ACT00 Wainui 8 <->

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Little River, Canterbury, NZ

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Route Overview

The Flahute

Mountain Bike Rides, Gravel Rides, Hilly Road Rides

31 mi.

5,516 ft.

One of the best introductory rides that show off the grandeur and beauty of Banks Peninsula. However it's not for beginners with no food and little water on the course and 2x hour long climbs.

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Route Details

This is one of my favourtie routes showing off the beauty of Banks Peninsula. You can ride it any time of the year, although in winter you can encounter snow and ice. It's mostly well maintained gravel with some paved roads. 2x hour long climbs and plenty of majestic views. Starts and finshes in the scenic village of Little River, which boasts an interesting art gallery, museum and cafes.

There is all day parking at the @point[start](d,9.51), so stock up well as there are no other food or water stops for the day. I can recommend the @poi[Little River Diner](5812575), the food is great, the service eclectic, be warned they close at 5pm.

**If you can average over 15kph you are doing well, so it's not a ride for beginners.**

As you leave Little River via the scenic route, you can glimpse a sight of Lake Forsyth, you then turn up Okuti Valley road and slowly climb, you will pass @poi[Manaia Wildlife Habitat](5812576), which has a number of New Zealand native birds, fauna and flora.

You will then encounter the first major climb of the day, @slice[Reynolds Valley Road](d,6310.67,13086.59), which is one of the easiest climbs on the Peninsula (remember that half way up).  You will pass through a river and waterfall, and through an exotic forest and remnants of native forests.

**At the top of the climb, @poi[soak in the views](5812577) and if it's not too windy, have a bite and a drink.**

Now you have a false flat downhill on Bossu Rd, with great views of both sides of Banks Peninsula. If the sky is clear you can almost see Kaikoura to the north and Timaru to the south. Then @slice[descend Jubilee Road](d,16774.22,20973.83). This downhill section is a reasonably steep -- **please be careful**. *Don't go too fast or you will miss out on the Tui (a native bird) nesting in the trees above.*

Now you are back to @poi[sea-level with great views](5812579) of Akaroa and the harbour, of course this does mean you will have to @slice[climb back up to the top](d,21032.16,27234.48) with the auspicious name of Lands End. This is the "end" of the Peninsula, it's a working farm.   There are great views of the bays, not often seen by other people, it can be a bit of a slog with the prevailing wind, but take heart, it's the last big one. From there it's ridge riding undulations with @poi[amazing views](5812580) of both sides of the peninsula.

You finish with a @slice[steep, long, grin-inducing paved descent](d,39281.37,50343.3) back down to Little River, where you can eat and drink to your hearts content.

# Important Reminders

* There is no food and limited water on the route other than the start.

* Weather conditions can be very changeable, be prepared for extreme heat and cold conditions on the same day.
* It is often windy on the ridges of the Peninsula.

* One of the best introductory rides in the Peninsula.