Little River Chuggalong

Even cycle trails are worth a run sometimes, and this is one of the better ones.

Start at the Motukarara Station and head out south along the trail across a few bridges and round a few bends. Before long you'll reach Kaituna huts, which is worth a stop to look around the headland and get your first views of Lake Ellesmere/ Waihora.

The next stage is awesome as it ventures out onto the lake along causeways and over bridges which gives great views of the prolific birdlife and surrounding landscapes. Great photography here, and also superb night skies if you happen to be here in the dark - great aurora spotting country

Once you get clear of the lake you'll cross a couple of roads and carry on until you reach the road turnoff to Birdlings Flat, which itself is worth a visit on your shuttle back home for a wild Pacific Ocean coastline. Breathtaking, but don't swim here, its way too dangerous in that surf!

After the Birdlings turnoff the Rail Trail heads inland through Birdlings Flat Station and eventually joins the shoreline of Lake Forsyth / Wairewa. It's a pleasant amble alongside the water for the next few km's until the Trail runs out and then its only a short road dash to the refreshments and artistic pleasures of Little River. Stop and explore the Gallery before you head home.