Salt Water Creek runs along the southern edge of Timaru. The trail follows the left bank of the creek from the jump park at southern end of Centennial Park to the coast where it swings north till it runs into the suburbs. The trail is shared with walkers and some of it is called the Timaru City Walkway. Up at the jump park it's called the Otipua Creek Walkway. Don't let the names confuse you!
The trail is wide and easy with a smooth gritty all-weather surface. About mid way it crosses highway one which is always busy - you just have to ride across it with care. It also crosses Coonoor Road and is offset there - turn right and along the road for about 30 metres till you pick up the trail again on the other side of the road.
A worthwhile detour off the trail runs down the other side of the the creek between state highway 1 and the coast. It takes you through the Otipua Wetlands where you likely to see ducks, geese, swans, seagulls, pukeko and shags. You rejoin the main trail via a foot bridge that crosses the creek just after it starts heading north.
You can build the Salt Water Creek Trail into a nice 20km circuit of Timaru. Starting at Caroline Bay you would ride all the way up Te Wai-iti Road, then turn down into the top of Centennial Park. Ride down through Centennial Park, pick up the Salt Water Creek Trail at the jump park and ride it the southern suburbs. Then find your way to a cafe as you go through town back to Caroline Bay.
The Salt Water Trail is an excellent easy ride popular with walkers and runners as well as riders. It's gentle and more or less flat - suitable for all the family. Nice vegetation and outlook too.
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