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Selwyn District
1.1 km
30 minutes
10 metres
If you are looking for a quintessential slice of the Selwyn District that perfectly captures the blend of rural charm and modern connectivity, the Edward Street Shared Path is a local gem waiting to be discovered. While New Zealand is world-famous for its rugged alpine treks and coastal tramps, there is something deeply satisfying about a well-designed community path that brings people together. Whether you are a local heading out for your morning "daily bread" walk or a visitor exploring the fast-growing townships of Lincoln and Rolleston, this 1.1-kilometre stretch offers a safe, smooth, and scenic passage through the heart of the Canterbury Plains.
The Edward Street Shared Path is the definition of "accessible adventure." Stretching for just over a kilometre, it provides a vital link in the Selwyn District’s ever-expanding active transport network. The trail is a "point-to-point" route, meaning it is designed to get you from A to B, but it is just as enjoyable as a quick out-and-back stroll.
The first thing you’ll notice is the quality of the surface. Constructed from a mix of hard-packed gravel and smooth asphalt, it is incredibly kind to wheels of all kinds. This makes it an absolute winner for families. If you have little ones just finding their balance on a balance bike, or if you’re pushing a pram while catching up with a friend, this path is your best friend. It’s wide enough to accommodate cyclists, walkers, and those on mobility devices without anyone feeling squeezed.
The terrain is almost entirely flat, with a negligible elevation gain of just 10 metres. This makes it a "breather" walk—one where you can focus on the conversation or the surroundings rather than your lung capacity. As you move along the path, you’ll experience the evolving landscape of Selwyn. On one side, you might see the neat, green suburban spaces of modern developments, and on the other, glimpses of the wide-open Canterbury sky that this region is famous for. It feels like a peaceful corridor, buffered from the hum of vehicular traffic, allowing you to enjoy a moment of "urban quiet."
What makes this short trail truly worth your time? It is all about the connectivity. While 1.1 kilometres might seem modest, the Edward Street Shared Path is a crucial "missing link" that plugs you into the wider Selwyn cycling and walking grid.
Parking for the Edward Street Shared Path is generally available as street parking in the nearby townships of Lincoln and Rolleston. Visitors can also utilise public car parks within these towns, which offer convenient access to the path and surrounding amenities. For those connecting from the wider network, parking is available at Prebbleton Reserve, a common starting point for sections of the Little River Rail Trail to which this path may connect.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
1.3km away
A comfortable and welcoming coffee shop, a mainstay of Lincoln since 2007. It's a bustling spot for friends, families, and locals to catch up over coffee and great food.
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Point to point
Accessing the Edward Street Shared Path is remarkably easy, given its location between the bustling hubs of Lincoln and Rolleston.
Parking: Most visitors choose to park in the nearby residential streets of Lincoln or Rolleston, depending on which end they wish to start from. If you are coming from further afield or planning a longer day out, Prebbleton Reserve is a fantastic alternative. It serves as a common staging area for the wider shared path network and offers plenty of space, public toilets, and a playground to keep the kids entertained before you set off.
If you are a local, the best way to get there is, of course, by bike or on foot! The path is designed to be part of your daily commute or school run, fostering a community that prioritises active travel over car keys.
Don’t let the suburban setting fool you; there is plenty of birdlife to be found along this corridor. The Selwyn District is a patchwork of gardens, shelterbelts, and open fields, which creates a fantastic habitat for both native and introduced species.
Tip: The best time for bird spotting is early morning or just before dusk when the "dawn chorus" or evening activity is at its peak.
The beauty of a hard-surfaced shared path is that it is truly a year-round destination.
The Edward Street Shared Path sits on the vast Canterbury Plains, a landscape shaped over millennia by the braided rivers carrying silt and gravel from the Southern Alps. For hundreds of years, this area was part of the vast seasonal migration routes and food-gathering areas (mahika kai) for Waitaha, Ngāti Māmoe, and Ngāi Tahu.
In more recent colonial history, the area became the agricultural powerhouse of New Zealand. Today, the Selwyn District is undergoing a transformation. It is moving from a purely farming region to a vibrant, multi-cultural hub. Projects like this shared path are a testament to the district’s commitment to "green" infrastructure, ensuring that as the population grows, the connection to the outdoors and a healthy lifestyle remains a priority.
One of the best things about a walk in Selwyn is the "reward" at the end. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to refuelling.
The Edward Street Shared Path might be short, but it’s a vital thread in the fabric of the Selwyn community. It’s a place for a first bike ride, a quiet dog walk, or a convenient commute—all while soaking in the big skies and fresh air of the Canterbury Plains.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Passer domesticus
One of the most numerous birds in New Zealand's urban areas, house sparrows are adaptable and often seen foraging for seeds and scraps.
Best time: Year-round
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
1.5km away
A popular brew pub in Lincoln known for its freshly made, wood-fired pizzas, a rotating selection of on-site brewed craft beers, and even a boutique cinema. It offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere perfect for post-hike refreshments.
3.8km away
Known for its excellent Kiwi-tasting coffee and a range of breakfast, lunch, and brunch options. It's a warm, welcoming space in Rolleston Square, ideal for relaxing after a walk or ride.
4.5km away
A funky gastro pub in Rolleston, offering a great selection of cold drinks, delicious food (including brunch, lunch, and dinner menus), and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a nod to the area's cycling history, making it a perfect spot for cyclists and walkers.