The following sections are all off-road. To get from one section to another will require on-road cycling but cycle lanes are generally available.

Please remember to be a friendly and considerate user of the Rail Trail - click here for a copy of the Rail Trail Code of Conduct.

The best sections to cycle are the following which are all off-road:
Shands Rd to Prebbleton (Surface - asphalt. Grade - flat)
This is a 3.4 km one-way trip from the Shands Rd car park (just south of the Halswell Junction Rd/Shands Rd lights) to the Springs Rd/Blakes Rd roundabout.
Please note: there is a road crossing on Marshes Rd.

Prebbleton to Lincoln (Surface - asphalt. Grade - flat)
The off-road section starts at the corner of Trices and Birches Rd and goes nearly into the Lincoln township. A one-way trip is approximately 6 km.
Please note: there are road and driveway crossings along the way so please be careful and watch out for other vehicles.

Motukarara to Little River (Surface - hard-packed gravel. Grade - flat)
There are car parks at Motukarara, Kaituna, Catons Bay and Little River so it possible to do this 22.5 km trip in smaller return journeys.
Please note: there are several road crossings along the trail. Please ensure gates are closed.

Activity sheets
There are two activity sheets for the Motukarara to Little River sections of the Rail Trail depending on which railway station you start from - Motukarara or Little River. 

Each sheet starts with questions about the history and memorabilia associated with the railway station. Then you go for a cycle or walk on the Rail Trail and record what birds you see along the way. At two places along the Rail Trail you can and stop and write down what you see, hear and smell. There is also space for you to draw a bird and a plant you see and your stop. 

If you are starting at Motukarara download the Motukarara Activity Sheet or for Little River download the Little River Activity Sheet.

Photos
If you would like to share a photo of your 'Cycle the Rail Trail' journey with us please email the photo by clicking here and attaching your photo and a caption of where it was taken and anything else you would like to share. The photos will be loaded below.