most of the way.

When to go

February to April for settled weather and low flows; the colour is best on overcast days rather than full sun.

What to eat

Stop at Rakaia on the way in for a pie or salmon from the farm shop; there is nothing to eat at the gorge itself.

Where to stay

Methven or Rakaia, both within half an hour, rather than expecting accommodation at the gorge.

Walk to the upper lookout rather than stopping at the first one — the second is ten minutes further and looks down the length of the gorge rather than across it.

Read more in Rakaia Gorge Travel Guide: Turquoise Water & the Walkway.

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