New Zealand Walks: Tongariro National Park short walks to suit all fitness types
Hike it, bike it, like it!
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 offroad cycling to River Road. From River Road to Ahuriri Reserve care needs to be taken as walkers and 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. Section 4 – Ahuriri Reserve to Motukarara Distance 4km
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. Section 5 – Motukarara to Birdlings Flat
Distance 13.3km
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.
Walkers and cyclists 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