Little River, New Zealand Photography

Photographing Little River

Little River is a small settlement at the western edge of Banks Peninsula, where the Canterbury Plains meet the peninsula's hills, on the old railway line to Akaroa.

Where to shoot

Little River Rail Trail — the gravel cycling path on the old Akaroa railway formation, running from Hornby through to the village.
The old station building — the village's landmark and the natural end point of the rail trail, with a cafe.
State Highway 75 over the peninsula — the climb toward Akaroa, with views back to the Canterbury Plains and the Alps.
Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora — the large shallow lagoon the rail trail passes on its way out from Christchurch.

When to go

March to April, when the summer crowds have thinned, the mornings fog up beautifully, and the peninsula is still dry underfoot.

What to eat

Order fish and chips or a flat white at the cafe by the old station; this is a small settlement and the options are few, but they are good.

Where to stay

In Little River itself or a little further along the highway toward Akaroa, which puts the peninsula's bays within easy reach.

Do the rail trail one way with a pickup arranged rather than out and back — the Christchurch end is unremarkable, and the peninsula end is where the scenery is.