Little River Rail Trail day trip
A self-guided day ride out of Christchurch: flat, historic, full of birdlife, and finished with lunch in one of Canterbury's best little villages.
Self-guided day trip
One day, 9am to around 3pm
Christchurch return, transfers included
Grade 1, flat riding
Ride up to 50 km, shorter options available
$199 per person
The day
We collect you from your central Christchurch accommodation at 9am, set you up with your bike and take you to the trail head. Then the day is yours: ride the old railway line out of the city and into the country, at whatever pace the morning deserves, with the trail doing the navigating for you. Around 3pm we collect you and your bikes from Little River and have you back in the city by late afternoon. Different timings can be arranged: just ask.
The ride
The trail follows the old Little River branch line, and it is a lovely piece of history to ride: through Prebbleton and the university town of Lincoln, out across the Canterbury Plains, past the restored Motukarara railway station, and then the best part: the long, flat run beside Te Waihora, Lake Ellesmere, one of the most important bird habitats in the country, with the worn old volcanoes of Banks Peninsula rising ahead. Around Lake Forsyth the hills close in, and the trail delivers you to Little River itself: good food, a genuinely fantastic art gallery, and a warm welcome.
The full ride from the city side runs about 50 kilometres. Rather do less? Shorter options are easy to arrange, and the trail's access points make a half-day version simple.
Is this for me?
Honest answer: yes, almost certainly. The trail is flat the whole way, the surface is friendly, and with the shorter options and the e-bike upgrade this is a day for riders of all abilities. If you can ride a bike, you can have this day out.
The bikes
You ride a quality machine either way, fitted to you on the morning. The standard bike is the Merida Big Nine, with the smaller-wheeled Big Seven for shorter riders: a lightweight hardtail with front suspension, wide tyres and an upright riding position, built for comfort, stability and confidence on gravel. It is more bike than this gentle trail demands, and that is exactly how a relaxed day should feel.
Prefer some assistance? Our e-bikes are the same Meridas that carry our flagship guided tour, with step-through frames available: easy power, upright comfort, and range far beyond anything a day at Little River will ask of them, ideal for soaking in the lake views rather than studying your front wheel.
What's included and the price
Price: $199 per person, two people minimum
A 10% deposit per person secures your day.
Return transfers between central Christchurch and the trail.
Bike hire, standard or step-through, with helmet, pannier, pump, spare tyre and multi tool. E-bike upgrade $40 per person.
Not included: food and drinks. Little River's cafes are half the reason to go, so lunch there is the plan, not a gap.
How far is it really, and what if 50 km sounds like a lot?
The full ride is about 50 kilometres and flat the whole way, which is far friendlier than the number sounds. If you would rather ride less, tell us when you book and we will set you up with a shorter version: the trail has access points along its length that make this easy.
When can we go?
Any day, subject to availability. Book the date that suits and we will confirm the pickup.
Is it suitable for kids and nervous riders?
Unfortunately, we don’t hire bikes for young kids, but can cater for teens and above. Flat, gentle and away from traffic for almost all of the trail sections, with the e-bikes there for anyone who wants the hills of Canterbury (there are none) made even flatter.
What about lunch?
Bring snacks for the trail (or stop in Prebbleton or Lincoln on your way through) and save your appetite: Little River has excellent cafes, and the art gallery next door turns lunch into an afternoon. (Not included in tour cost).
What happens if the weather turns?
Canterbury weather is honest: you can usually see it coming. The lake stretch is open to the wind, so we keep an eye on the forecast with you and can shift your day if it looks grim. A rain layer in the pannier is always smart.
Ready to ride, or questions first?
Lock in a departure. Click the button and let's get riding or ask any questions with the form below.
Ask us anything
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Make more of it
Extend your stay, Akaroa. Carry on over the hill.
