Another section of the Christchurch-Little River Rail Trail has opened in time for summer.

The four-kilometre Ahuriri section, which links two existing parts of the trail, has been built by Environment Canterbury on council land.

Rail Trail Trust chairman Don Babe said the trail would be one of the ''great rides'' of New Zealand.

''The Ahuriri section passes through some amazing landscape which has stunning scenery and a lot of history.''

He said people could explore this section from River Rd off the Lincoln-Taitapu Rd or park at Motukarara and ride 1.6km northwest along Park Rd to the Halswell River.

The new section follows along the river and through farmland.

''The trail is designed for all-weather, with a well compacted metal surface.  It is suited to riders of all abilities as well as walkers or hikers, and is completely away from the road.''

The trust has also commissioned an extensive planting plan for this section with the aim of restoring a native habitat.

Ultimately the trail will extend over 45km from Shands Rd in Hornby, Christchurch via Prebbleton, Lincoln, Motukarara and out to Little River on Banks Peninsula.

So far more than 30km has been completed.

As with the rest of the trail, dogs and horses are prohibited.

For more information about the trail, including maps, a history of the trail and suggestions of things to do along the way, visit littleriverrailtrail.co.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News

Comments