Little River Rail Trail (start of Section 5)

The Little River Rail Trail is a 46 km-long walkway and cycleway that runs from Hornby in Christchurch to Little River on Banks Peninsula.

The start of Section 5 of the trail is located about 400 m south of the Shands Road/Halswell Junction Road intersection on Shands Road, where a small car park is available. This section of the trail is 4 km long and has an easy fitness level and skill requirement. It was opened in September 2009 and follows the Little River Link cycleway established by Christchurch City Council.

The trail continues on a sealed, off-road path from the outskirts of Christchurch through urban and rural scenery to reach the pretty village of Little River, nestled at the base of Banks Peninsula. The ride traces the historic railway line, although it also follows a series of paths, streets, and country roads along the way. It offers plenty of variety – city and town precincts, parks and reserves, quaint country lanes, and bird-filled wetlands including Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere). From Motukarara, the trail follows the old railway line past the regenerating wetlands Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere) and Wairewa (Lake Forsyth). This section of the Little River Rail Trail is probably the best section as it runs beside Lake Ellesmere, and then past Lake Forsyth to Little River. The 20 km-long Motukarara to Little River section described here covers easy grades, making this walk or ride suitable for young children and family groups.

The Little River Trail offers flat, easy riding, with convenient access points making it easy to break the ride into short return trips. The official start-point is at the Shand Road car park in the Christchurch suburb of Hornby. A sealed track leads to the old railway corridor the trail follows for much of the way, first leading to pretty Prebbleton village and onward through pleasant rural surroundings to the next town, Lincoln. The trail ends in the quaint township of Little River at the base of the Banks Peninsula. Little River has a popular cafe, art gallery, and accommodation. This ride is close to central Christchurch, where there’s plenty of accommodation, although there are many accommodation options along the trail. Overall, the Little River Rail Trail offers a scenic and easy ride through a variety of landscapes, from farmland to wetlands and ancient volcanic remnants. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it a great activity for families and groups.