The Rangiora-Loburn Bridge (also called the Cones Road Bridge) crosses over the Ashley river just in between the verdant Ashley Forest and the township of Rangiora. The river's wide sandy banks here make this spot useful for fishing and swimming, and there are open fields of green parkland to the east. There are no amenities or designated parking on hand.

The river is accessed from the Rangiora side of the bridge with parking, toilets, and picnic areas available. The river is a typical braided river with numerous shallow and deep channels spread across the gravel riverbed. Deeper pools are located close to the parking area which is more ideal for swimming. This site is popular for all recreational users and can be exposed to the sun. As cyanobacteria mats are often present here care should be taken when exercising dogs. The river is also home to many endangered birds who nest on the riverbed in the summer months.

This site is monitored weekly between November-March by Environment Canterbury.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Ashley River above Rangiora-Loburn bridge and 8,000 other beaches.