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Heathcote Meander, Canterbury

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Heathcote MeanderBeginner

Submitted by Katie Smith

Info Info
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Trail Information

9.40km

20m

20m

 

Canterbury

Christchurch

Urban

Loop

Totally/mostly flat

Native bush
Coastal
Riverside
Other

Beginner

1:00 (Slow)
0:50 (Moderate)
0:40 (Fast)

-3.2%

+0.4%

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Description

This is a flat cruisy run right in town that is almost all off-road on paths beside the Heathcote River.

This loop can be done starting at any point but is described starting from Richardson Terrace. Cross the footbridge opposite Mackenzie Ave and head straight down Sheldon Street, right to the end where you will see a track along the river on your right. From here follow the river downstream, through a small park then right at a T-junction by the main river. Keep following the right bank wherever possible.

The track narrows through some scrub and ducks under a bridge before coming out into Ferrymead Reserve. It broadens out here and you leave the houses behind. The narrow river track joins the main track in the reserve - follow along to the end past the golf course. Immediately after crossing the train tracks head left back towards the river. This takes you through Ferrymead Heritage Park and along to the old tramlines and station. Follow your nose though here to join the road (Bridlepath Road) briefly - head left towards the river again, cross the mouth and immediately head down towards the river, now on the left bank heading upstream.

Just before 8km take the footbridge back across into the park - you are now back at the T-junction. Head right on the track you haven't taken yet along the main river through some nice shady trees until you meet the road (Radley St). Cross this onto Clarendon Terrace and continue following the river back to the footbridge where you started.


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Features of interest

Birdlife in the Heathcote Estuary, the old station at the Tramway Historical Society


Make Up of Run

Moderate Single Track: 15%

Easy Single Track: 75%

Sealed Road: 10%


Route Data

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Wild Explorers

I did it!
  • Access

    The footbridge on Richardson Terrace opposite Mackenzie Ave (or anywhere along Richardson Terrace)

    Plenty of on-street parking

    5 km

    11 minutes

    No

    No

  • Staying Safe

    Easy.

    Jut follow your nose and the river and you can't go too far wrong!

    Perfect throughout.

    Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.

    None (don't drink the Heathcote!)

    Some of the track is close to the estuary edge and could be underwater at very high tides

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