The Amberley Area Cycle Trails (AACT) Stage 1 is open. This means you can now cycle, walk or run safely between Amberley and Leithfield without needing to use State Highway 1.
Amberley – Leithfield
4.7 km, 20 minutes
Staring near the Old Leithfield Hotel the trail route to Amberley involves a crossing of the Kowai riverbed, normally dry …. unless wet!
The trail then passes through a scenic farm, popping you out at the south end of Stockdills Rd. Continue on this unsealed road, turning right onto Grays Rd, then past the New Recycling /Transfer Station, ending your journey at the corner of State Highway 1 and Grays Rd.
A new multi-use trail is being constructed to then safely take you into the Amberley Township.
We very much appreciate John Richards for generously allowing us access through his farm to Stockdills Road.
As a working farm, the trail is occasionally closed for stock movements, appropriate signage will be in place. As always take care when crossing private property, very much a privilege for us to use this route.
Please obey all safety and direction signage.
An alternative to the Grays Rd, Stockdills Rd, and Riverlea Farm route is to cross the Kowai on the downstream side of the SH1 bridge and use Hursley Terrace and Amberley Beach roads to enter Amberley.
You can see a map here.
Leithfield Village – Leithfield Beach
3.6km, 20 min
The trail to the beach again starts on the banks of the Kowai River, the upstream end starting off Terrace Rd.
The trail crosses under SH1 and continues on down the banks of the Kowai River to its mouth, from there it runs south just behind the beach dunes, 1.2km to the beach community.
An off-road lime chip path connects the beach alongside King’s road back to SH1 at Pukeko Junction.
If you are traveling that way, please take great care crossing SH1 before returning to the Old Leithfield Hotel on Old Main North Rd.
PLEASE NOTE: After heavy rain, the approach to the Kowai River crossing is often washed out temporarily. Take care as there can be a drop, you will need to dismount and proceed with caution. If there is no water in the river then it is still passable. Please avoid using this trail if the Kowai River is in flood.
Our vision is creating a network of trails throughout the Hurunui District – walking or riding. From the East Coast beaches to the inland mountains of the Molesworth and St James, the Hurunui offers every type of experience, whether you are on a bike, a horse, your legs or their substitute!