Walking and Cycling in the Waimakariri District

There are many places to enjoy walking and cycling in and around Council parks and reserves and at other sites in the Waimakariri District. These locations provide opportunities for people of all ages to experience the outdoors in attractive and relaxing settings.

Other agencies also oversee areas popular for walking and cycling:

Walking and mountain bike tracks have been developed at the Waimakariri River Regional Park, and it is intended that other routes be formalised within the proposed Ashley Rakahuri Regional Park along Ashley River. These Regional Parks are administered by Environment Canterbury.

A network of walking and mountain bike tracks can be found in North Canterbury’s foothill forests. Contact Department of Conservation (DOC), Waimakariri Area Office (03) 313 0820.

Useful information can also be found in the Walking and Cycling Waimakariri Guide. A copy can be picked up at Council service centres and libraries or found on the Visit Waimakariri website.

Cycling in Council Parks and Reserves

There are limited opportunities for off-road cycling on Council reserve land. Efforts are being made to add or improve facilities at suitable sites.

Walking in Council Parks and Reserves

Attractive and interesting walks can be enjoyed in and around many of the Council’s larger parks and reserves. Most can be undertaken by people of all ages. Try these parks and reserves:

• Pegasus Bay Coastal Walkway
• Kaiapoi Riverbanks
• Ohoka Stream walkway
• Kaiapoi Lakes Reserve
• Matawai Park
• Northbrook Wetlands
• Silverstream Reserve
• Whites Road Reserve
• Ashley Gorge Reserve
• Glenvale Walkway
• The Oaks Reserve to NCF Reserve

Pegasus Bay Coastal Walkway

This section of coastal track runs from the Kaiapoi Riverbanks in Kaiapoi to the Pines Beach and Kairaki coastal settlements. It then heads north along coastal reserve, passing through an extensive strip of Te Kohaka o Tuhaitara Trust land and the settlements at Woodend Beach and Waikuku. The route passes through coastal back dunes stabilised by pine plantation forest. Areas of native planting have been established in some locations and access to the beach can be gained at various points along the way. The total distance of approximately 15 kilometres can take 4-5 hours to walk one way.

Although this track has traditionally been seen as a walking route, upgrading and the addition of new sections is helping to improve its multi-use value. The aim is to eventually establish a track network to accommodate walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Te Kohaka o Tuhaitara Trust is closely involved with this work.

Silverstream Reserve

Silverstream Reserve near Clarkville is currently under development and provision is being made for cycling routes through this large rural reserve. This website will be updated when any routes are established.

Kaiapoi Riverbanks

A number of attractive and historically interesting parks and reserves are linked together along the Kaiapoi River as it flows through the town of Kaiapoi. A continuous riverside walkway passes through these sites, providing opportunities for relaxation and exercise while enjoying the surroundings.

The Kaiapoi Riverbanks area was significantly affected by the Canterbury earthquake of September 2010, but completion of essential repair work means the area can continue to be enjoyed by visitors. The Council and community are working together on plans to further restore or redevelop damaged sites and facilities.

Other interesting walks connect to the riverbanks and pass through attractive park areas within Kaiapoi.

Ohoka Stream Walkway

This streamside public walkway meanders through pleasant surroundings between Bradleys Road and Mill Road on the northern side of Ohoka village. Its total length is 1.5 kilometres.

Glenvale Walkway

The green corridor forming Glenvale Walkway extends for 2.2 kilometres around the south-west edge of Kaiapoi township. After running parallel to Christchurch’s northern motorway, it turns sharply at its mid-point, following Kaikanui Stream through to Kaiapoi’s main road (Williams Street). The walk can be extended by 350 m upon a careful crossing of Williams Street, where an exit is available at Jim Bryden Reserve on Holland Drive.

As well as the stream, other attractions along the walkway include the Keep Kaiapoi Beautiful Society’s Rhododendron Garden, a long avenue of attractive tree species and a variety of native plants.

The Oaks Reserve to NCF Reserve

Kaikanui Stream can be accessed at The Oaks Reserve in south-east Kaiapoi, where an esplanade walkway runs for 1.3 kilometres through to NCF Park and the south bank of the lower Kaiapoi River. A return to the centre of Kaiapoi can be made along the riverbank, or if walking in reverse direction, via Courtenay Downs Walkway which runs beside the railway line from The Oaks Reserve.

Attractions include the old railway bridge crossing Kaikanui Stream, and Courtenay Lake at NCF Park.

Walking and Cycling Strategy

See our Walking and Cycling Strategy page under Roads and Transport for details of the Council's Walking and Cycling Strategy.

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