Christchurch - Little River Railtrail
Alert/Important notice
Dogs and horses are strictly forbidden on the Railtrail.
Track category
Walking track
Mountain bike - Beginner
Distance:
27 km
Description
The 44 km-long Christchurch to Little River Railtrail, when completed, will run from Hornby (Christchurch) to Little River on Banks Peninsula. This route follows much of the old railway line that was last used in the 1960s.
The first 20 km section of the walkway/cycleway was opened to the public in May 2006. It runs between Motukarara and Little River, travelling on the old preserved railway embankment.
The second section between Prebbleton and Lincoln (7 km) was opened by the Mayor of Selwyn District Council on November 30 2006. This section is an offroad track adjacent to the old railway line that runs alongside Birchs Road.
The Hornby (Christchurch) to Prebbleton section (3.5 km) opened in September 2009. This offroad track runs alongside Shands and Marshes Rds before following the railway corridor into Prebbleton.
Getting there
There are a number of entry points into the railtrail, accessed off the Christchurch to Akaroa highway.
Activities
Mountain biking and cycling
Mountain biking
Track description
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Plan and prepare
As much of the trail passes through farmland and important wildlife areas, dogs and horses are strictly forbidden on the Railtrail. Carry drinking water with you as none is available on this track. Public toilets are available at Motukarara, Ataahua, Birdlings Flat, Cantons Bay, and Little River.
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.