Waimakariri is a predominantly rural district, dotted with smaller towns, beach settlements and villages.
All have different profiles and different opportunities for business, but every one of them offers a fantastic lifestyle.
Below we list some of the small towns and villages in Waimakariri and the attributes that may make them attractive for business opportunities.
Rural Waimakariri
Waimakariri boasts strong agricultural and horticultural sectors based on some 200,000 hectares of productive land, 16% of which is irrigated.
Waimakariri has major comparative advantages in its fertile soils, temperate climate, significant water resources, and natural features that present opportunities for the further development of the agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, forestry, manufacturing and tourism sectors with their associated service industries.
The largest agricultural employers are:
Agriculture is the districts 3rd largest earner, bringing in $218m or 9.2% of the district’s GDP.
Beach Settlements
Waimakariri is home to a number of beach settlements up the east coast such as Kairaki Beach, Pines Beach, Woodend Beach and Waikuku Beach.
These tend to be pleasant coastal villages that attract many visitors in the summer months. There are a high number of home-based businesses in these locations, and people live in these locations for the lifestyle a beach community offers.
Population of 2,530, projected to grow to 6,610 by 2048.
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13,060 average daily traffic numbers through State Highway 1.
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A high number of home-based businesses.
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Many properties have large sections (approx. 5,000 sqm).
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Fibre broadband is available.
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Waikuku is an idyllic beachside community where the braided Ashley Rakahuri River meets the Pacific Ocean and is home to the largest, least modified estuary in Canterbury.
The secret is out, and Waikuku Beach sees growing numbers of visitors in the summer months who arrive to play in the sea and explore the estuary and forest tracks.
Population of 6,180, projected to grow to 7,740 by 2048.
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Approx. 2,000 average daily traffic numbers through Tram Road at Swannanoa.
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A rural area in very close proximity to the second-largest city in New Zealand.
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A large amount of high quality accommodation providers.
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A high number of home-based businesses.
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A mix of farm properties and lifestyle properties.
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Internet quality is variable.
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Ohoka, Swannanoa and West Eyreton comprise a long stretch of fertile rural land between Kaiapoi and Oxford. The mighty braided Waimakariri River forms the southern border of this area.
The population in this area is much higher than you would usually see in a rural area due to a high prevalence of lifestyle blocks and large section subdivisions.
There are a large number of home-based businesses, small scale manufacturing businesses and value-add food businesses as well as the staples of dairy, beef, sheep, horse breeding and crop growing.
The Ohoka Sports and Events Centre is the second largest venue in the district with the ability to accommodate up to 500 people.
Population of 2,540, projected to grow to 2,900 by 2048.
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Part of the Scenic Inland Route (Route 72).
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A mix of farm properties and lifestyle properties.
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Fibre Broadband is available for most Cust properties.
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The small settlement of Cust offers expansive views over rural farmland to the rolling hills and mountains. It is a wonderful place for those seeking a country lifestyle and despite its small size it offers plenty of amenities.
Population of 3,250, projected to grow to 3,710 by 2048.
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A mix of farm properties and lifestyle properties.
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Fibre Broadband is not available in these areas. While coverage can be spotty, most of Loburn has access to VDSL or ADSL. Cellphone coverage can also be spotty in these areas.
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Loburn and Okuku are rural, but with plenty of lifestyle blocks and village living at the northernmost extreme of the Canterbury Plains. Loburn and Okuku industries include orchards, honey, sheep and cattle farms and emu farms. Loburn and Okuku are pleasant locations and well off the beaten track.
Population of 2,410, projected to grow to 3,010 by 2048.
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Fibre broadband is available in the Ashley township, but other than that coverage is spotty with VDSL and ADSL available in Sefton and some of the rural locations. Cellphone coverage is good.
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Ashley and Sefton are two rural villages on the north side of the Ashley Rakahuri River. These towns are rural in outlook and support the nearby farming community. They are close to Rangiora and State Highway 1.
Population of 1,020, projected to grow to 1,120 by 2048.
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Tūāhiwi is Māori Reserve land of Ngāi Tūāhuriri who play a major role in Ngāi Tahu. While Tuahiwi is a significant cultural area for both Waimakariri and for Te Wai Pounamu, if you do not have connections within the rūnanga it would be inappropriate to look at establishing a business here.
This page is a brief overview of the business demographics and data for rural Waimakariri and its villages. Last updated in June 2024.
