Little River ChuggalongBeginner
Submitted by Tony Sharpe
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Totally/mostly flat
RiversideLakesideOpen farmlandsOther
Beginner
3:00 (Slow)
2:15 (Moderate)
1:30 (Fast)
-1.6%
+1.8%
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Description
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.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Lakes
Birdlife
Historic Rail Trail
Make Up of Run
Easy Single Track: 99%
Sealed Road: 1%
Route Data
Reviews:
Photos:
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Access
Motukarara Historic Station
You'll need to organise a shuttle or car swap, unless you want to run both ways
26 km
21 minutes
No
No
-
Staying Safe
Easy.
You can't miss this trail
Patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
Bring from home, its farmland here and sadly the water quality is rubbish
Can get a but nippy in winter
The whole trail is very exposed to wind. Weather can change rapidly so pack appropriate warm and weatherproof back up gear
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Post run indulgence
Little River Cafe
Main Road Little River
http://www.littlerivergallery.com/
Art, fine coffee and food and some cold ones -
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