Rakaia
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Rakaia | ||
---|---|---|
Urban Area | Population | 1,080 (2006 est.) |
Territorial Authority |
Name | Ashburton District Council |
Population | 27,600 (2006 est.) | |
Extent |
Pacific Ocean to the |
|
Regional Council |
Name | Canterbury |
The town of Rakaia is seated close to the southern banks of the Rakaia River on the Canterbury Plains in New Zealand's South Island, on State Highway 1 and the Main South Line. Immediately north of the township are the country's longest road bridge and longest rail bridge, both of which cross the wide shingle beds of the braided river at this point. Both bridges are approximately 1750 metres in length. Rakaia was also the junction of the disused Methven Branch railway line to Methven.
A township of under 1000 people, its most obvious feature is a large fibreglass salmon. The river from which the town takes its name is known for its salmon fishing and jetboating.
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