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Shoeing the Horse, Canterbury

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Shoeing the HorseBeginner

Submitted by Tony Sharpe

Info Info
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Trail Information

4.20km

35m

35m

 

Canterbury

Christchurch

Urban

Out and Back

Totally/mostly flat

Native bush
Riverside
Lakeside

Beginner

0:35 (Slow)
0:25 (Moderate)
0:20 (Fast)

-1.6%

+1.6%

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Description

This one is perfect for a quick lunchtime stretch. Horseshoe Lake (Waikakariki) is an old abandoned oxbow lake left by historic changes to the Otakaro/ Avon River. The area got pretty badly hammered in the Canterbury Earthquakes, rendering much of the neighbouring suburb uninhabitable. Suburbia's loss has a silver lining however for nature. but is is very sad to take in what used to be there. The wetlands of Christchurch are gradually disappearing but Horseshoe Lake Reserve is one of the few still remaining. This reserve offers a close glimpse of a preserved wetland habitat and reminds us what most of Christchurch must have looked like.

The trail itself is straightforward, following around the lake shore and occasionally alongside car parks and road side. Round the western end, just after a viewing platform the recommendation is to dive down through planted native shrubs, although that section can get a bit flooded or muddy after rain - in which case the road verge is fine. Carry on right round past the end of the lake and have a look at the old street layout that's still there post quakes. In fact if you want a bit extra you can explore the old street grid. Retrace your steps the same way you came. Mind out for the geese though.


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Features of interest

Notable cutoff oxbow lake. Prolific birdlife. Christchurch Red Zone. Historic Maori pa site


Make Up of Run

Moderate Single Track: 30%

Easy Single Track: 70%


Route Data

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Wild Explorers

I did it!
  • Access

    You can start anywhere along the route, there's a couple of good carparks plus normal streetside stuff

    The main carpark is part way through, but plenty of streetside either end as well

    7 km

    12 minutes

    No

    No

  • Staying Safe

    Easy.

    Straightforward

    Perfect throughout.

    Windproof jacket, Cellphone, Map.

    There's a tap halfway round by the loos

    Can be boggy round the back after rain

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