The construction of the Rail Trail through the Ahuriri Reserve was completed by Environment Canterbury (ECan) in December 2012. Much of the Ahuriri Reserve area is owned by ECan for river control purposes.

This section of the trail is off-road and the surface is hardpacked gravel. The route is adjacent to the Halswell Canal but deviates away onto farmland for a approximately 1.7 km to reduce the impact of disturbance on the visiting bird life. The bird life will be a key attraction of this unique wetland area. The Waihora Ellesmere Trust (WET), Rail Trail 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. The following map outlines the proposed development of this wetland area and shows the location of the Rail Trail:

From the south-eastern end of Ahuriri, Rail Trail users will use Park Road to make their way to Motukarara.