Rangiora is the major town for the Waimakariri District and is considered one of the fastest expanding townships within the Canterbury and North Canterbury region.

Popular with Christchurch day-trippers and international visitors keen to experience the culture and ambience of rural New Zealand, Rangiora is just 40 minutes from central Christchurch City and Christchurch International Airport. The well-maintained open highways and roads are easy to drive and navigate - perfect for rental vehicles, motorhomes and motorcycles. Alternatively, public transport buses travel daily between Christchurch city and Rangiora.

As part of the renowned Inland Scenic Route, Rangiora is a popular place to enjoy a couple of relaxing days as part of your South Island holiday. The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools are less than 90 minutes away, Akaroa is an easy two hour drive and Mount Hutt and other local ski-fields are approximately 90 minutes from the town of Rangiora.

Serenada Country Lodge with its luxury bed and breakfast accommodation, fine dining restaurant and 9 hole golf course is just a picturesque 10 minute drive from the heart of Rangiora.

Rangiora Township has all the conveniences of a large town without the crowds and traffic jams! Stroll the main street and enjoy the wonderful array of stores, including boutique clothing, specialist male and female clothing, pet supplies, major banks, post office, books and stationary, electrical and electronic goods, florists, footwear, liquor supplies, sporting gear, arts and crafts, furniture, pharmacies, hair salons, large department stores, giftware, health, beauty, photographic, opticians and supermarkets.

Rangiora offers a diverse range of restaurants and takeaway bars, and boasts a high number of restaurants and cafes that cater to special dietary requirements, especially for those with Coeliac's disease.

Some of the best expresso coffee can be found in Rangiora and there are plenty of quality cafes offering professional barista services for creamy latte's and cappuccinos.

From delicious fresh baked rolls loaded with fresh salads and local meats for you to enjoy picnic style in a nearby park, to Subway Restaurant, fresh fish and chips, Chinese, Thai, Sushi, India and Pizza Hutt - the array of takeaway foods is enormous! There is something to suit all tastebuds and budgets!

If a seated breakfast, lunch or evening meal is more your style - you won’t be disappointed! Victoria Street Cafe specialises in excellent coffee and decadent desserts and slices during the day, as well as superb lunchtime dining and romantic evening meals of high quality and service.

Serenada Restaurant is just 10 minutes from the heart of Rangiora and is open for lunch and evening meals. Serenada is perfect for special occasion evening dining or relaxed lunchtime outings and offers an exceptional selection of quality local produce for a truly fine-dining experience.

Visitors to Rangiora can also enjoy:

• Wine tasting and winery restaurant meals at award winning North Canterbury wineries.
• Visit New Zealand's only commercial meadery that is located just outside the town and produces mead made from pure New Zealand honey.
• Learn to play polo at Blue Springs Polo School.
• Visit the famous Cheese factory.
• Explore the number of museums, including the Northbrook Colonial Museum, the Vintage Tractor Museum and the Rangiora Museum.
• Hire a guide and go trout fishing.
• Ski-ing.
• Take a walk through beautiful Matawai Park or Northbrook Wetlands.
• Farm and Agricultural tours.
• Hunting and fishing.
• Enjoy a round of golf.

As the Waimakariri District visitor guide states... Braided Rivers, Boundless Beaches and Forests & Mountains - Just North of Christchurch…