This section of the Railtrail, opened in September 2009, starts about 400 m south of the Shands Rd-Halswell Junction Rd intersection on Shands Rd where a small car park is available.

The section is sealed and follows Shands Rd to the intersection with Marshes Rd, crosses the road and follows the south side of Marshes Rd to the old railway corridor which takes users through to the village of Prebbleton in the Selwyn District.

To connect to the next section of the Railtrail that goes to Lincoln, use the cycle lanes along Springs Rd through Prebbleton, turn left into Birches Rd and pick up the off-road trail just after the Trices Rd intersection. Alternative routes through Prebbleton are also described in the next section - Prebbleton to Lincoln.

Hornby
Hornby is a residential suburb of Christchurch City and an important commercial centre. In the long-term the Railtrail will go right into Hornby. This will greatly enhance the opportunities for people to cycle between and beyond Christchurch City and the Selwyn District townships of Prebbleton and Lincoln.