Last Updated: 15th Jan 2024

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Shoeing the Horse

Christchurch, Canterbury

Submitted by Tony Sharpe

Last Updated: 15th Jan 2024

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 4

Gnarl Factor: 19

4.2km

35m

35m

9m

  

  

  

Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.

Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban

Out and Back

Totally/mostly flat

Native bush

Riverside

Lakeside

Run Makeup

70%
30%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +1.6%

Average Downhill Gradient: -1.6%

Trailhead

Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.

Estimated Times to Run

0:35

Slow

0:25

Moderate

0:20

Fast

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.

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

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

7 km

12 minutes

Unknown

No

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

Trail Legend

Christian Couper

Christian Couper

has completed Shoeing the Horse twice in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

You and Shoeing the Horse

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Register Now

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

Easy to navigate, and complete with an urban stream crossing. With well placed large rocks it would be hard to get wet feet!

Emma Dryland

January 27, 2023

Lovely, flat out and back with nice scenery. Perfect for recovery.

Stefanie Parks

May 8, 2021

I can't believe this is within a couple of km of home and I have never done it. As someone said it is surpringsingly interesting and to say you are in the middle of town, you actually feel miles from anywhere for parts of it. Nice flat recovery run and easy to extend at the south western end with Burwood Park across the road and a whole host of red zone streets in the middle of the shoe to choose from, solid 3 stars and better than expected!

Leah King

September 29, 2020

Surprisingly interesting! Pleasant along the river, fun to imagine how Chch would have looked 200 years ago, and a sobering reminder of the legacy of the earthquakes in the red zone.

Matt Halverson

September 8, 2020

Login to submit a review

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in or have completed this trail run.

You must register or login to view this feature.

Register Now

Other trails nearby
Horse Longitudes

Horse Longitudes

Length: 10.6km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Horsing Around

Horsing Around

Length: 5.6km

Level: Beginner

Port Hills 8-Attack

Port Hills 8-Attack

Length: 17.7km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Beer Bum Bluffs

Beer Bum Bluffs

Length: 9.5km

Level: Intermediate

Find more trails and peaks nearby