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10 Best place to visit in Kaiapoi New Zealand

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10 things NOT to do in New Zealand 😬

Don't do these 10 things when coming to New Zealand. New Zealand is an amazing place but you must respect the culture, the environment and learn the lingo! As Americans who have moved to New Zealand, sometimes we have learned this the hard way.

What to know if you are able to move to New Zealand? Sign up for my FREE webinars on How to move to New Zealand in 2025:

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- Don't do these 10 things when coming to New Zealand. New Zealand is an amazing place but you must respect the culture, the environment and learn the lingo! As Americans who have moved to New Zealand, sometimes we have learned this the hard way.

There are still cultural differences, and things that can catch you out if you're not careful... 🙃

In this video I break down ten things to be careful of when you're in NZ:

0:00 - 10 things not to do in NZ
0:36 - Don't compare to Aussie...
0:58 - Offer tea
1:20 - Keep to speed limit
1:59 - Respect Maori culture
2:41 - Don't bring dirty shoes
3:19 - Stores closing early
4:06 - Restaurants open from 5.30pm
4:49 - Don't expect chain restaurants
5:56 - No tipping
6:23 - No crowds
6:59 - One last thing...
7:20 - Thanks for watching!

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We are a family of 6 Americans who are living and working in New Zealand and documenting our journey! Our family moved here 5 years ago and love sharing our journey with you.

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Kaiapoi Time-Lapse (Canterbury, New Zealand)

The Kaiapoi Band Rotunda is registered as a Category II historic place by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. In 2003 the band rotunda was moved from the Memorial Reserve in Raven Street to Trousselot Park in Charles Street, and is now used for occasions such as weddings and outdoor functions.

More info is available at:

Filmed in June 2016.

ABOUT KAIAPOI:

Kaiapoi is a river town in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand, located close to the mouth of the Waimakariri River, and approximately 17 kilometres north of Christchurch.

The population of Kaiapoi is growing because of the expansion of Christchurch; indeed it can be classed as a 'bedroom' town for the city. Residing in Kaiapoi is attractive because of the balanced lifestyle; not only is the town a brief hop down the motorway from Christchurch, the immediate area offers great opportunities for water-sports (salmon fishing, beaches, rowing, jet skis, swimming) and general outdoor activities, be it 4 wheel driving, mountain biking, walking or running.
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Kaiapoi Time-Lapse (Canterbury, New Zealand)

Evening time-lapse on Williams Street in Kaiapoi in Canterbury. Filmed in June 2016.

ABOUT KAIAPOI:

Kaiapoi is a river town in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand, located close to the mouth of the Waimakariri River, and approximately 17 kilometres north of Christchurch.

The population of Kaiapoi is growing because of the expansion of Christchurch; indeed it can be classed as a 'bedroom' town for the city. Residing in Kaiapoi is attractive because of the balanced lifestyle; not only is the town a brief hop down the motorway from Christchurch, the immediate area offers great opportunities for water-sports (salmon fishing, beaches, rowing, jet skis, swimming) and general outdoor activities, be it 4 wheel driving, mountain biking, walking or running.
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Kaiapoi Time-Lapse (Canterbury, New Zealand)

Morning time-lapse of rush hour on State Highway 1, near Kaiapoi in Canterbury. This was filmed from the Tram Road over bridge looking due South. Filmed in June 2016.

ABOUT KAIAPOI:

Kaiapoi is a river town in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand, located close to the mouth of the Waimakariri River, and approximately 17 kilometres north of Christchurch.

The population of Kaiapoi is growing because of the expansion of Christchurch; indeed it can be classed as a 'bedroom' town for the city. Residing in Kaiapoi is attractive because of the balanced lifestyle; not only is the town a brief hop down the motorway from Christchurch, the immediate area offers great opportunities for water-sports (salmon fishing, beaches, rowing, jet skis, swimming) and general outdoor activities, be it 4 wheel driving, mountain biking, walking or running.
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Our 15 favorite things to do in Christchurch and Akaroa!

Christchurch and Akaroa New Zealand Travel Guide | Christchurch New Zealand

Christchurch, New Zealand is an amazing place to visit in New Zealand. We have prepared a travel guide for places to visit and on the end of the video some information about other activities you could do in and around Christchurch there is so much to do here in Christchurch.
In this city guide we visit The Christchurch Tram, the Christchurch Botanic Garden, Christchurch Old University and Observatory Hotel Riverside Market, New Regent Street, The Christchurch Cathedral and the New Brighton Beach and New Brighton Pier. We take you on a short trip to Lyttelton a small town in the Christchurch region, we will take you up on the Summit Road with breathtaking view over the ocean and coastline.
Christchurch is known as the Garden City, do not forget to visit the small parks like Edmonds Factory Garden.

Christchurch is the perfect starting point for day trips to other famous New Zealand attractions, like Arthurs Pass National Park, Mt Cook, Vine yards, Akaroa, Kaikoura, Lake Tekapo or the famous stunning filming location from Lord of the Rings, Edoras.

We have included some information about Akaro. Taking a scenic drive from Christchurch Akaroa is just 85 km away from Christchurch CBD, the charming coastal town is nestled on the Banks Peninsula. Akaroa exudes a unique blend of French heritage and natural beauty. Enjoy stunning coastal vistas, indulge in local cuisine, explore historic sites or just relax and capture the stunning views over the harbour. Christchurch Travel Guide, Akaroa New Zealand Travel Guide, Christchurch Travel New Zealand, Akaroa New Zealand Travel, New Zealand Travel Guide, akaroa christchurch, visit in New Zealand,new zealand amazing places, akaroa,christchurch new zealand city tour.
#christchurch #christchurchnz #akaroa #nztravelguide #newzealandtravel #travelguide #traveltips #travel #travelnz #newzealandtrip #newzealand #adventures #

The Video will have Subtitles in English, Arabic, German. Hindi, Urdu, Chinese, French, Dutch and Italian.


We put a couple of links here in the description for more informations





Our campsites in Christchurch NZ $ 5 pp

There are 3 NZMCA campsites in and around Christchurch, we was staying in NZMCA Park Kaiapoi, 15 km away from CBD Christchurch and in NZMCA Park Weedons, 20 km away from Christchurch CBD.


Our Campsites in Akaroa

There's a freedom campsite in Akaroa , but you need to be there around lunchtime, otherwise all places are gone. As an alternative you can camp in Wainui, its much cheaper then the campsite in Akaroa (NZ $ 15 pp)


Caption
0:00 Intro
1:30 Akaroa Trip with stunning views
4:30 Christchurch Highlights
4:38 Christchurch Old University with Observatory Hotel
4:53 Christchurch Tram
6:15 Christchurch Sunday Food Market
6:50 Information about our incident with the caravan
7:02 Christchurch Botanical Garden
8:27 Riverside Market
9:03 Food Disaster
9:25 Christchurch Cathedral
9:40 Christchurch New Regent Street with restaurants and Tram
10:52 Edmonds Factory Garden
11:51 Lyttleton
12:53 Drive up to Summit Road with Stunning views
13:49 Kaiapoi Community Food Forest
14:10 New Brighton Beach and Pier
15:54 Paid Activities in and around Christchurch
16:17 Preview about our next video Lord of the Ring Filming Location Edoras


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Kaiapoi, Christchurch & guided tour

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After leaving Hanmer Springs and enjoying the relaxing thermal hot pools, it was time to head further south.
We thought we might look at Kaiapoi, an outer suburb of Christchurch.
This beautiful little town was hit hard by Liquefaction after the 2010 Christchurch earthquake. Many streets were deemed RED ZONE, meaning those houses had to be demolished, and the land could not be rebuilt on.

Kaipoi is a short 10km bicycle trip to Rangiora on an easy-to-ride bike path, allowing you to bike around the beautiful main street of Rangiora with its stunning old buildings.

We caught up with our friend Liz who lives in Christchurch and offered to show us around, on our own personal guided tour of the port hills including a stunning view over the city on one side and Governors Bay on the other.
A drive around to a few gorgeous beaches including the Pier and then onto a lunch spot at Brighton Beach, where Rewa was given treats and lots of love from one of the dog-loving staff at the cafe.

We really loved Kaiapoi and highly recommend it as a stopover.
It is a beautiful little town and the NZMCA Park is a credit to the club, due to the way it is set out in a circular site and it's distance to town and walkways.

Kaiapoi Time-Lapse (Canterbury, New Zealand)

Morning time-lapse of rush hour on State Highway 1, near Kaiapoi in Canterbury. This was filmed form the Tram Road over bridge looking due North. Filmed in June 2016.

ABOUT KAIAPOI:

Kaiapoi is a river town in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand, located close to the mouth of the Waimakariri River, and approximately 17 kilometres north of Christchurch.

The population of Kaiapoi is growing because of the expansion of Christchurch; indeed it can be classed as a 'bedroom' town for the city. Residing in Kaiapoi is attractive because of the balanced lifestyle; not only is the town a brief hop down the motorway from Christchurch, the immediate area offers great opportunities for water-sports (salmon fishing, beaches, rowing, jet skis, swimming) and general outdoor activities, be it 4 wheel driving, mountain biking, walking or running.

Kaiapoi Time-Lapse (Canterbury, New Zealand)

Evening time-lapse on Williams Street in Kaiapoi in Canterbury. Filmed in June 2016.

ABOUT KAIAPOI:

Kaiapoi is a river town in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand, located close to the mouth of the Waimakariri River, and approximately 17 kilometres north of Christchurch.

The population of Kaiapoi is growing because of the expansion of Christchurch; indeed it can be classed as a 'bedroom' town for the city. Residing in Kaiapoi is attractive because of the balanced lifestyle; not only is the town a brief hop down the motorway from Christchurch, the immediate area offers great opportunities for water-sports (salmon fishing, beaches, rowing, jet skis, swimming) and general outdoor activities, be it 4 wheel driving, mountain biking, walking or running.

Kaiapoi Time-Lapse (Canterbury, New Zealand)

A pre-dawn time-lapse of a few minutes on Main Street of Kaiapoi in Canterbury. Filmed in June 2016.

ABOUT KAIAPOI:

Kaiapoi is a river town in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand, located close to the mouth of the Waimakariri River, and approximately 17 kilometres north of Christchurch.

The population of Kaiapoi is growing because of the expansion of Christchurch; indeed it can be classed as a 'bedroom' town for the city. Residing in Kaiapoi is attractive because of the balanced lifestyle; not only is the town a brief hop down the motorway from Christchurch, the immediate area offers great opportunities for water-sports (salmon fishing, beaches, rowing, jet skis, swimming) and general outdoor activities, be it 4 wheel driving, mountain biking, walking or running.

Kaiapoi Time-Lapse (Canterbury, New Zealand)

Impressive time-lapse compilation captured in the river town of Kaiapoi, Canterbury, New Zealand. Filmed in June 2016.

ABOUT KAIAPOI:

Kaiapoi is a river town in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand, located close to the mouth of the Waimakariri River, and approximately 17 kilometres north of Christchurch.

The population of Kaiapoi is growing because of the expansion of Christchurch; indeed it can be classed as a 'bedroom' town for the city. Residing in Kaiapoi is attractive because of the balanced lifestyle; not only is the town a brief hop down the motorway from Christchurch, the immediate area offers great opportunities for water-sports (salmon fishing, beaches, rowing, jet skis, swimming) and general outdoor activities, be it 4 wheel driving, mountain biking, walking or running.
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Kaiapoi Time-Lapse (Canterbury, New Zealand)

Morning time-lapse on Williams Street in Kaiapoi in Canterbury. Filmed in June 2016.

ABOUT KAIAPOI:

Kaiapoi is a river town in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand, located close to the mouth of the Waimakariri River, and approximately 17 kilometres north of Christchurch.

The population of Kaiapoi is growing because of the expansion of Christchurch; indeed it can be classed as a 'bedroom' town for the city. Residing in Kaiapoi is attractive because of the balanced lifestyle; not only is the town a brief hop down the motorway from Christchurch, the immediate area offers great opportunities for water-sports (salmon fishing, beaches, rowing, jet skis, swimming) and general outdoor activities, be it 4 wheel driving, mountain biking, walking or running.

Driving from Kaiapoi to Marshland in Christchurch | Canterbury | New Zealand | 4K

Driving from Kaiapoi to Marshland in Christchurch, in the Canterbury region on the East Coast of New Zealand's South Island.

Christchurch is full of world-class attractions, including the International Antarctic Centre, Orana Park, and Willowbank Wildlife Park. The City is called the Garden City due to its many trees and beautiful gardens.

Christchurch is the most populous City in the South Island. Christchurch is also home to an excellent hospitality sector with many cafes, bars, and restaurants. Popular Canterbury destinations such as Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs, Lyttelton, Sumner, Akaroa, and Mt Hutt are all under two hours from Christchurch. The City is an excellent destination for those looking for city attractions and comfort.

Christchurch is a city where urban transformation and heritage flourish. The City is forever evolving. This constantly gives locals and visitors alike new things to explore. Street art, innovative projects, a thriving hospitality space, and many beautiful well-established green spaces.

The City is intersected by the Avon River, giving the city environment a natural feel. The river flows through the central City and disrupts the regular rectangular layout of the city streets. Christchurch's rich English heritage is shown in many older buildings, especially in the cultural precinct along Worcester Boulevard from the Avon River towards the west, where most heritage buildings remain.

The City makes a great basecamp for exploring the South Island, with the Banks Peninsula and Akaroa within a short drive, together with the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains.

Kaiapoi is one of the main towns of North Canterbury, north of Christchurch. The town started in the 1850s on Kaiapoi Island, between the two branches of the Waimakariri River. River modifications have since diverted the river south of the town. The town was a busy port in the 1860s where its waterways allowed cutters, schooners, and paddle steamers to service the needs of the early settlers. With the railway reaching Kaiapoi in 1872, the port was used intermittently until 1967.

Driving New Zealand: Christchurch | Kaiapoi to Hornby | 4K

From Kaiapoi, just north of the Waimakariri River to the suburb of Hornby in the South-West of Christchurch, New Zealand. The route follows State Highway 1, which now bypasses much of Christchurch. Recorded on dashcam, December 8, 2023.
Distance travelled: 25.75km
Average speed: 60.8kmh

#drivingnewzealand #dashcam

00:00 Smith Street, Kaiapoi
01:56 Northern Motorway
10:23 Johns Road
14:17 Russley Road
16:44 Masham Road
17:30 Carmen Road
22:17 Main South Road
24:04 Parker Street

Soundtrack
00:12 Slow Grind - Ron Selina’s Chillout Lounge
03:18 Out On My Skateboard - Mini Vandals
06:41 Your Suggestions - Unicorn Heads
12:41 Water Lillies - Density & Time
15:36 Behold the Sun - Topher Mohr and Alex Elena
19:11 Sky Map - Reed Mathis
21:37 Lost and Found - Purrple Cat

Slow Grind by Ron Gelinas Chillout Lounge |
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Music promoted by

Lost and Found by Purrple Cat |
Music promoted by
Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

North Canterbury, New Zealand. Kaiapoi to Pines Beach

August 2024. Rainy winter day drive to Pines Beach

Driving from Christchurch to Kaiapoi | Canterbury | New Zealand | 4K

Driving from Christchurch to Kaiapoi, in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island.
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Driving from Edgeware in Christchurch to Kaiapoi in the Canterbury region of New Zealand

Driving from Edgeware in Christchurch to Kaiapoi, in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island.

Christchurch is full of world-class attractions, including the International Antarctic Centre, Orana Park, and Willowbank Wildlife Park. The city is known internationally as the Garden City because of its amazing gardens. It is by far the largest city in the South Island. Christchurch is also home to several excellent cafes, bars and restaurants. Many popular destinations such as Kaikoura, Lyttelton, Sumner, Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula, Mt Hutt and South Canterbury are less than two hours drive from Christchurch. The city is a great destination for those looking for city attractions and comfort.

Kaipoi is one of the main towns of North Canterbury, north of Christchurch. The town developed in the 1850s on Kaiapoi Island, between the south and north branches of the Waimakariri River. Subsequent river works have channelled the river south of the town.

Kaiapoi was a busy port in the 1860s where its waterways allowed cutters, schooners and paddle steamers to service the needs of the early settlers. After the railway reached Kaiapoi in 1872, the port remained in intermittent use until 1967.

New Zealand's most scenic rail journey | The TranzAlpine | Christchurch to Greymouth

The TranzAlpine is New Zealand's most famous train, crossing the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Greymouth on the West Coast. Find out whether the train lives up to its venerable reputation.

In this video, I'll show you what the Scenic Class carriages are like, check out the food and drink options from the onboard cafe and enjoy the views from the open-air viewing car. Of course, the scenery is the main act including a spectacular river gorge, towering viaducts, high mountain plains, braided rivers and pristine mountain lakes, en route to the West Coast.

The TranzAlpine is widely considered one of the world's great train journeys, covering 230 kilometres and taking just under 5 hours.

Starting in Christchurch, the journey crosses the expansive Canterbury Plains on the South Island Main Trunk line (SIMT). At Rolleston, the TranzAlpine turns north onto the Midland Line. Following an ancient Maori trail through the mountains that was later plotted by engineer Arthur Dobson, it is the Midland Line's passage through the Southern Alps that astounds the senses. The railway line between Springfield and Arthur's Pass is considered a masterpiece of railway engineering.

The Otira Tunnel marks the transition from Canterbury to West Coast. The weather is typically wetter on the west side - and the scenery is noticeably more vibrant. The views of Lake Brunner and the heritage station at Moana are not to be missed.

TranzAlpine timetable and fares:


🚉 Train: The TranzAlpine
🚉 Operator: Great Journeys of New Zealand (parent company: KiwiRail)
🚉 Locomotive: New Zealand DX class (DXC 5195 and DXC 5454)
🚉 Seat: Car B, Seat 6D (window)
🚉 Route: Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - Greymouth (Midland Line)
🚉 Distance: 230km
🚉 Travel time: 4 hours 50 minutes (scheduled)
🚉 Class: Scenic Class
🚉 Travel date: 6 November 2022

EQUIPMENT:
🚉 Cameras: GoPro Hero 10, GoPro Hero 8, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Panasonic HC-VX1

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and overview
01:09 - Christchurch Railway Station and check in
02:33 - Boarding and seat review
04:19 - Departing Christchurch and train composition
05:14 - Route overview
06:13 - Cafe and breakfast
07:48 - Crew announcement and Waimakariri River gorge
09:32 - Patterson’s Creek Viaduct
11:02 - Staircase and Broken River viaducts
12:53 - Slovens Stream Viaduct and Mount Binser
13:48 - Open air viewing car and Lake Sarah
16:44 - Waimakariri River Rail Bridge
17:33 - Cora Lynn and mountain views
19:45 - Arthur’s Pass
21:13 - Otira Tunnel and toilet tour
23:28 - Otira
25:16 - Taramakau River and Lake Poerua
27:22 - Lake Brunner and Moana
30:30 - Lunch
32:13 - Stillwater and Brunner Mine historic area
34:00 - Fares and schedule
36:28 - Arriving in Greymouth
38:44 - Final thoughts and video preview

Music
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Credits and sources:








Video attributions:
The Great Journeys of New Zealand

Photo attributions:
Assorted including thumbnail: The Great Journeys of New Zealand

Waimakariri River Bridge / Stair Case Viaduct
By Zureks


Moana Railway Station photos
Photo by itravelNZ®



By Tomiĉo via Wikimedia Commons

Wildman NZ


Map of Waimakariri River

By Grutness

The Waimakariri River with the Southern Alps in the background, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Photograph by Greg O'Beirne


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#kiwirail #greatrailjourneys #trainreview #greatjourneysnz

amazing 🌊 sea views from a cliff in Canterbury,New Zealand 🇳🇿

Summer fun at Aqualand, Christchurch, NZ #shorts #aqualand #christchurch

the best summer activity near Christchurch! Aqualand Kaiapoi!! 🔥🔥🌊🌊 #shorts #aqualand #christchurch

Driving from Kaiapoi to Kainga in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand

Driving from Kaiapoi to Kainga, in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand's South Island.

Kaipoi is one of the main towns of North Canterbury, north of Christchurch. The town developed in the 1850s on Kaiapoi Island, between the south and north branches of the Waimakariri River. Subsequent river works have channelled the river south of the town.

Kaiapoi was a busy port in the 1860s where its waterways allowed cutters, schooners and paddle steamers to service the needs of the early settlers. After the railway reached Kaiapoi in 1872, the port remained in intermittent use until 1967.

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