Putting Your Heart into the Countryside

The Central South Trail Cycle Trail is Rural New Zealand Countryside at its best – from stunning lakes and rivers, majestic countryside of Mackenzie and down eventually to one of New Zealand’s most beautiful Bays – Caroline Bay of Timaru. Suitable for all ages, the 3 section cycle trail is an easy to intermediate grade – and will link Timaru to Pleasant Point, Pleasant Point to Fairlie, and finally Fairlie to Tekapo. Linking with the Alps 2 Ocean trail and other trails along the way. See the course here

The Trail will initially start in Washdyke and meet up at the small and quaint town of Pleasant Point famous for its custard squares, railway, and beautiful countryside. From here, Stage 2 of the trail continues on to Fairlie at the heart of the beautiful Mackenzie district before moving on to Stage 3 to the world class and picturesque Tekapo.

Allow 3-4 days to cycle the entire trail and remember to add some time to investigate the region while you are here. Alternatively, if time is at a premium, simply make a day excursion or tick off a section or two over a long weekend… What better way to reconnect with friends and family or simply get away from it all, either way, you will be enjoying genuine hospitality in some of the best scenery that the South Island of New Zealand has to offer.

Whichever option you choose, the Central South Trail Cycle Trail is sure to be a great destination and a most memorable experience.

PUTTING YOUR HEART IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
FAIRLIE – KIMBELL

The Fairlie to Kimble trail section is between two rural townships, following a trail of oak trees that were planted to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I.

Opening on September 10th 2023, enjoy the trail and remember to always be a safe user. Have water on hand, be courteous to others, and always be on alert for motorists. Take care at driveways/intersections. Obey all signs and rules.

Here is the Fairly – Kimbell map

Here is the Overview Layout map

Here is the Sir_Basil_Arthur_to_Pleasant_Point map

Community Wellbeing and Tourism

Once finished, the trail will be a major tourism asset for the South Canterbury and Mackenzie Districts, helping attract both local and international visitors to the area. Notwithstanding the great asset, it will provide to the local communities and families.

The Great Rides have proven to be a significant driver of local and international tourism which is helping New Zealand stay on the international map as a top tourist destination. The trails will also boost economic growth in the region with job creation.

How you can Sponsor and support

1st Stage: Timaru to Pleasant Point – Shovel Ready
Our vision is to construct a multi-purpose trail from Timaru to Lake Tekapo that connects with the Alps to Ocean trail and acts as a spine that can then connect other South Canterbury communities and townships. This will enable and support the branching out of cycle trails in and around the Central South Island. Our early investigation work in 2019 demonstrated the very real potential of the trail, but being realistic about the scale of the task and the capacity of our small group of volunteers, we have decided to focus our efforts on a Stage 1 being from Washdyke to Pleasant Point.

Key points regarding the proposed alignment are:

SAFE CORRIDOR

Completely off the existing State Highway 8 carriageway.

LOCATION

Located in the road berm or LINZ land, with only two portions of private property – both owners have given their approval in principle.

CONSULTATION

Consultation with NZTA, LINZ,Te Runanga O Arowehenua and other landowners has been undertaken.

We welcome all donations – from businesses and individuals alike. To investigate the different ways of sponsoring the Trail; please click here.

DONATION

Central South Trails Incorporated Society is a charitable trust – run by Volunteers. If you have enjoyed the trail and would like to donate please use the following bank account:

Bank: BNZ:

Account Name: CENTRAL SOUTH ISLAND CYCLE TRAILS INCORPORATED

Account Number: 02-0888-0161156-000

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