Selwyn is a region in New Zealand's South Island, characterized by diverse landscapes that extend from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. This area encompasses the expansive Canterbury Plains, the rugged high country with its mountain ranges, and significant braided rivers like the Rakaia and Waimakariri. The varied terrain, including lakes such as Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, provides a suitable setting for several outdoor sports like road cycling, touring cycling, and jogging.
The Selwyn region…
20
Routes
4.7
(21)
Average rating
348
People visited

4.3
(3)
54
riders
35.6km
01:22
90m
90m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.5
(4)
44
riders
31.0km
01:12
80m
80m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

35
riders
51.2km
02:29
300m
300m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

24
riders
51.5km
01:59
150m
150m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.0
(5)
47
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(4)
37
riders
35.5km
02:09
100m
100m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

17
riders
39.1km
02:27
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
riders
54.6km
03:21
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6
runners
17.5km
01:50
90m
90m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
runners
6.68km
00:42
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
runners
8.24km
00:51
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
runners
7.94km
00:59
100m
100m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Selwyn offers a range of outdoor activities including road cycling, touring cycling, and jogging. The region's diverse landscapes, from the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps, provide varied terrain for these pursuits. There are 7 routes available for exploration on komoot.
The Canterbury Plains offer long, open stretches suitable for road cycling. These routes provide panoramic views that can extend to the Southern Alps. For more information, consult the Road Cycling Routes around Selwyn guide.
Yes, touring cyclists can utilize multi-use trails such as the Little River Rail Trail. This trail offers 30 miles (49 km) of both on and off-road cycling, traversing diverse landscapes from farmland to wetlands. Explore more touring options in the Cycling around Selwyn guide.
Selwyn provides various jogging routes, ranging from short loops to longer trails through scenic areas. Examples include the Rakaia Gorge Walkway and the looped walk at McHughs Forest Park. The Running Trails around Selwyn guide details available options.
The Selwyn District features the Southern Alps, the Canterbury Plains, and braided rivers like the Rakaia and Waimakariri. Notable lakes include Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, Lake Lyndon, and Lake Pearson. Arthur's Pass National Park and Craigieburn Forest Park are also significant areas.
Yes, the region offers challenging sub-alpine and mountain rides for mountain bikers. Craigieburn Forest Park is known for its purpose-built single tracks. Other trails like the Broken River Ski Field Road Track provide varied terrain.
Routes in Selwyn have an average rating of 4.59 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from more than 400 visitors who have shared their experiences in the region.
The Little River Rail Trail is a multi-use trail suitable for touring cyclists, including families. Additionally, the Willows recreational area near West Melton offers a family-friendly walking and biking track. These options provide accessible outdoor experiences.
Cyclists in Selwyn can expect diverse terrain. The Canterbury Plains offer flat, open stretches, while the high country and areas like Craigieburn Forest Park present more challenging sub-alpine and mountain environments. The Little River Rail Trail transitions between farmland and wetlands.
Komoot offers several guides for Selwyn, including Road Cycling Routes around Selwyn, Cycling around Selwyn, and Running Trails around Selwyn. These guides provide detailed information on routes and activities.
The official website for the Selwyn District Council is www.selwyn.govt.nz. This site provides information regarding local services and the region.
The Selwyn District Council can be reached by phone at 0800 SELWYN (735 996) for callers within New Zealand. International callers can dial +64 3 347 2800. Phone lines operate 24 hours a day for urgent issues.

