Questions & Answers
DO I NEED A MOUNTAIN BIKE? While the ride can be comfortably completed on a hybrid or city bike, the off-road sections will be difficult on a road bike fitted with narrow tyres (less than 1.25in or 3.20cm) as they are more likely to puncture especially on some of the bridge approaches. We recommend choosing a bike with wider tyres to make your ride on the trail more comfortable.
HOW LONG WILL THE RIDE TAKE? If you choose to ride to Little River just one way at an easy pace, you can expect it to take anywhere between five to seven hours.
IS THE TRAIL SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN? Given that most of the trail is off road, it is a great ride for children of all ages. In the case of very young children, you might consider only riding one or two sections in a day such Motukārara Station to Birdlings Flat or Birdlings Flat to Little River. A fun activity sheet that challenges kids to locate native birds and railroad features along the way is available on our website.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO RIDE? While the trail is open year-round, it really depends on what you want to get out of the ride. Obviously, the summer months will be the warmest time (but be aware that at this time of year many small flying insects are prevalent near the lakes, which can be a bit of a nuisance). Springtime has its own 8 special attractions, including the sight of newly born lambs along the route.
WHAT COSTS ARE INVOLVED? There is no cost to ride the trail.
HOW DO I ARRANGE TO BE TRANSPORTED ONE WAY? The Akaroa French Connection bus service will also transfer bikes when organised in advance. Click HERE to view their website, or phone 0800 800 575 to arrange. The service runs daily between Christchurch and Akaroa, and the cost is $20 per bike above the normal booking cost. The bus arrives in Little River on the way back to Christchurch at approximately 4:45pm. Note that bikes will be transported in a storage compartment in the bus itself and not in a separate bike trailer or bike racks.
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE? Anyone who is moderately fit will enjoy this beautiful ride as it is flat and the pace is self-selected. The ride is also appealing to those with a high level of fitness whether they choose to make it a one way or return ride.
ARE THERE TOILETS LOCATED ALONG THE TRAIL? There are toilet facilities in Christchurch, Prebbleton, Lincoln, Neills Road, Motukārara, Kaituna, Catons Bay and Little River. Cafes will also have toilet facilities.
WHAT ABOUT HORSES AND DOGS? As much of the trail passes through farmland and important wildlife areas, horses are forbidden on any section of the trail. Dogs are not permitted on the Motukarara to Little River section. On other parts of the trail, dogs are permitted but must remain on a lead as the trail passes through agricultural land next to livestock and areas where wild birds congregate and breed.
CAN I SWIM IN THE LAKES? Swimming in any of the lakes or rivers on or near the trail is not permitted due to several preserved natural habitats and potentially dangerous water conditions. Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere and Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth experiences toxic algae blooms which are hazardous to human and animal health.
CAN I CAMP ALONG THE TRAIL? Freedom camping is not permitted anywhere on or adjacent to the trail or in nearby carparks. There are camp grounds along the way.
