5 Of The Best Cycle Rides In Christchurch

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Cycle rides in Christchurch

Cycling is the perfect way to see the city sights. In our new series, we’re delving into the bike paths and trails of our biggest cities. First up: Christchurch.

Bottle Lake Forest
A variety of mountain bike tracks run through this 1000-hectare pine forest to the north of the city. Most of the trails are flat and easy-going, making the park a good location for families or for finding your mountain biking feet.

Avon River Trail
Follow the Avon River as it snakes through the city. This route follows a mix of shingle, normal roads, and closed roads to create a trail from the city centre to New Brighton. Storyboards installed along the way show how the environment and community has been affected by the 2011 earthquakes.

Summit Road
Spectacular views make this ride through the Port Hills a must. Begin at Dryers Pass Road, outside the Thomson Park Scenic Reserve. Turn left onto Summit Road, then turn onto Evans Pass Road. You’ll finish in Sumner village. Alternatively keep riding a little further to reach Godley Head. This route is just over 20 km and you’ll pass through various parks and scenic reserves along the way.

Little River Rail Trail
This former railway line between Christchurch and the Banks Peninsula offers a gentle ride through stunning scenery. The full route is 49 km but you can choose to ride shorter sections. Highlights along the way include Te Waihora/ Lake Ellesmere, home to one of the largest bird populations in the country, and its smaller twin Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth.

Le Race Route
Every year riders race from Cathedral Square in the heart of the city to Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula, a journey of 100 km. It’s a tough slog, but a great way to experience the varied landscape of this region. You can find details of the route here. And if you fancy entering, this year’s race takes place on Saturday 23 March 2019.

Our Christchurch branch can get you sorted with bike hire (and extra insider info) for any of these routes – just send us an email.

Have a good week,

Steve

P.S. We also offer a number of guided routes in and around Christchurch, including the Little River Rail Trail, the Port Hills and a wine tour in the Waipara. Head here for full details.