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Kaiapoi - insider tips
Hear what the locals like about their town, giving you insider tips to what they like to do, see and where to shop, including photos in and around Kaiapoi.
Scott Blackler
This is a place that I have had the pleasure to call home for 43years.
I was born here in 1976. Through my life I have travelled most of NZ with work. But still I have this indescribable draw to the town, I call home. Both the rivers being the Mak (Waimakariri river) and the Kaiapoi have treated me well over the years
This pic is of the Waimak Mouth getting ready for a morning fish.
I class myself a 327 for life.
(327 is the first 3 numbers of Kaiapoi phone numbers)
Heather May
I love being able to go for a walk straight out from my door along the river banks where you might see some bird life along the way. Yesterday I took some photos.
Steve Fitz-Gerald
Steve provided these stunning images of action on the Kaiapoi river.
On Sunday 27 September 2015 the MV Tahoe ran aground at the mouth of the Waimakariri and was deemed unsalvageable.
You can read more history of the vessel here – History of the mv Tuhoe
Steve Fitz-Gerald
Steve provided these stunning images of action on the Kaiapoi river.
This image would have been taken standing on the bridge and would have been taken around 2009, as the river bank has since changed.
Kaiapoi Farmers Market
The market is small and very local, in terms of vendors, you wont find imported product, you will be buying food and produce straight from the grower, manufacturer. We love popping down to this friendly local market
Each Saturday from 9.30 – 12.30pm outside Paris for the Weekend cafe on Charles Street, opposite New World Supermarket.
Back to the Wild
Sonia is a local woman that is passionate about what she produces. Everything has been sourced from the natural earth. She also holds awesome workshops on sustainable living, making sour dough, eco printing, natural home cleaning, winemaking, cider making, edible weeds etc.. well worth attending, currently these workshops are online, visit Sonia’s facebook page for details.
She believes that business is there to improve the lives of all people, not just their market. Every month, she has a Charity of the Month. $1 from each purchase is donated to that charity, at no cost to you. Plus, she has various other give-back schemes throughout the year. ie. December 2018, she donated mosquito nets to 26 families in developing countries.
Offering skin & home products that are natural, organic where possible, and affordable.
Safe for babies, great people with sensitive skin, and anyone who wants to cut down on the amount of toxins in their life!
Call Sonia first before visiting to avoid disappointment, alternatively visit her business website, where you can buy online
Location – 338 Williams St, Ph. 0210 222 3363 – backtothewildnz@gmail.com – https://www.facebook.com/backtothewildNZ/ – https://www.backtothewild.co.nz
River Queen
We have travelled on the river queen three times so far…and each time has been lovely. The trip lasts between 1 1/2 – 2 hours and at the cost of $25 each for an adult and $20 mid week for seniors its a very affordable entertainment, especially when you compare it with the likes of boat travel in say Akaroa where the same length of trip would be closer to $80+. Take the relaxed trip up the river, there is food and drinks on board, one of our trips we hired it as a group and its well worth it.
I found a video of the trip..I can not take credit for it… it gives you a good idea of what you will see going on a cruise.
Location – 178 Williams Street – Ph. 0274 350 596 – https://www.kaiapoiriverqueen.co.nz/
Ohoka Farmers Market
This is one of the best farmers market, if you can get away from work on a Friday morning… it is well worth the drive
A fantastic country market only 25 mins from Christchurch.
Lots of local food artisans gather every Friday morning year round in Ohoka domain. Everyday basic fresh foods to the more special gourmet extras. We offer brunch,chai, farmyard animals at Ohoka, seasonal fruits, garden plants, organic produce, gluten free baking and a peaceful, uncrowded shopping experience. Come to Ohoka for that country feel, and with a focus on gardens and plants.
Shop your heart out!
Every Friday alongsdie the food market is the Ohoka Artisan Craft Market – local craft artisans selling – jewellery to clothing, to garden produce.
Sign up and be a Friend of the Market – receive our weekly news on whats on and what coming up.
All year 9 – 12.30 Winter hours 9 – 12 (May,June,July,Aug, Sept)
Lots of local food artisans gather every Friday morning year round in Ohoka domain. Everyday basic fresh foods to the more special gourmet extras. We offer brunch,chai, farmyard animals at Ohoka, seasonal fruits, garden plants, organic produce, gluten free baking and a peaceful, uncrowded shopping experience. Come to Ohoka for that country feel, and with a focus on gardens and plants.
Shop your heart out!
Every Friday alongsdie the food market is the Ohoka Artisan Craft Market – local craft artisans selling – jewellery to clothing, to garden produce.
Sign up and be a Friend of the Market – receive our weekly news on whats on and what coming up.
All year 9 – 12.30 Winter hours 9 – 12 (May,June,July,Aug, Sept)
Location – Ohoka Domain; cnr Mill and Whites Rds
Honda Forest
Honda has generously funded the purchase of native trees and plants for this area… they have been planted near a dog park and BMX track… you can go for a walk and sit by the water and watch all of the birds on the lake. A place where you can sit on the seats and relax and maybe have a bit to eat, there are rubbish bins onsite.
Location is on the left hand side of Charles Street, heading South East past New World by around 400m.. a short walk from Kaiapoi’s CBD..
Kaiapoi Food Forest
This is a great place to pop down and just wander around… and most of the time you will find things to eat. Its cool that its managed by volunteers and the residents and local businesses have donated so many of the trees and plants over 2000 I believe. it started in September 2017, but boy has it grown and the small playground is perfect for smaller children, that would be overwhelmed by the bigger playgrounds. The Trust that manages the forest hold events throughout the year, which always are fun along with regular courses on growing, pruning, propogating etc
cnr Cass and Meadow Streets, http://kai.net.nz – https://www.facebook.com/KAIintoKAIAPOI/
If you are a Kaiapoi resident that would like to share what they like about living in Kaiapoi please make contact us here
To make it easier for you, we have created headings for you to choose from, so you can find your way to Kaiapoi, find a place to eat and drink, do a bit of shopping, cruising or walking or biking.
