Local user groups of the Hakatere Ashburton River Trail have been working with the Council to add new location signs along the trail, with the first section done last week.

In total, 20 new signs have been installed between the coastal Hakatere village and the State Highway Bridge over the Ashburton River.

Hakatere Ashburton River Trail committee member Kaylene Donaldson said they contain information for visitors, including a QR code linking to further information about the area.

"Our goal is for walkers, cyclists, visitors, and residents to have easy access to accurate information about their location including the nearest exit and entry points.

Horse riders are also encouraged in certain sections, as indicated on the signs.

"The signs are great in that if you only wish to bike or walk one section you can see the distance," she said.

"They can also make it easier to know your exact location if you need to share it with emergency services."

The new signs replaced the older wooden signs that had deteriorated.

Kaylene said that many volunteers look after the river trails with different groups responsible for various sections.

"We hope that people look after these signs and they last a long time, as our river trail is a real asset."

Council is continuing to work with the user groups on further signage to cover the South-Eastern side to Lake Hood, and further West on both sides of the river.