On the Straight and Narrow

Another variation of the Little River Rail Trail, this trail run follows the cycleway from Lincoln to Motukarara and can be completed in either direction. Ideally, it's best to arrange a key swap with a friend or have a loved one pick you up in Motukarara.

Starting at the limestone statue at Liffey Springs Reserve, follow the clear signage southward along the pathway. After crossing a small bridge, look to the right in the creek where you can spot some tame eels.

Continue along the well-maintained trail, passing through the Liffey Wetlands before reaching Moirs Lane, a 4WD road. Cross Ellesmere Road and continue along the trail. From here, the trail briefly follows River Road (sorry!!) but it's a quiet road and you’ll stay on it for about 4 km. Ensure that you keep a clear line of sight.

After that, the trail resumes, winding along the Halswell River. At about 8 km, you'll find a toilet just off the track near Neilles Road. This section of the trail is off-road and the surface is hardpacked gravel. The route is adjacent to the Halswell Canal but deviates away onto farmland for approximately 1.7 kilometres to reduce the impact of disturbance on the visiting bird life. The bird life will be a key attraction of this unique wetland area.

The Waihora Ellesmere Trust (WET), Rail Trail Trust and Environment Canterbury worked together to develop a planting plan that has enhanced the wetland for wildlife, provided interpretation signage to promote the importance of this wetland ecosystem and inform Railtrail users of its sensitivity and value to the environment. The trail then continues along long, straight sections through farmland. Around the 12 km mark, the trail reaches Park Road, which you follow until it meets the historic train station.