Little River big on charm
At the top end of Lake Forsyth, less than an hour from central Christchurch, sits the town of Little River.
Scattered with stone-walled properties and mature trees, the Banks Peninsula town epitomises rural Canterbury and its adoption of tourism.
Often pigeonholed as a pitstop on the way to the larger tourist town of Akaroa, Little River is worthy of its own day trip and weekend stay away from the city.
Given its relative isolation, a car is likely your best bet to get to the town, although with rising petrol prices a trip on two wheels could be the go. The Little River Rail Trail opened 12 years ago, bringing a new avenue into the town for walkers and cyclists.
The trail runs for 50 kilometres southeast from Hornby, passing through various suburbs and townships along the old railway line.
The trail’s predominantly flat landscape offers insight into the once-bustling railway and natural wetlands.
Once in the township, stop for a bite and a coffee Little River Diner or Little River Cafe and
Store, at the heart of the settlement.
The store stocks local wine and cheese, as well as produce, to cater for whatever your culinary needs might be for your trip.
The store also has an attached gallery hosting rolling art exhibitions, currently showcasing acrylic works by Kirsty Nixon in her Friends in High Places collection.
Across the open-plan central public space is the Little River Craft Station. Manned by a dedicated team for more than 20 years, they sell jewellery and knitwear, pottery and leather work. Christmas is only 10 weeks away: imagine your mum’s face when you say the patchwork or beauty products gifts were sourced from a cute little stopover town.
Silostay has become a beacon of tourism in the town. A
collection of old farm silos have been converted into rooms, the team at SiloStay crediting Little River’s remoteness as a solution to ‘‘civilisation’s quest for inner peace and tranquility’’.
Various Airbnb options are dotted around the valley, including in nearby Okuti Valley. Okuti Garden boasts yurt-style accommodation among a serene edible garden. There is also the eco-friendly Little River Campground alongside the Manaia Wildlife Habitat.
Should you end up staying more than one night, the town serves as an ideal base to explore. Birdlings Flat to the south is a gem-seekers dream, and Akaroa Harbour and its inlets and bays is just over the hill.
The walk along Onawe Track offers magnificent vistas.