Pegasus to Kaiapoi. You can catch the Metro Christchurch bus 95 from the Bus Interchange (Platform D) to Pegasus to start the walk. If you’re doing it on a weekday you can instead catch the same bus all the way to Waikuku and begin the walk from there. From Pegasus or Waikuku you head north along the beach trail to Waikuku / down the pristine, often deserted beach toward the mouth of the Waimakariri River, then loop back via the gravel trail to Kaiapoi — a real workout!
Cathedral to Lighthouse. Starting at Christchurch Cathedral, the route takes you through city streets before climbing into the tussock and bush of the Crater Rim Walk, offering sweeping views over Banks Peninsula. From there you follow the rail trail to Little River, where the hard surface can be punishing on the feet. The path then winds up the Okuti Valley hill before dropping down toward Wainui, where the coastal road leads you into Akaroa. While much of the journey follows asphalt , long sections of quiet gravel roads and trails add variety and seclusion. The last stretch around Akaroa Harbour can be busy with traffic, so you need to stay vigilant. Finally, the walk concludes at the historic Akaroa Lighthouse, a rewarding end to a diverse and challenging trek.
Cust to Rangiora. This 23 km walk from Cust to Rangiora crosses the back roads of the Canterbury Plains before following the Ashley River along quiet gravel roads and riverside tracks, with only 400 metres on paved road. There is no public transport to Cust, so you’ll need to arrange a ride to the starting point, but once in Rangiora it’s easy to catch public transport back to Christchurch. You can begin the day with a coffee at the café in Cust, after which the walk is largely peaceful and solitary until reaching Rangiora. The combination of open plains, riverside paths, and rural stillness makes it a rewarding and tranquil journey.
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