Rakaia is a town in Canterbury, New Zealand. It may also refer to: , a British cargo liner in service 1946-71 Rakaia River, one of the largest braided rivers in New Zealand Rakaia Gorge, located on the Rakaia River in inland Canterbury Rakaia (New Zealand electorate), a former New Zealand electorate Rakaia railway accident, an accident on 11 March 1899 at the Rakaia Railway Station