3
Introductory

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 3 days self guided cycling
Accommodation
  • 2 nights comfort level
  • Superior and economy levels available
Meals
  • 2 Breakfasts

Price

3 daysfrom

$785NZD

Trip Code: TJD

Trip highlights


  • Cycle the full 152km Otago Central Rail Trail over 3 days
  • Explore the tunnels and viaducts of the Poolburn Gorge
  • Cycle through the scenic Maniototo Plains
  • Experience the local 'southern hospitality' of Central Otago

Our three-day Otago Central Rail Trail trip is a self-guided cycle tour designed for cyclists wanting to ride the entire trail at an average of 50km per day.

You'll cycle the iconic tunnels and viaducts of the Poolburn Gorge and Ida Valley, admire the stunning Maniatoto Plains and enjoy local hospitality as you weave your way along the old railway line from Clyde to Middlemarch.

We'll move your luggage daily, book the best-suited accommodation and transport you where you need to be. 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. 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, where the tavern serves an excellent lunch and is a recommended stop before Tiger Hill. Tiger Hill is a gentle uphill ride, and then it's downhill to your overnight accommodation in Lauder. The 5km loop to Ophir is highly recommended, with historic wooden and stone buildings from the gold-mining era and the iconic Daniel O'Connell suspension bridge (circa 1880).

Meals:  Nil

Today you'll cycle through the stunning Poolburn Gorge, which features historic tunnels and viaducts in a secluded rocky setting. The gorge then opens out to the vast expanse of the 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, approx 1km down the road from Hayes. A visit to Oturehua's general store, Gilchrists, is a step back in time and also recommended Stay the night in Ranfurly (or Waipiata).

Meals:  B

Your last day on the trail passes the site of the 1943 Hyde railway disaster and down through the wide-open spaces of the Strath Taieri Valley and the impressive Rock and Pillar Range. The ride is downhill to the trail's end at our Middlemarch depot, where you return your bike and equipment and catch a shuttle back to Clyde (departing 2:30 pm) or on to Dunedin (departing 2:00 pm).

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • Standard bike hire for 3 days including helmet, repair kit and odometer (e-bike upgrade available)
  • 2 nights' comfort accommodation on a 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)
  • 2 x breakfasts
  • 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

Introductory  
3

The Otago Rail Trail Classic is graded introductory with an average cycling distance of 50km per day. The trail is wide with a compacted gravel surface and a gentle 1 to 50 gradient. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we recommend training on compacted gravel trails, and completing a multi-day ride prior to your trip to get used to being in the saddle for long periods of time. The more training you have done on compacted gravel, the more enjoyable your trip will be. E-bikes are also suitable as long as they are ridden appropriately and have sufficient battery capacity.


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

$785NZD

Options & Supplements*
  • Electric Bike UpgradeNZD$240
  • 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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