LITTLE RIVER TRAIL LLITTLEITTLE HHORNBYORNBY RRIVERIVER 1 DDAYAY 550km0km

LITTLE RIVER Trail Trail Info

The to Little River Rail Trail mostly lakeside, and Birdlings Flat – a return follows the route of a 19th century railway line side trip of 2km to get great ocean views. Birdlings Flat is also popular 1 Day / 50km between Hornby and Little River, and passes among rockhounds as the beach is rich through Prebbleton, Lincoln, Motukarara and in gemstones, particularly agates.

Birdlings Flat. The trail is fl at and easy, with a variety of surfaces from asphalt (Hornby to TRAIL GRADES: Hornby to Little River (Grade 2 - Easy). he Little River Trail takes the shoreline of a vast lagoon, Lake Lincoln) to hard-packed gravel (Ahuriri The terrain is fl at. There are a number to Little River). There are a number of you through a changing Ellesmere /Te Waihora (a wildlife of wooden bridges to cross from car parks along the way making the landscape that has seen habitat of international signifi cance Ahuriri. Most sections are suitable T sections very accessible for shorter for novice cyclists, families and a thousand years of human history. because of the birdlife), and the smaller It passes through rural areas and . rides. others seeking a very easy cycling experience. settlements on the Canterbury Plains, IMAGE ABOVE: Cyclists enjoying the view from Places of interest on the trail include the © christchurchnz.com PLEASE NOTE: skirts past the massive fl anks of BELOW LEFT: Christchurch, mountain biking the Motukarara Station, Kaituna Quarry, There is currently a 1.9km temporary the ancient volcanoes which make © christchurchnz.com where there is a short track to the BELOW RIGHT: Spotted Cormorant on Harbour on-road section between Lincoln Cruise, Christchurch © Black Cat Group up the , and hugs and Ahuriri that is not suitable for families with small children. LOOK OUT FOR... MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Railway history Bird life 4G has good coverage to south of Lincoln. 3G coverage is good to south There are a number of remnants of embankment that supports the trail Take binoculars to Lake Ellesmere – the of Lincoln and is also available in lakeside is great for bird watching with railway history along the trail including between Motukarara and Little River Little River. an original and several small buildings at the as many as 150 station at Kaituna Quarry. bird species DRINKING WATER: Motukarara Little River was once the end of a branch visiting the area, There is no drinking water is (have a look at railway from Christchurch and the the most diverse available along the trail. Please take the information beautifully restored railway station is bird population enough bottled water with you for panel there), now a craft shop catering for visitors to of any location in the duration of your ride. the railway Banks Peninsula. New Zealand. 109 Hornby Lincoln Ahuriri Little River LITTLE RIVER TRAIL 11km 10km 29km

CHRISTCHURCH HORNBY 74 76 1 Shands Road 76 76 75 Prebbleton 74 Lyttelton hakaraupo ur / W rbo Quail Island Ha n to MAP LEGEND Birchs Road el LINCOLN tt open section y L start / fi nish point

point of interest AA Centre / Service River Road i-SITE Visitor Centre Ba 75 Gebbies Pass Road nk town s Peninsula River café/restaurant

toilets AHURIRI car park DOC Nursery Waihora Park Kaituna Valley Road camping Motukarara accommodation 1 state highway 75 75 LITTLE RIVER Catons Bay Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora Kaituna

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Birdlings Flat RIDING THE TRAIL

Hornby to Lincoln Currently there is a mix of on-road and alongside Lake Forsyth, with close-up views from this point you can further explore the off-road sections connecting Lincoln to of the volcanic hills. The trail ends at the peninsula, using the network of roads, or HIGHLIGHTS: Railway corridor, Prebbleton Ahuriri. Riders will get a feel for the fl at rural historic Little River Railway Station and relax and check out the local attractions. and Lincoln townships. landscape of Canterbury with the mountains The railway corridor between Marshs Rd to as a stunning backdrop in the west. Prebbleton contains a section of the original railway track complete with rails and a small Ahuriri to Little River bridge. Off the trail in Prebbleton riders can HIGHLIGHTS: Wetlands, birdlife, Banks visit the Domain on Tosswill Rd, and the Peninsula Hills, Little River. Nature Reserve further along Springs Rd. From Ahuriri the riding is mostly off-road Lincoln has a number of historical buildings and through wetland areas that is home to worth visiting. There is an information board much birdlife. For a taste of railway history, in the township. The Liffey Domain is a Motukarara Station is worth a stop as is welcome shady spot in the summer. Kaituna Quarry. A side trip to Birdlings Flat Lincoln to Ahuriri is great for some extra fresh ocean air. From here the trail heads into the Banks Peninsula HIGHLIGHTS: Rural landscape. Little River Gallery © Little River Gallery

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Punting on the Avon BELOW: Graffi ti art by Tilt © Canterbury Christchurch Tourism DYNAMIC GARDEN CITY

The garden infl uence of the South Island’s biggest city cannot be overstated Christchurch is charming and – Christchurch is home to more than colourful. Allow enough time to 740 parks, including the 165ha Hagley spend a day or two here and be a Park and the majestic Botanic Gardens. part of the rebuilding of this city. Their beauty and tranquillity will hit you instantly.

Christchurch after Oxford University College, Christ Church • 312km S of Blenheim on SH 1

Picton 15 Minutes Kaikoura Christchurch By Pass North City Centre

Airport 1 The city’s colourful garden event, The multi-use visitor centre. Designed to Alpine View 650 Main South Rd, Templeton, Christchurch Festival of Flowers held in February and connect people and plants, the space Ph/Fax: 03 349 7666 Email: [email protected] RUAPUNA West Coast Burnham March, also adds weight to the coveted has a working nursery, reference library, Owners: Juanita, Bob & Carol Christie Timaru ‘Garden City’ title. The Avon River and herbarium, potting shed and the • On SH 1, on south side 15min its punting, Sumner Beach and the beautifully positioned, and botanically from city centre, airport, railway stations Canterbury Museum also contribute to named, ilex Café. • Close to malls, restaurant, hotels, ensure Christchurch is oozing appeal. race courses, Ruapuna Motor Other don’t-miss attractions include Racing Circuit & golf courses You can’t visit the Garden City without the International Antarctic Centre, • Tariff: motels from $130, exploring the Christchurch Botanic Christchurch tram, the gondola, Orana s/c cabins from $120, ensuite Gardens, nestled in a loop of the Avon Wildlife Park and Willowbank. Book a cabins from $100, std cabins from $80, power sites from $35, River and surrounded by Hagley tour on a double decker bus to view the tent sites from $25 Park. Spend quality time with Mother changing landscape or take a scenic www.alpineviewholidayparkmotels.nz Nature at the architecturally designed fl ight.

Take out a canoe, paddle boat Mountain bike, city touring biking hire. or historic rowboat on the Avon Free delivery. Open 7 days. Mountain bike River, or hire one of our bikes to package includes ride up in the gondola and cycle explore the beautiful Hagley Park down. Helmets, security lock, maps supplied. BIKE HIRE Bike & Canoe Combos $10 ONE HOUR Café open 7 days - open for CITY CYCLE HIRE/MOUNTAIN BIKE ADVENTURE CO. $30 ALL DAY breakfast Ph: 0-3-377 5952 Freephone: 0800 343 848 (Ask about our fl exible multi-day rates for Cycle Trails or around the city) Picnic baskets Email: [email protected] 2 Cambridge Tce, Christchurch • Ph: 03 366 5885 www.cyclehire-tours.co.nz Email: [email protected] • www.boatsheds.co.nz

111 LITTLE RIVER TRAIL Outside Stranges Lane © Canterbury Christchurch Tourism

NEW BUZZ FOR RETAIL/NIGHTLIFE

If you’re in need of some retail therapy you won’t Island, while the South Island’s only outlet Golden Mile Motel,, Hotel & Restaurant be disappointed – with bold, innovative vision centre, DressSmart, is located in Hornby where following the two major earthquakes, it wasn’t the Little River Trail begins. long before the city was once again buzzing The city’s nightlife is also back and better than with activity. ever, seeing old favourites return with revamped Re:START, in Cashel Mall, continues to be a premises and new additions emerge. Victoria popular shopping destination. The space features Street has a selection of bars and restaurants, dozens of shops and cafés built from shipping including Tequila Mockingbird, The Dirty Land containers and is close to J Ballantyne & Co, and Revival Bar, a pop-up bar making creative Christchurch’s oldest department store and one of use of shipping containers and recycled ••FREE FREE Courtesy van to nearnearbyby •Close• Close to start/fi start/finish nish of Little River the country’s best. The latest shopping precinct to materials. St Asaph Street’s social scene wedding venues Cycle Trail • FREE WiFi • Secure storage for cycles emerge on the scene is the impressive Victorian confi rms its reputation as a hospitality hotspot, • Restaurant and bar with TAB and Gaming • Tariff from $130 for two arcade called The Tannery in Woolston. with several bars and eateries attracting the 2-10 Trents Rd, Templeton, Christchurch Away from the city centre, Christchurch also crowds. The city’s newest restaurant precinct Ph: Motel 03 349 6153 Tavern 03 349 7022 Email: [email protected] features several shopping malls, including is called Stranges Lane and is on the corner of www.thegoldenmile.co.nz Westfi eld Riccarton, the largest in the South Lichfi eld and High streets.

CCOMMODOREOMMODORE AAIRPORTIRPORT HHOTELOTEL CCHRISTCHURCHHRISTCHURCH A Wheelie Warm Welcome Awaits you at The Commodore offers luxury Lincoln Motel accommodation just minutes away from the Christchurch Airport. The Luxurious Country Motel 4-64- 6 MMauriceaur ice St, St LiLincoln,nco ln, ChChristchurchr is tc hurc h • Complimentary 24-hour airport Ph: 03 974 1620 • [email protected] shuttle service www.lincolnmotel.co.nz • Free WiFi throughout the hotel • Fitness centre • Pool and spa • Resort-style terrace • Capacity for storage of bikes and equipment.

449 Memorial Ave, Christchurch Ph: 03 358 8129 • Fax: 03 358 2231 Reservations 0800 001 689 E: [email protected] • Lockable covered cycle storage www.commodorehotel.co.nz • Cycle hose-down area Reservations:ReservationsReservations: • High-pressure showers & spa baths 05080500 8 COMMODORE (26(2666 6663)63)3)) • New bar, restaurants & cafés Touchdown Car Rentals • Boutique shopping & supermarket cover your business and adventure rental needs with new BMW Minis, • Lincoln Farmers’ Market every Saturday late-model Subaru 4WDs, 7-seater Toyota Highlanders, Mercedes Vans and now funky new Toyota FJ Cruisers! NORTH BELT

LYTTELTON ST WILLIAM ST EAST BELT

WEST BELT

JAMES ST EDWARD ST GERALD ST KILDARE TCE

ROBERT ST

MAURICE ST Lincoln Motel

SOUTH BELT

Craig & Colleen welcome you to stay at the Lincoln Motel either before or after cycling the Little River Trail. • Complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle service • 24-hour vehicle pick-up and drop-off • 5-star ANCAP safety ratings • 24-hour roadside assistance • GPS There is so much to enjoy in • Snow chains & ski racks; kayak holders, bike racks & roof boxes; childrens’ seats Lincoln Village www.touchdowncarrental.co.nz E: [email protected] 112 LITTLE RIVER TRAIL ALONG THE TRAIL AND JUST AHEAD

Lyttelton Harbour

Lyttelton bustles with a mix of small-town charm, a big-city vibe and

Couple on bench, Akaroa © Raquel Smith a maritime infl uence. It doubles as RIGHT: Lyttleton Harbour © Christchurch City Council the port of Christchurch and enjoys a fantastic location only 12km from Banks Peninsula was formed particularly agates, which are sought- vantage points to soak up the views. the Garden City. Plenty of wildlife following the violent eruptions of two after for jewellery-making. All this creates a laidback vibe, but inhabits the harbour and there are two islands worth exploring. volcanoes and the result is an amazing adventure-seekers are also catered Little River is the gateway to the Several walking tracks – from landscape. A legacy of the earth’s for. The Akaroa Museum delves into beautiful Banks Peninsula with moderate to challenging – can be powerful forces are the twin craters the town’s Maori history and its French accommodation options, a gallery/ enjoyed here. forming the picturesque Akaroa and connection. café and a New Zealand craft shop. Lyttelton harbours, and many smaller This area is popular with mountain bays indent the coastline. bikers and there are walks for the Little River Lakes Ellesmere/Te Waihora adventurous, and for those who like 53km SE of Christchurch is a shallow, brackish coastal lake to meander, with remote beaches and and New Zealand’s fi fth largest. An varied wildlife to seek out. internationally important wildlife area, There is an instant attraction when 166 bird species have been recorded you fi rst set eyes on Akaroa. This here, including 133 indigenous species. charming French-infl uenced village While Canterbury doesn’t have much has a number of quality restaurants, in the way of mineral resources, with many along the foreshore, and Birdlings Flat is the exception to the boutique shops are in abundance here. rule and is popular among rockhounds. Akaroa is renowned for its wildlife The beach is rich in gemstomes, tours and the scenery, with countless

Prebbleton 1850s landowner Edward Prebble • 11km SW of Christchurch

GRANGE BED & BREAKFAST FARMSTAY

• Small country estate 10-15min from city and airport • Adjacent to Little River Cycle Trail – 2 cycles available for guests 804 Shands Rd, Broadfi eld, CHRISTCHURCH • Secure storage and wash-down area for cycles E: [email protected] • Near wineries, golf courses, with TranzAlpine and airport transfers • 5 stylish king/queen rooms including private standalone ensuite cottage • Expansive gardens, outside bath, swimming pool & tennis court Tariff: from $140 (2 persons) incl. full breakfast BOOK NOW: P: 03 344 5899 • www.huntingdongrange.co.nz 113 LITTLE RIVER TRAIL There are 12 cycling tracks in the things to do... district, from grades 1 to 3, where you can ride the shores of Lake Ellesmere Bealey Hotel © Canterbury Christchurch Tourism (part of the Little River Trail), cruise the tussock fl ats alongside the Waimakariri River or traverse ridgelines across sub- alpine terrain.

Enjoy a relaxed and leisurely tour of the Selwyn Food and Wine Trail and sample the region’s best reisling, take a hot air balloon fl ight from Darfi eld, ski one of the six skifi elds in the area, visit historic homesteads nestled in the Canterbury foothills or explore some of the fi nest country gardens. Play a round of golf at one of the eight courses in the district or simply enjoy a delightful high tea in Lincoln.

If you prefer more high-adrenalin Stretching across the Canterbury Plains pursuits, there are the popular SELWYN A short drive from Christchurch will from Christchurch, the Selwyn District is mountaineering peaks and tramping see you in the beautiful and diverse bound by mighty rivers and guarded by tracks of Arthur’s Pass National Park. Selwyn District, where you can DISTRICT Arthur’s Pass National Park, high in the Go off-road on an all-out dirt bike relax in the morning and have a full- Southern Alps. Wherever you roam and mountain tour, jetboat the Waimakariri throttle adventure in the afternoon. whatever you choose to do here, the from Springfi eld or climb the impressive Selwyn District views will be sensational. boulder fi elds at Castle Hill and Flock George Selwyn, fi rst Anglican Bishop of New Zealand Hill.

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