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$77 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$77
30 Mar - 31 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! (1,008 reviews)
Overall good stay.

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch
Bealey Quarter

Bealey Quarter

5 out of 5
247 Bealey Ave Christchurch
The price is AU$78 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$78
22 Mar - 23 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! (494 reviews)
Convenient

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

Bealey Quarter
Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street

Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street

4 out of 5
64 Kilmore St Christchurch Canterbury
The price is AU$167 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$167
29 Mar - 30 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! (430 reviews)
Nice location, lots of restaurants within walking distance.

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (245 reviews)
Unusual property with clever use of space. Comfortable and quiet with restaurant next door. Hosts and information provided excellent!

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

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 luxury apartment in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions New Brighton Beach and Christchurch ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (235 reviews)
Clean and spacious apartment with good amenities including washer and dryer. Requested parking but no spaces available on arrival so parked in adjacent paid parking lot (for lower cost).

Reviewed on 9 Mar 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

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