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Selwyn District
2.6 km
48 minutes
20 metres
If you are looking for a slice of classic Canterbury charm without the strenuous vertical climb of the Southern Alps, the Coalgate to Glentunnel Shared Path is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Located in the heart of the Selwyn District, this delightful 2.6-kilometre trail offers much more than just a quick bit of exercise; it is a journey through time, connecting two historic rural townships via a landscape that has sustained generations of New Zealanders.
Whether you are a local looking for a fresh Sunday stroll or a tourist exploring the "inland scenic route," this easy, well-maintained pathway provides a serene escape into the countryside. It is the kind of walk where the air feels a little crisper, the locals offer a friendly nod, and the mountain views remind you exactly why the South Island is world-famous.
Setting off on the Coalgate to Glentunnel Shared Path, the first thing you will notice is the refreshing simplicity of the terrain. This is an easy, flat, and well-formed off-road track that caters to everyone—from parents pushing prams and toddlers on balance bikes to cyclists and elderly walkers looking for a gentle outing. Because it is a point-to-point trail, you can start at either end, but many prefer to wander from Coalgate towards Glentunnel to finish closer to the river and the local amenities.
The path winds through the iconic rolling lowlands of the Canterbury Plains. To your west, the Southern Alps stand like a jagged spine of blue and white, providing a dramatic backdrop to the emerald-green paddocks and golden hedgerows. The experience of walking here is one of "big sky" country; there is a sense of immense space as you traverse the rural corridor between the two townships.
The trail itself is part of a growing network of active transport links in the Selwyn District, designed to get people out of their cars and into the fresh air. As you walk, you’ll be flanked by traditional Canterbury farmland, where sheep and cattle often graze right up to the fence line. The path is wide enough for groups to walk side-by-side, making it a very social trail where conversation flows as easily as the nearby Selwyn River.
The journey takes roughly 45 minutes at a leisurely pace, making it short enough for a quick lunch-break stretch but interesting enough to justify a dedicated trip. There are no significant challenges here—no steep gradients or technical footing—just a smooth, accessible route that celebrates the quiet beauty of rural New Zealand.
Parking is available in the townships of Coalgate and Glentunnel. At the Glentunnel end, visitors can typically find parking at the Glentunnel Holiday Park, which is conveniently located adjacent to the Selwyn River and offers easy access to the path.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
500m away
Located at the Hororata Golf Club in Glentunnel, this cafe offers delicious food, great coffee, and fantastic views of the golf course, with both indoor and outdoor seating. It's a perfect spot for post-hike refreshments.
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Point to point
While the path is short, it is packed with character. One of the standout features is the ever-present view of the Malvern Hills and the distant alpine peaks. On a clear Canterbury day, the contrast between the lush green foreground and the snow-capped mountains is a photographer’s dream.
As you approach the Glentunnel end of the track, the environment shifts slightly. You’ll find yourself drawn toward the Selwyn River (Waikirikiri). The river here is known for its crystal-clear water and stony bed, typical of the braided rivers that define this region. The sound of the water rippling over the stones provides a tranquil soundtrack to the final leg of your walk.
History buffs should keep a keen eye out for the subtle industrial relics scattered around the area. Between Coalgate and Glentunnel, you are walking through a region that was once a powerhouse of Victorian-era industry. While the large-scale potteries and brickworks are gone, the local architecture and some of the older land formations hint at the days when coal and clay were the lifeblood of these communities.
For families, the highlight is undoubtedly the Glentunnel Holiday Park area at the end of the path. With plenty of space for kids to run around and easy access to the river for a bit of stone-skimming, it’s the perfect "reward" at the end of the 2.6-kilometre trek.
The trail is located in the Selwyn District, approximately 50-60 minutes’ drive from Christchurch. It’s a straightforward and scenic drive through the plains, heading towards the foothills.
Being a point-to-point trail, if you are walking with a friend, you could leave one car at each end, but since the walk is only 2.6km (5.2km return), most people find it enjoyable to simply walk there and back.
The mix of open farmland, riparian river margins, and pockets of native vegetation makes this path a fantastic spot for birdwatching. The birds here are quite used to human presence, so you can often get a relatively close look at some of New Zealand’s favourite species.
The best time for bird spotting is early morning or late afternoon when the "dawn chorus" or "evening song" is at its peak and the light is soft.
The Coalgate to Glentunnel Shared Path is a true all-season trail, with each time of year offering a different aesthetic:
To walk this path is to walk through layers of history. Long before the arrival of European settlers, this area was a vital part of the Māori seasonal landscape. Coalgate was a known resting place for those on mahinga kai (food gathering) expeditions, particularly for those heading toward the West Coast in search of eels (tuna) and other resources.
The names of the towns themselves tell the story of the 19th-century colonial boom. Coalgate literally served as the "gate" to the extensive coalfields in the Malvern Hills. When coal was discovered here in the 1870s, it transformed the region. Glentunnel became a bustling industrial hub, famous not just for its coal but for its unique white clays. This led to the establishment of massive potteries and brickworks. The bricks made here built much of early Christchurch, and you can still see many historic brick buildings in the township today.
The path represents a modern chapter in this history—repurposing the landscape from one of heavy industry to one of recreation and environmental appreciation.
No Canterbury outing is complete without a bit of local hospitality. Once you’ve finished your walk, you don’t have to go far for a refuel.
The Cafe on the Green, located just 0.5km away at the Hororata Golf Club in Glentunnel, is the local favourite. It’s an incredibly welcoming spot for walkers and families. You can grab a great coffee and a classic Kiwi "big breakfast" or a slice of homemade cake. The best part? The views from the cafe across the lush golf green toward the mountains are spectacular. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a perfect year-round finish to your Selwyn adventure.
If you have a bit of extra time, take a slow drive through Glentunnel to admire the historic cottages—many of which were built for the original pottery and mine workers—before heading back toward the city.
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Circus approximans
New Zealand's largest bird of prey, the kāhu (Swamp Harrier) is often seen soaring slowly over open country, wetlands, and farmlands.
Best time: Year-round
Todiramphus sanctus
Recognisable by its iridescent blue-green plumage, the kōtare is a skilled hunter, diving for fish and insects in wetland and river environments.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round