The Railtrail through the Ahuriri Reserve will be off-road. The route will be adjacent to the Halswell Canal but will deviate away onto farmland for a approximately 1.7 km to reduce the impact of disturbance on the visiting bird life. From the south end of Ahuriri, Railtrail users will use the quiet country roads to make their way to Motukarara.

Much of the Ahuriri Reserve area is owned by Environment Canterbury (ECan) for river control purposes. To date ECan have installed a bridge at the southern end of Ahuriri Reserve and will be constructing a track through the Reserve (see update below).

The wildlife will be a key attraction of this unique wetland area. The Waihora Ellesmere Trust (WET), Railtrail Trust and ECan are working together to develop a planting plan, that will enhance the wetland for wildlife, and provide interpretation signage to promote the importance of this wetland ecosystem and inform Railtrail users of its sensitivity and value to the environment.

February 2012 Update
As previously noted, the construction of the final route of the Railtrail through the Ahuriri Reserve has been delayed while a study was undertaken to investigate the opportunities and impacts of an enlarged Ahuriri wetland and restoration project. This study has not been completed and the Railtrail route has been finalised.

ECan will shortly begin construction of the section and hope to have it completed by April 2012.