6 minute read
LITTLE RIVER RAIL TRAIL
CHRISTCHURCH SQUARE to LITTLE RIVER
1 day - 60km
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© AA Traveller 2022
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
The 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 alongthe 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 ingemstones, 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.
TRAIL INFO
TRAIL GRADE:
CHRISTCHURCH SQUARE TO LITTLE RIVER - GRADE 2 -3 (EASY TO INTERMEDIATE) a 60km ride taking 5-7 hours
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.
Oyster catcher © Alan Cressler
RIDING THE TRAIL
CHRISTCHURCH SQUARE TO PREBBLETON, 15KM
From Cathedral Square head towards Hagley Park and follow the Little River Trail signs to Marshs Rd. This section is easy and sealed, although there are some road crossings. From the outskirts of Christchurch, the trail continues on a sealed, off-road path to Prebbleton, with a short section beside the historic railway line. The route through Prebbleton goes via the Reserve where there are toilets and a rest area.
PREBBLETON TO LINCOLN, 8KM
Mostly an off-road sealed route beside Birchs Rd, adjacent to the original railway line, through pleasant rural surroundings, wide enough for bidirectional cycling. You will ride on the road for 350m then turn left into Tosswill Rd which is followed for a further 350m to turn right into Oakwood Mews. About 100m into the Mews there is a signposted path leading to Prebbleton Domain on the right, where there are very good toilets. Following the path around the edge of the domain there is another path leading to Stonebridge Way that will take you to Trices Rd. A short ride to the right up this road provides access to the dedicated cycle path on the edge of Birches Rd that leads to Lincoln. Stay on this smooth separated cycleway for 6km until you reach Lincoln. The village centre has appealing diversions, perfect for foodies, and the Laboratory craft beer pub to rest your legs.
LINCOLN TO MOTUKARARA, 15KM
The trail leaves Lincoln along Edward St/ Lincoln Tai Tapu Rd sharing the footpath to Liffey Springs; stay on the cycle/ footpath as it follows the river after the spring. Cross the river on either the cycle bridge or the concrete bridge and enter the wetlands. Continue following the river downstream and enter the cycle path between the river and a field. This track goes to Moirs Lane leading away from the river until its end at Ellesmere Rd. Follow the dedicated cycle path through the fields and straight onto Collins Rd East for about 200m, turning right into River Rd (single file riding is recommended) which follows the Halswell River. Follow River Rd until it becomes Geddes Rd – there are Rail Trail signs that guide you to an off-road cycle path which follows the river downstream. The section of the trail from Neills Rd is a mostly smooth, off-road surface and highly scenic area of riding. The route is adjacent to the Halswell River but deviates away onto farmland for approximately 1.7km along the Ahuriri Reserve to avoid disturbing visiting bird life. Continue on the path until it crosses a bridge and ends at a fork in the road. Follow the Rail Trail signs, keeping left onto Park Rd, eventually crossing Duck Pond Rd and continuing straight across Fiddlers Rd. After just 200m, look for the old railway station to your left where the trail goes off-road again.
MOTUKARARA TO LITTLE RIVER, 23KM
From Motukarara the trail follows the old railway line past the regenerating wetlands of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. During spring there can be large numbers of flies around these lake areas, so face masks and sunglasses are ideal to keep them out of your face. The off-road car park at Kaituna Quarry/ Ātaahua Reserve provides a pick-up point for those not continuing further and a chance to explore the remnants of the quarry’s origins. An easy ride follows alongside Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth. This section is relatively remote, all gravel, and has no shops so go well prepared. The trail ends at Little River, tucked into the nook of the steep Banks Peninsula hills with a popular café, art gallery and accommodation.
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.
Cycling Little River Cycle Trail © Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism
