0 thoughts on “Birdlings Flat”

1. 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
   

2. 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.

3. 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