Note that the lake flies have started emerging. They are most prevalent from now through until January/February and tend to be worse after a cold night followed by a warm sunny day. A useful tip is to pop a Covid mask around your neck and be ready to pull it up if required!

Also be aware of the magpies around the Neills Road to Te Pae o Ahuriri section.  Nesting magpies tend to see cyclists as a fast-moving threat, and may swoop at riders from up to 100 meters away from their nests.  

The Christchurch to Little River Rail Trail is a cycleway and walkway from Hornby to Little River. The route follows much of the Little River Branch railway line which operated from 1875 until 1967 providing a vital means for farmers to get stock and produce to market. The trail passes through rural areas and settlements on the Canterbury Plains, skirts past the massive flanks of the ancient volcanoes which make up Banks Peninsula, and hugs the shoreline of a vast lagoon, Te Waihora or Lake Ellesmere (the largest lagoon in mainland New Zealand), and its smaller neighbour, Te Roto o Wairewa or Lake Forsyth. The lakes and associated rivers and wetlands are rich in wildlife and natural vegetation.

The LIttle River Rail Trail is made up of eight sections, with the full trail length being 55km from the Christchurch city centre.  Find out about them on the Trail Sections page.  And see some of the things you can do and will encounter on the Trail in the Exploring On The Trail page.  Find out more about the Trail on the About The Trail.  Have any questions?  You'll find the answers on the Q & A page.  And check out the Gallery with loads of photos.