Little River Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Little River
Little River which includes signage
Little River
Little River featuring signage
Little River featuring signage and outdoor art

Bike or hike along a historic rail trail, visit a working sheep farm, browse a gallery and a railway museum and enjoy the nature of this water-rich destination.

Explore Little River, a small town beside the Okana River on the Banks Peninsula. Little River is less than an hour by car from Christchurch, in New Zealand’s Canterbury Region. To the south of town, the Okana joins the Takiritawai River to flow into Lake Wairewa which in turn flows out to the coast at nearby Birdlings Flat.

Enjoy the views and fresh air by cycling or hiking the Little River Rail Trail. The trail follows the old Christchurch to Little River railway line along rivers and lake shores and through rolling countryside. Challenge yourself to the whole 30 miles (49 kilometers) of trail or just do part of it and take in the nearby views over Lake Wairewa.

Appreciate the art and crafts of the creative locals. Visit the Little River Gallery for a mixture of weird and wonderful art. Just next door, the Craft Station has a wide range of crafts along with a fascinating historical collection in the old railway station. The station opened in 1886 and the last train departed in 1962.

Experience the lifestyle of sheep farming in New Zealand with a trip to Manderley Farm. See the show demonstrating the teamwork of farmer and dog as they herd the sheep and watch a shearing demonstration. Relax with a cup of tea in the historic homestead built in 1876 while enjoying the views over the farm and lake.

Get a real feel for the local community by checking out one of the many local events held in the summer months. The Little River Country Bumpkin Giant Pumpkin Festival is not to be missed. As well as the obvious display of large pumpkins, there are all sorts of stalls and activities including a hilarious gumboot throwing competition.

Stay in one of the quirkiest places in New Zealand by spending a night or two at SiloStay. Sleep soundly in a converted grain silo with intriguing little details and a comfy bed. Sit on the balcony of your silo, maybe with a glass of local wine, and gaze out at the serenity and landscape of the endearing town that is Little River.

Fable Christchurch
Fable Christchurch
4.5 out of 5
166 Gloucester Street, Christchurch
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$169 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
NZ$169
31 July - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Great service, good food, lovely room and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

Fable Christchurch
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
4.5 out of 5
30 Latimer Square, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is NZ$152 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$152
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"Everything was to our expectations except the lack of a car park one night - which was included in our package"

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Pavilions Hotel
Pavilions Hotel
4 out of 5
42 Papanui Road, Christchurch
The price is NZ$140 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$140
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (998 reviews)
"Really nice hotel with lovely staff. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

Pavilions Hotel
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 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Little River. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Popular attractions Lake Forsyth and Montgomery ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (239 reviews)
Fantastic Little River Stay
"A fantastic overnight stay at this quirky luxury apartment comple in Little River. Excellent communication prior. Lots of lovely little features. Good kitchenette. Lovely balcony. Comfy bed. Everything was great!"

Reviewed on 12 Apr. 2025

SiloStay
Southwark Hotel & Apartments
Southwark Hotel & Apartments
4 out of 5
25 Southwark Street, Christchurch
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,985 reviews)
"There were some quirks that made it hard accessibility wise and just felt a bit disorganized. While the apartment was nice, well layed out, quiet and had good heating, Apartments 1 and 2 are at the far end of the building on another street, then had multiple sets of stairs to get into them, I had ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

Southwark Hotel & Apartments
Quest Cathedral Junction Serviced Apartments
Quest Cathedral Junction Serviced Apartments
4 out of 5
113 Worcester Street, Christchurch
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,064 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 7 Jun. 2025

Quest Cathedral Junction Serviced Apartments
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