Rakaia Gorge is in the heart of mid Canterbury, with this area really coming alive in the winter months due to its prime location for snow to fall on the surrounding mountains. Mt Hutt is nearest and one of the many ski areas in Canterbury.
However during the summer Rakaia Gorge is best for its jet boating, horse riding routes and salmon fishing in its braided river. It is apparently holds some of New Zealand’s best salmon fishing, and being only 50km South of Christchurch, it is often a weekend camping area for locals.