Quick Details
If you have ridden an Ebike before or consider yourself to be a confident rider we offer self-guided tours for those who would rather escape by themselves. We provide you with a new model Scott performance Ebike, a riding specific backpack with easy access phone holder, high visibility vest, gloves and a safety tool kit.
The Little River Rail Trail is a great family friendly option to take, as long as you can ride a bike you will be able to enjoy this route! Enjoy the freedom to go as far as you like at your own speed while exploring the most scenic part of the rail trail – choose a half or full day option. We will meet you in the gorgeous small town of Little River where we will provide you with directions and all equipment you need for a great half or full day adventure on the iconic Little River Rail Trail.
Enjoy changing landscapes from farmland to wetlands and ancient volcanic remnants on this nineteenth-century railway route!
As the name suggests, much of this ride traces the historic railway line, although it also follows a series of paths, streets, paddock tracks and country roads along the way. It offers plenty of variety – town precincts, parks and reserves, quaint country lanes, and bird-filled wetlands .Enjoy magnificent views of the bodies of water, the distant Southern Alps, and also a good deal of birdlife . There are 166 species of birds recorded on the lakes including 133 indigenous species. With up to 98,000 birds on the lake at one time – there is always something interesting to see!
This is one of the easiest New Zealand Cycle Trails, a grade 1 cruise with smooth, wide surfaces and an almost entirely flat gradient which offers a great opportunity taking in all the views as you cycle along. The trail can be ridden at any time of year, with each season offering distinct colours and birdlife.
Birdlings Flat Detour
If you have time to explore take a short detour to Birdlings Flat, where you can search the pebbly beach for small agates and rocks smoothed by the action of the sea. There is also a small brick building near the Kaituna Quarry was used to store explosives, and there are the concrete remains of a WWII radar station near the lake edge to explore.
We also offer a self guided Coastal Cruise which is also offered as a tour option. All the details are on this website , check out our Coastal Cruise Tour. https://akaroaebikes.com/coastal-cruise-tour/ You can ride the whole route, or just part way to the vineyard or view points, it’s completely up to you! If you ride the whole route you would be doing about 40km return.
Your rental equipment can be kept for 3 hours to allow time for photo stops, or want to take it at a cruisey pace! You can request your preferred time upon booking this activity which is subject to availability each day. If you want to take it easy and have lunch at French Farm vineyard we can offer a full day option as well.
Please note self guided options would only suit those who have experienced riding an E-bike before as the full induction & safety briefing only applies to guided tours. You will collect and return your bikes to the same point on both routes.
We can also offer the flexibility of a pick up and drop off service for $10 per bike if organised in advance
If you are arriving via cruise ship into Lyttleton we can organise transport and a day trip to Akaroa -please contact us for prices, times and availability
If you are arriving into Akaroa via cruise ship we offer free drop off and pick up service from the wharf. Just let us know when you are planning your trip!