Little River Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Little River
Little River
Little River which includes signage
Little River showing landscape views and tranquil scenes
Little River featuring signage

There’s more than one way to roll into this tiny-but-mighty town that’s the end point for one of New Zealand’s great hiking and biking tracks.

The 44km Little River Rail Trail, which starts in Christchurch, once belonged to trains but is now just for those who like to get around on two feet or two wheels. The journey isn’t particularly hard on the legs but it’s definitely easy on the eye, taking you along stretches of stunning coastline, past dreamy lagoons and through pristine wildlife and nature reserves. At the trail’s end, recharge with a cuppa and pick up New Zealand-made art, craft and jewellery at the Little River Gallery.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

3.5 out of 5
165 Cashel Street Christchurch
The price is AU$78 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
AU$78
23 Mar - 24 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
Convenient location - good amenities. Compact room. Managed to snaffie free on street parking nearby after 5 or 8.30pm

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch
Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street

Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street

4 out of 5
64 Kilmore St Christchurch Canterbury
The price is AU$222 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
AU$222
23 Mar - 24 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (421 reviews)
God quality hotel close to the CBD

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street
Bealey Quarter

Bealey Quarter

5 out of 5
247 Bealey Ave Christchurch
The price is AU$88 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
AU$88
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (486 reviews)
Stayed twice over the course of our holiday. Spacious clean room, as there were 3 of us the triple room was perfect. Really comfy beds and pillows and the bed linen and towels were good quality. Staff helpful also. Would stay again.

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

Bealey Quarter
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
SiloStay

SiloStay

4.5 out of 5
State Highway 75 Little River
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Little River. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Popular attractions Lake Forsyth and Montgomery Park ...
SiloStay
Cosy rustic escape surrounded by nature

Cosy rustic escape surrounded by nature

Peraki Canterbury Region
Stay at this cabin in Little River. Popular attractions Montgomery Park Scenic Reserve and Lake Forsyth are located nearby.
Cosy rustic escape surrounded by nature
Quest on Kilmore

Quest on Kilmore

5 out of 5
93 Kimore Street, Christchurch
Stay at this 5-star luxury apartment in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Christchurch Town ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (229 reviews)
Amenities, courteous staff, clean room

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

Quest on Kilmore
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Little River

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
6
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The Silo Stay was the highlight - the service of the women staff at the Little River Café was awful!! So rude and unfriendly - even to each other.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We thought little river is a really nice little place as it has never really changed to much over the years

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Excellent rail trail and arts and cafe.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Little River is on the road to Akaroa, one of the most beautiful places on earth

Cities near Little River

Explore a world of travel with Expedia