Kaiapoi is proud to be the gateway to the Waimakariri District, with natural unspoiled scenery, rivers, beaches, forests, mountains, foothills and natural wetlands easily accessible.

Kaiapoi, established in 1857, is a picturesque river town and won the NZ Most Beautiful Town Award in 2003 and 2009. It is easily accessed from the Northern Motorway, State Highway 1, just 20 minutes north of beautiful Christchurch city. It has a population of approx. 12,000 people.

Kaiapoi is known as a “Historic River Town” since the Kaiapoi River has several tributaries, including the Cam River used for carting logs and wool in the 1890s and 1900s.

The Kaiapoi River is a tributary of snow-fed Waimakariri River that flows into Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The beach and rivers close-by allow easy access to all water sports and recreation, including fishing and whitebaiting.

Kaiapoi is a unique destination, providing a range of sporting and leisure pursuits, including golf, swimming, skateboarding, cycling and walking tracks, cafes and restaurants for our international students.

Things for students to do and places to visit in the local area include: Skateboard Park, National Scout Museum, Aquatic Centre, Library, Museum, Farmers’ Market, Local Marae at Tuahiwi, Woodford Glen Speedway, Pegasus Lake, Visitors’ Centre.

For more information visit www.visitwaimakariri.co.nz.