What: the Little River Rail Trail follows the route of a 19th century railway, and is a combined walking and cycling track running from the edge of Christchurch city out into the beautiful, rural landscape of the Canterbury region. Riding from Christchurch to Little River is a journey of approximately 49km. Car parking is available along the route and many people choose to do smaller return journeys along the trail.

The route: the trail skirts around the massive flanks of the ancient volcanoes of the Banks Peninsula, before hugging the shoreline of the vast lagoon Te Waihora/ Lake Ellesmere, and it’s smaller twin Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth.

Keep your eyes peeled for: birds. Te Waihora is home to one of the most diverse bird populations in the country, with as many as 98,000 birds nesting along its shoreline at any one time. You should be able to spot shags, bitterns, black-backed gulls (karoro), shoverlers, pied stilts, wrybills and pukeko.

End of the line: The Little River railway station is now a craft shop. The closest pub is the Little River Hotel.

Ride the Little River Rail Trail under your own steam. We have two, three and four-day self-guided tours along the Little River Rail Trail and Banks Peninsula.

Take a guided tour of the Little River Rail Trail. Enjoy a relaxing day of riding from Christchurch to Little River, led by an knowledgeable, local guide. Tour includes:
Hybrid bike and helmet, hotel pick up and transport to and from the trail. Water bottle and riding snacks. 9am pick up from your central Christchurch accommodation, 3pm drop off.
Pricing details: $260 for 1 adult, $180 per adult for groups of more than 2 adults. $150 per child.
Duration: 6 hours. Motukarara to Little River is a distance of 22km. Fast riders can ride both ways.

For more info, or to book a Rail Trail tour, send us an email or phone us on 0800 444 144.