Little River Rail Trail

Pedal or stroll through the gentle hills of Banks Peninsula on the Little River Rail Trail, a 34-km cycling and walking route that follows the old Little River Branch railway line from Christchurch to the small settlement of Little River. The trail offers a quintessential Canterbury experience, weaving through farmland, wetlands, and native bush, with the Southern Alps as a backdrop. It's a perfect half-day escape from the city, combining exercise, history, and landscape.

Highlights & What to See

• Start at Hornby or Prebbleton – The trail begins in suburban Christchurch but quickly opens into rural scenery. Prebbleton has a historic hotel and a good café for a pre-ride coffee.
• Lincoln township – A lively stop with the Lincoln University campus, farmers' market on Saturdays, and the excellent Lincoln Self-Guided Heritage Walk.
• Mottram Park and Liffey Domain – Picnic spots and native plantings along the trail, ideal for a rest.
• Tai Tapu and the old railway station – A charming village with a historic pub and the site of the former station.
• Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora) viewpoints – Near the Little River end, the trail offers glimpses of this vast, bird-rich coastal lake.
• Little River township – The trail terminus, with the Little River Gallery & Café (housed in the old post office), a general store, and the start of further walking tracks into the hills.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 3-4 hours to cycle the full trail one way (34 km), or 2-3 hours if you start from Lincoln or Tai Tapu. Walkers can tackle shorter sections; the 10-km stretch from Lincoln to Tai Tapu is a popular half-day ramble. Most people ride the trail as a return trip (68 km total) or arrange a shuttle from Little River back to Christchurch. The trail is mostly flat and well-graded, suitable for casual cyclists and families.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Akaroa – A scenic 40-minute drive from Little River, this French-influenced harbour town offers dolphin cruises, sea kayaking, and superb seafood.
• Banks Peninsula Track – A multi-day walking route that starts near Little River and traverses the peninsula's wild coastline.
• Christchurch – The trail's western end, Christchurch is a vibrant city with the Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, and the revitalised Avon River precinct.
• Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora) – A birdwatcher's paradise, especially for migratory waders and black swans; explore the lake's edge via the Kaitorete Spit.
• Le Bons Bay – A secluded beach and valley on the peninsula's north coast, with a walking track through native forest.

Please check official sources for current details.