More than half of 45 km-long Christchurch to Little River Railtrail from Hornby (Christchurch) to Little River on the Banks Peninsula is now open. The first section 20km stretch of the trail between Motukarara and Catons Bay, near Little River opened on 28 May 2006. This section of the Railtrail runs on the old preserved railway embankment, see details here.

The second section between Prebbleton and Lincoln (7km) opened on November 30 2006.  This section is an offroad track adjacent to the old railway line that runs alongside Birchs Road.

Latest news about progress on the remaining sections...more.

Where to go? We have some suggestions for bike rides and some hints and tips.

What will you see? The walkway / cycleway passes through a spectacular landscape with a thousand years of human history.  The rail trail passes through rural areas and settlements on the Canterbury Plains and skirts past the massive flanks of the ancient volcanoes which make up Banks Peninsula, hugging the shoreline of a vast lagoon, Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere,  and its smaller twin, Wairewa/Lake Forsyth.  The lakes and associated rivers and wetlands are rich in wildlife and natural vegetation. 

The Rail Trail is a community project.  For more information about how you can help click here.

Rail trail booklet by Fiona Farrell.