Birdlings Flat is a shingle bank built up at the southern end of Lake Forsyth south of Christchurch where Lake Forsyth drains into the sea, Bossu Road take you from sea level at Birdlings Flat up onto Banks Peninsula.
The shingle bank is built up from southerly seas pushing up against the coast and provides a path to cross the outlet of Lake Forsyth. The shingle is very loose pea shingle and it is best to cross the 100 meters or so with controlled momentum otherwise you will likely end up digging in and having to push your way out. Crossing the bank is slightly easier heading West to East as the bank slopes downhill in that direction, conversely it’s more difficult East to West due to having to go up the shingle slope.
Periodically the bank is opened up to the sea by diggers and becomes impassable until the shingle has built up again. Due to the vaguries of nature when the bank reforms it may not be in exactly the same place as it was before so the GPS track may not be 100% accurate.
This video is of Lake Ellesmere, the next lake over and shows how they open the lakes to the sea, this is done for a number of reasons including managing lake levels and allowing fish life to pass from the lakes to the sea and vice versa for breeding cycles.
Once over the bank Bossu Road winds it’s way uphill to join up with Te Oka Bay Road and offers stunning views over Lake Ellesmere and the Canterbury plains on the way.
Contributed by: Adventure Riding NZ
Track type: Shingle / Gravel Road
Track composition: Smooth, Loose, Undulating
Slippery when wet? No
Suitable for bikes <650cc? Intermediate
Suitable for bikes >650cc? Intermediate
River crossings? No
Birdlings Flat is currently having a bridge installed at the shingle bank which will make the western end of this track much more easily accessible, the bridge work is expected to be complete late March/Early April 2018.
You can read more about Birdlings Flat and Lakes Forsyth and Ellesmere in this Stuff.co.nz article regarding issues with several projects proposed but only partially implemented to improve the water quality of the 2 lakes.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/102970422/a-question-of-mana-why-a-rnanga-took-a-dim-view-of-a-lake-saving-project
Recently rode from Birdlings to Little River via Bossu Road — can confirm the bridge is a lifesaver but the shingle is a real challenge to cross! Stick to the compacted areas where 4x4s and quads have been through, or do what I did and dig your back wheel so deep into the rocks that you can kneel on the seat! Once you’re over the shingle banks it’s a lovely ride though, with some awesome views.
Birdlings Flat is an iconic New Zealand coastal bach settlement, about an hour’s ride (44km) from Christchurch. The car park at Birdlings Flat where Kaitorete Spit meets the Banks Peninsula.
Bossu Road takes us from see level at Birdlings Flat up onto Banks Peninsula. It winds uphill to join up with Te Oka Bay Road and has picturesque views over Lake Ellesmere and the Canterbury plains on the way. It’s well worth braving the winding gravel roads.
Please check the video from my recent ride
https://youtu.be/vZLde-zbq20