Overview of Independent Riding Otago Rail Trail

Want to ride the Otago Central Rail Trail on your own ? Let us package up a trip for you, we will store your car, arrange the accommodation, transport and meals, move your bags each day and if required, supply the comfortable bikes. If you need transport from Queenstown or Dunedin prior to starting, we can arrange this for you.  Once you've finished your adventure we'll transport you back to your start or onto Queenstown or Dunedin. We have been doing it since the Rail trail started, talk about experienced !! 
We charge no extra to book your accommodation and because we pre-book with our key accommodation providers we'll do our best to provide you with your bed's on the trail over those busy times.

Accommodation on the Rail Trail

Most of the accommodation available along the Rail Trail at present is either in hotels, motels, or B&B's. These start from $40 per person twin share, and means you do not need to carry extra sleeping gear such as sleeping bags & tents (note that there are camping grounds in Clyde, Alexandra, Omakau, Naseby, Ranfurly & Middlemarch). As most of these only cater for small numbers it is recommended you pre book yourself  or use our itinerary service to arrange your accommodation.

Please note that we charge no extra to book your accommodation and because we pre-book with our key accommodation providers we can just about guarantee you a night's bed on the Rail trail in the busy times.

What type of bike should I ride on the Rail Trail?

For the majority of people of average fitness we have found our most popular model is the hybrid/comfort bike. These have an upright riding position, taking the pressure off your neck and wrists. Combine these features with front suspension and a suspension seat post and you have probably the most comfortable bike available today. For details on our hire bikes please visit our bike rentals page.

On any bike saddle height is very important. To set this sit in the normal cycling position & with your heel positioned on the pedal at the very bottom of its cycle your leg should be almost straight. If you're hiring one of our bikes we will make sure that you're fitted out to your requirements.
Cycling shorts are also recommended, as they avoid chaffing, even if you wear them under a pair of loose fitting shorts.

Most importantly If you are not a regular cyclist/rider we suggest you begin a daily cycling regime for 4 to 6 weeks before your Rail Trail adventure, gradually increasing the distance you ride.

This will certainly make your journey more enjoyable.

Car Storage, Baggage Transfer and Return Transport for the Otago Rail Trail

To make sure that you can ride the trail in comfort and return with no hassles to your starting point there are three services that Trail Journeys offer. 

Firstly we can store your vehicle securely under cover while you are out on the trail. Secondly if you have more gear than you can comfortably carry on your bike we will move your baggage each day to your next stop-off along the Rail Trail by using our own shuttle-buses equipped with bike & gear carrying trailers. Or if you are staying off the trail (for example in Naseby, St Bathans or Macraes) we can book you into existing scheduled services. Baggage transfer

Finally we will return you to your starting point using our own shuttle-buses equipped with bike & gear carrying trailers (this service runs daily over the Summer / Autumn months). Transport