Biking
23 May 2025
Enjoy the comprehensive range of trails in the Selwyn district.
Cycling in Selwyn combines scenic, flat rural riding with rugged high‑country mountain biking, offering everything from the family‑friendly, traffic‑free Little River Rail Trail to the demanding single tracks in the mountains.
From advanced downhill and cross-country riding to long open stretches of road, it's not uncommon to see cyclists of all varieties enjoying the rides on offer in the Selwyn district.
The multi-use Broken River Ski Field Road Track follows Cave Stream to Jack's Pass. It has steep and loose sections. The ski basin can be accessed by bike.
Track distance: 6km (from the picnic area to the hut).
Start location: Craigieburn picnic area.
Pole Bridge is not suitable for bikes, so riders will need to ford the river instead. Cycle through mountain beech to a sheltered picnic area covered in red brown Dracophyllum, native tussock, small herbs and ground-cover plants.
Track distance: 1.8km.
Start location: Take the road from the Craigieburn picnic area, following Cave Stream to Broken River Skifield Road. The Dracophyllum Flat Track begins opposite the road intersection.
A flowing single track with rugged scenery up the top of Hogs Back. Ascend through beech forest to the Long Spur ridgeline, bike Cheeseman Ski Field Access Road and Waterfall Creek crossing.
Track distance: Castle Hill to Texas Flat 7.4km. Round trip via the Cheeseman Ski Field Road, 15.6km.
Start location: Behind Castle Hill Village or from Texas Flat.
The track through the Poulter Valley is one of only a few approved tracks in a national park where mountain biking is permitted. The trip offers bikers an easy ride over river flats and through beech forest. Two river crossings - Poulter River and Casey Stream. To park boundary it's grade 3 intermediate, beyond park boundary grade 2 easy
Track distance: 27km.
Start location: Mt White Road.
The Little River Rail Trail begins in the Christchurch suburb of Hornby and flanks the shores of Lake Ellesmere and Lake Forsyth to end in the quaint township of Little River. Enjoy the ever-changing landscapes from farmland to wetland on this 49km trail comprising of both on and off-road cycling.
This section is sealed and follows Shands Road to the intersection with Marshs Road. It then crosses the road to follow the old railway corridor through to Prebbleton.
Points of interest: Hornby is a residential suburb of Christchurch and an important commercial centre.
Beginning at the intersection of Birches Road and Trices Road. This section comprises of a 7km off-road wide asphalt pathway that runs alongside the original railway line from Birches Road to Lincoln.
Points to note: For those beginning the trail in Prebbleton, there is car-parking available along Birches Road between Springs Road and Trices Road or at the Prebbleton Reserve.
This section connects Lincoln to the Ahuriri Reserve utilising a number of sub-sections and on-road segments. The Rail Trail uses a shared pathway along the northern side of Edward Street. Continue to the Edward Street – Ellesmere Road intersection and then turn right into Ellesmere Road. Travel 1km along Ellesmere Road, turn left into the Rail Trail that connects to Collins Road East and River Road. This section provides safe off-road cycling to River Road. From River Road to Ahuriri Reserve, care needs to be taken as cyclists will be sharing the country road with heavy vehicles. At the end of River Road, there is a section on the true right connecting from Geddes Road to Neills Road.
Off-road riding on hard-packed gravel. The section begins adjacent to the Halswell Canal before deviating away onto farmland for approximately 1.7km.
Point to note: A joint planting plan for this area is being carried out by The Waihora Ellesmere Trust (WET), Rail Trail Trust and ECAN.
Arguably the most picturesque section of the Little River Rail Trail. The track follows the old rail embankment from Motukarara to Little River alongside Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora) and Lake Forsyth (Te Wairewa). The trail offers stunning views across the lakes towards the Southern Alps, with great opportunities to see a variety of bird life.
Riders can access this section of the trail at Kaituna Quarry, Seabridge Road, Birdlings Flat and Catons Bay.
Points to note: Picnic stops are at Kaituna Quarry and Catons Bay. There is a small on-road section near Little River, please take care when crossing the road.
The trail navigates along the old railway embankment, turning inland and ending closer to the Little River township on a compact gravel track. The majority of the track travels beside Te Roto o Wairewa (Lake Forsyth).
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