Waimakariri Cycling Tracks
Situated 20 minutes north of Christchurch, the Waimakariri District is the perfect playground for all things outdoor. Home to a network of fun, family-friendly trails that connect contemporary towns with beautiful braided rivers, wide open sandy beaches and expansive rural landscapes. Primarily flat, the gentle trails in Waimakariri offer short and long options along stopbanks and mountain bike tracks, through regenerating wetlands and invigorating forests.
Kaiapoi Island Trail
The trails take you alongside the Waimakariri River, farmland and through willow forests. Stop at the look out to view the Kaiapoi and Waimakariri Rivers converge
Track distance: 18km one way (1 hour and 20 minutes)
Start location: At eastern side on Raven Quay, Kaiapoi or Wrights Road off Main North Road.
Tutaepatu Trail
This trail links the beach settlements of Waikuku and Woodend. Stop at the Tūtaepatu Lagoon, a spring fed freshwater wildlife sanctuary for flora and fauna and historically a rich source of mahinga kai (food gathering) for Maori. You can also access Pegasus Town from this trail, if you fancy a ride around the lake and wetlands.
Track distance: 5km one way (25 minutes)
Start location: Beach Road, Woodend and Kiwi Avenue, Waikuku Beach.
Rakahuri Trail
This fun trail runs alongside the Ashley Rakahuri River, farmland and willow trees, with pockets of native bush. It connects Rangiora with the Waikuku Beach settlement. Enjoy a dedicated mountain bike park with great twists and turns and some uninterrupted single trail biking or stay on the stop bank for ease.
Track Distance: 18km one way (1 hour 20 mins)- includes the loop at Western End
Start location: Northern end of East Belt, Rangiora.
Wharfdale Track
The Track sidles and gently climbs through beech forest to the saddle with downhill to the Wharfedale Hut near Dobson Stream. Check The Department of Conservation website for full track accessibility and safety.
Track Distance: Easy and Advanced. 15km (3 hours one way).
Start location: View Hill carpark, 14 km from Oxford.
Note: Ride times (with the exception of the Wharfedale Track), have been worked out at 13km per hour.
