The Otago Central Rail Trail

The Otago Central Rail Trail is a year-round recreational facility, designed for mountain bikers, walkers and horse riders (in parts). It is a public reserve and can be walked or ridden in either direction.

Modeled on Rails to Trails projects elsewhere in the world, the Rail Trail follows the former Otago Central Branch railway line from Middlemarch to Clyde. All the railway's original sleepers, rails and crushed rock ballast have been removed, and users now find a track similar to a gravel road. The difference is, on the Rail Trail, there are no motor vehicles or hills!

Who and where are we?

Trail Journeys operate from Clyde and Middlemarch . Both premises have been extensively refurbished and provide showers, workshop, bike hire and many other services associated with the Railtrail.  The businesses now includes an "Information Centre" to give customers all the information needed and services required to have a successful experience on the Otago Central Railtrail. 

We Are Here:
For printable map of Clyde Location click here
For printable map of Middlemarch location click here

Trail Journeys offers Rail Trail merchandise, refreshments and a retail outlet for cycle clothing and accessories, Bookings for other activities in the Central Otago area can also be made through our new booking terminal. If you need accommodation, travel, guided trips or wine tour bookings in our area, Trail Journeys are happy to try and help with your requirements.

Custom Itineraries - Independent Riding

Want to ride the Rail Trail on your own?
Let us package up a trip for you to suit your individual requirements, book any transport you need, we can store your car, we can arrange the accommodation and/or meals, move your bags each day and if required, supply the comfortable bikes. All you need to do is indicate to us what services you require and then arrive and enjoy. Once you've finished your adventure we can transport you back to your start or onto your next destination. We have been doing it since the Rail Trail started, talk about experienced !! 

We charge no extra to book your accommodation and we will do our best to get you each of your required bed nights while on the trail, all year round. Check out our itineraries page for more details on how to book your requirements for your Rail Trail adventure with Trail Journeys.

Qualmark:  The Qualmark endorsement of Trail Journeys does not include all accommodation offered. Properties that are Qualmark star rated that we offer are Hawkdum Lodge, Kokonga Lodge, Moyola, Manorburn Apartments, Old Doctors Residence and Pukerangi Homestead.

Transport - The Rail Trail Express

This Trail Journeys service picks up and delivers passengers and/or baggage anywhere on the trail. Over the busy months this service runs daily. Check out the transport page for details.

Otago Central Rail Trail Guided Tours

Cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail in style by with our four day guided trip. We provide bike rental, transport, accommodation and guides as well showing you through some great local pubs and cafes. We'll also show you the historic towns of St Bathans and Naseby, take you curling, show you around a classic Manitoto station and check out the massive Macraes goldmine if you feel so inclined. 

Take a look at the Guided Riding page photos to get a real flavour of each day of the guided trip, the cycling, the accommodation, the activities and lastly the fantastic food provided !

Friends of the Rail Trail