5
Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 2 day self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 1 night comfort level
  • Superior and economy levels available
Meals
  • 1 Breakfast

Price

2 daysfrom

$505NZD

Trip Code: TJJ

Trip highlights


  • Cycle the full 152km of New Zealand’s first Rail Trail and Original Great Ride in 2 days
  • Explore the tunnels and viaducts of the Poolburn Gorge
  • Ride through the scenic Maniototo Plains
  • Experience the local 'southern hospitality' of Central Otago

If you're looking for a challenge, this two-day trip along the Otago Central Rail Trail offers just that. You'll cycle 70-80km per day along this iconic trail from Clyde to Middlemarch.

Explore the tunnels and viaducts of the Poolburn Gorge and Ida Valley, admire the stunning Maniototo Plains and enjoy local hospitality as you weave your way along the old railway line.

We'll move your luggage daily and transport you to where you need to be at the end of your trip. All you need to do is pedal and unwind from everyday life.

Scroll down to view the full itinerary, select your dates and fill out our booking form (please note this is tentative).

A morning briefing and bike fitting at our Clyde depot will set you up for your first day of cycling. You can meet us in Clyde, or you can add on a shuttle from Queenstown. The first stop is Alexandra, 8km away. Alex is a great place to stop for a coffee and a Southern cheese roll. You'll then head towards Chatto Creek before climbing the gentle Tiger Hill to Lauder. You'll then cycle through the stunning Poolburn Gorge and Ida Valley. A tour of Hayes Engineering Works is popular among our cyclists and is an excellent spot for lunch, as is the settlement of Oturehua just further down the road. Stay the night in Wedderburn.

Meals:  Nil

From Wedderburn, the trail is mostly downhill to Ranfurly, the Art Deco capital of Otago and a good place for morning tea before crossing the Maniototo Plains to a lunch stop at the Waipiata Tavern. The day's highlights are between Daisybank and Hyde, where the trail runs alongside the Taieri River over the Capburn and Prices Creek Bridges and through the last tunnel before arriving at Hyde. Onwards from Hyde, you will pass the 1943 Hyde Rail disaster site and cycle through the wide-open spaces of the Strath Taieri. The trail's end is at our Middlemarch Depot, where you can shower, if you wish, before your shuttle back to Clyde (departing 2:30 pm) or on to Dunedin (departing 2:00 pm).

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • Standard bike hire for 2 days including helmet, repair kit and odometer (e-bike upgrade available)
  • 1 night's comfort accommodation on twin share basis (superior upgrade available)
  • Transport from Middlemarch to Clyde or Dunedin at the end of your trip (Transport to/from Queenstown can be added)
  • 1 x breakfast
  • Daily Luggage transfers (weight limit of 15kg per bag, 1 bag per person)
  • Detailed trip itinerary and map
  • Otago Central Rail Trail Passport
  • Haehaeata National Heritage Trust Donation

  • Transport to/from Queenstown
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Optional activities and upgrades
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance

Bike information


Trail Surface


Accommodation


Suggested extensions


Grading

Moderate  
5

The 2 Day Challenge is graded moderate. The Otago Central Rail Trail itself is graded introductory, with a wide compacted gravel surface and gentle 1 to 50 gradient. This trip is graded moderate due to the average cycling distance of 75km per day. You will need a very good level of fitness and be used to riding longer distances. E-bikes are also suitable on low power - although we can't guarantee battery life.


Departure dates

Departs daily

Notes

Note:
All bookings are tentative. Our team will do their best to get back to you within 48 hours to confirm your booking. If your preferred date is within 48 hours please contact our office
Note:
Due to the rural location of the Otago Central Rail Trail, our superior upgrade offers a higher level of lodgings at locations where available.

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Trail Journeys.

Priceper person from

$505NZD

Options & Supplements*
  • Electric Bike UpgradeNZD$160
  • Transport from Queenstown to Clyde (return)NZD$170
*Prices listed are per person and also from

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

First On The Trail

Trail Journeys is the largest and longest serving bike hire business on the Otago Central Rail Trail. We have helped more cyclists explore our region since the trail opened in 2000 than any other company.

EXPERT LOCAL ADVICE

Our team is passionate about the Central Otago Region and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for your needs.

Quality services

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. With regular bag, passenger and bike transport services, expert cycle mechanics and experienced consultants, enjoy a stress free cycling trip with Trail Journeys.

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