Kaiapoi Island Trail Upgraded

Kaiapoi Island north of Christchurch, now boasts a shared use trail used for walking and cycling established on the north bank of the Waimakariri River, within Environment Canterbury’s Waimakariri River Regional Park.

Environment Canterbury’s Regional Park Ranger, Kate Roughan says the trails have recently had routine maintenance and are now better than ever.

“If you enjoy McLean’s Forest then check out Kaiapoi Island. There are more trails, more views and more variety.

“The trail is 18.5km in length for the full return from raven Quay with various shorter options from Wrights Road. It winds its way through the willows and meanders out onto the grass berms before entering the river bed for a short section before returning back into the willows,” she says.

There are also plenty of opportunities for picnics in various locations around Kaiapoi Island, not to mention fishing opportunities also.

“Sections of the trail have had metal put down to make the surface less slippery and reduce water pooling and mud. Some sections have also been raised for better drainage,” say Ms Roughan.

You can access Kaiapoi Island from the park’s entrance off Wrights Road, Kaiapoi or at Raven Quay, Kaiapoi.