Saltwater Creek
Approx 30 km 20 north of Christchurch on SH1, Saltwater Creek was originally known as Northport.
The port was officially opened in 1859, with surrounding quarter acre sections being sold. But the area suffered a disastrous flood in 1868 and then in 1874 the Government decided to build the much anticipated railway to the west through Sefton and gradually the township declined.
The port was mainly used for transporting wool clip and stock to market. Small ships, known as Canterbury’s ‘‘mosquito fleet’’ loaded wool brought here by the wagoners and then transferred it to ocean-going ships at Lyttelton for the long sea voyages to England.
The town was once home to the Cameron’s Hotel, a flaxmill, and the school once had 90 students. Some people might remember the petrol station and tearooms.
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