LITTLE
River Rail Trail
CHRISTCHURCH SQUARE to LITTLE RIVER 1 day
60km Cycling Little River Cycle Trail © Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism
HEARTLAND RIDE • LITTLE KAIPARA RIVER MISSING RAIL TRAIL LINK
TRAIL INFO 1 Day 60km
TRAIL GRADE: CHRISTCHURCH SQUARE TO LITTLE RIVER GRADE 2 -3 (EASY TO INTERMEDIATE) a 60km ride taking 5-7 hours
Oyster catcher © Alan Cressler
From Christchurch’s city centre, this trail follows the route of a 19th century railway line passing through Prebbleton, Lincoln, Motukarara and Birdlings Flat to reach the pretty village of Little River, nestled at the base of Banks Peninsula
Highlights of the trail • The Bone Dude’s Carving Studio, Birdlings Flat • Phytofarm, Little River • French Peak Vineyard, Banks Peninsula • Gemstone & Fossil Museum, Birdlings Flat • Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere’s birdlife, Birdlings Flat • If you want more, this trail connects to the 260km Hurunui Trail.
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he Little River Rail Trail takes you on an elemental journey passing through rural areas and settlements on the Canterbury Plains. Skirting past the massive flanks of the ancient volcanoes making up Banks Peninsula along the shores of Lake Ellesmere/ Te Waihora and Lake Forsyth/Te Roto o Wairewa, internationally significant for abundant and diverse bird life, this trail is suitable for riders of all abilities. Engaging places of interest along the way, include the Motukarara Station and Kaituna Quarry /
Ātaahua Reserve, where there is a short track to the lakeside. A 2km detour to Birdlings Flat, offers up breath-taking ocean views over to Canton’s Bay and the chance to stroll along the beach of the Kaitorete Spit, which is rich in gemstones, particularly agates. The trail is flat and easy, with a variety of surfaces from asphalt (Christchurch to Lincoln) to hardpacked gravel (Ahuriri to Little River). There are a number of car parks along the way making the sections very accessible for shorter rides.
Although most of this trail is off road, some sections are on urban streets and country roads. You should be prepared to meet traffic, mostly between Prebbleton and Motukarara. There are no hills, and apart from the possibility of striking a headwind, this ride is physically easy. There is not a lot of shade so remember to take your sunscreen. During spring there can be large numbers of flies around Waihora (Lake Ellesmere) and Wairewa (Lake Forsyth). Face masks and sunglasses work well to keep them out of your face. MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: There is coverage along the whole ride, however it can be patchy between Motukarara and Little River, especially during bad weather. DRINKING WATER: There are cafés and places to buy supplies at Prebbleton, Lincoln and Little River but it pays to carry water bottles and snacks. TYPE OF BIKE: Almost any type of bike is suitable for this ride, though sturdy types are best for riding on gravel surfaces. GRADE 2 (EASY)
