Otago Central Rail Trail Guided Cycle Ride Tour

Our guided cycle/ride is a 5 day/ 4 night guided ride starting with us in Clyde. We will take you through the heart of Central Otago Rail Trail from Clyde to Middlemarch. There is an option to end your journey in Dunedin, in true style by taking the historic Taieri Gorge Railway to Dunedin.Other option is to take you to Queenstown.

This package includes all transport, support vehicle carrying all your luggage, experienced driver/guide offering full mechanical backup, accommodation, meals (as listed), snacks (home baking), and cycles/bikes. As a last resort if the weather is inclement or you're really tired you can retire gracefully to the bus to complete the days ride.

The Adventure
This cycle/biking adventure explores the historic gold mining remote picturesque landscape of the Central Otago. You will cycle on the rail trail where there are no vehicles and no real hills, making this safe and enjoyable for people of all ages and experience. This adventure is a “true” New Zealand experience. Each day you’ll be riding through heart of the Maniototo, the locals name for the area, past historic sites and quaint old towns. At night you may end up sharing a beer (and a “yarn”) with a local “Cockie” (or farmer).

History This guided cycle tour travels through the remote Central Otago area of the South Island of New Zealand. This is New Zealand's only multi-day cycle trail on an old historic railway line which is 150 km in length. The rail trail follows the former Otago Central Branch railway line from Clyde to Middlemarch. This line was constructed at the turn of the 20th century and completed in 1921, having taken 42 years to complete and providing a vital link to New Zealand's major goldfields in Central Otago.

 

Daily Trip Descriptions

Day 1 Clyde to Alexandra 8km
Your adventure starts in Queenstown where you will be picked up by our shuttle at 9.00am to travel to Clyde and be taken to the Trail Journeys base at the start of the Rail Trail.If you are traveling by vehicle, you will need to be in Clyde by 10.30am to get fitted with your cycle and get briefed by your tour guide. You will have the day to yourselves, so time to check out the shopping in Clyde and Alexandra or visit the many attractions in the area. From Clyde you can cycle past vineyards and over an old wooden trestle bridge on the ride to Alexandra. For the more adventurous, there is the option of riding on the Clutha River Centennial Track to Alexandra which adds another 8km to your cycle ride. You will stay in Alexandra for the night. You are responsible for your own meal arrangements on this day. Trail Journeys staff can make recommendations for you.

Day 2 Alexandra to Omakau 28km
From Alexanda you bike to Galloway Station where we boil the billy for morning tea with good old home baking.You then bike to Chatto Creek, twice crossing over bridges on the Manuherikia River. You will reach the Chatto Creek Tavern, an historic stone building which is where you will stop for lunch. After lunch you cycle up Tiger Hill, an easy gradient of 1 in 50. From the top of Tiger Hill it is all down hill to your over night accommodation in Omakau.   Sites of significant interest are the Daniel O’Connor Suspension Bridge and the Ophir Post Office which will be worth checking out in this old gold mining town. You will then travel a short distance by bus to the historic gold mining town of St Bathan’s and a visit to the old Vulcan Hotel returning to Omakau where you will dine in the evening at the Omakau Commercial  Hotel.B/L/D

Day 3 Omakau to  Wedderburn 45km
Highlights of today's cycle ride is the beautiful Poolburn gorge section of the trail featuring two tunnels and two viaducts all set in a secluded gorge. You then cycle through the vast open expanse of the Ida Valley farm lands past  the Idaburn dam, one of New Zealands few out door winter curling sites. A site visit to Hayes Historic Engineering Works, then there is a short ride to Oturehua for lunch at Oturehua Hotel. After lunch you'll cycle on to the Golden Progress mine just north of Oturehua, then on to Wedderburn just past the highest point on the rail trail before stopping the night at Wedderburn Lodge and Cottages B&B. When you arrive at Wedderburn your guide will take you on a short side trip to Naseby to  try your hand at curling and look through the old gold mining town. The evening meal is a traditional farm style meal, at the Wedderburn Hotel.B/L/D

Day 4 Wedderburn to Hyde 43km
From  Wedderburn the trail is mostly down hill to Ranfurly, the Art Deco Capital of Otago for morning tea by the old railway station, then crossing the Maniototo Plains on to the Waipiata Tavern for lunch. After lunch the days highlight must be the lovely trail section between Daisybank and Hyde alongside the Taieri river which snakes around the Rock and Pillar Range, crossing the stone  Cap Burn bridge, the Price’s Creek Viaduct which is 32m high  and the last  tunnel which 152m long arriving at the recently restored Otago Central Hyde Hotel, your over night stop, dinner, bed and breakfast. Depending on the time you arrive at Hyde, your guide may take you on a short side trip up to the goldmining town of Macraes, the site of New Zealand’s largest working gold mine. B/L/D

Day 5 Hyde to Middlemarch 29km
Just a short ride today and slightly downhill  with views of the Rock and Pillar, Taieri Ranges, and the Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial. We provide a morning snack along the way. For those traveling on the Taieri Gorge Train trip to Dunedin we will arrive at the Middlemarch Railway Station in time for you to depart by train at 1 p.m. The rest of the group will then return to Clyde by bus. If required we will arrange to get you onto Queenstown.Breakfast provided.

 

Accommodation

Accommodation is all locally operated and consists of hotels, farm stay and bed-and-breakfast accommodation.  All accommodation will be on a twin share basis. Because accommodation along the trail is varied, we cannot guarantee en-suite facilities, but we attempt to allocate accommodation so that the group shares the available en-suite facilities during the trip.
This is an opportunity of a lifetime to experience Central Otago wilderness without sacrificing your comforts or convenience.

 

Food and Refreshments

After an invigorating day riding on the Rail Trail you will have worked up quite an appetite.  All evening and mid-day meals are in locally operated hotels.(is not included on the day you arrive)  A selection of Central Otago local wines, beer and soft drinks are available for purchase from the hotel bar throughout the evening.

Breakfast offers a selection of fruit and cereal, and toast and spreads. Just what is needed to send you on your way. Your guide will supply home baked snacks during the day while you are out on the trail.
For those with special dietary requests or requirements, let us know at the time of booking and we will endeavor to cater for your needs.

 

Health and Fitness

Our guided cycle/ride is neither easy nor difficult.  It is a challenge and adventure which people of all ages and abilities will relish.  To enjoy your ride you need to be able to cycle 4 to 6 hours each day at a leisurely pace, and a distance of 29km to 45km per day. We encourage you to cycle/ride at your own pace, there is no pressure to cycle/ride with others or keep up with the fastest riders.
The track surface is generally well formed and a maximum gradient of 1m in 70m.
If you are not a regular cyclist/rider we suggest you begin a daily cycling regime for 4 to 6 weeks  before departure, gradually increasing the distance you ride.
Thousands of cyclists are enjoying riding the Central Otago Rail Trail each year, of all ages with 85% of cyclists/ riders being between the age of 45 to 70  and beyond.

 

What to Bring

We provide all transport, accommodation, and food.(apart from food on the first day) Soap, shampoo and conditioner will be provided at your accommodation.

The following is a list of essential equipment

For cycling/riding
waterproof raincoat
walking shoes/ jogging shoes
woollen or polypropylene thermal underwear top & bottom is essential
light hat (woollen or fleece)
fleece jacket
Mid-weight merino top or fleece
lightweight T-shirts for fine weather
short cycle gloves (available at Trail Journeys)
cycle shorts (available at Trail Journeys)
gel seat covers (available at Trail Journeys)
socks
water bottle
sunscreen
camera

For evening wear
shirt or sweater
trousers or lightweight pants
underwear
sandals or light shoes
night wear
handkerchiefs
toilet requisites (towels, shampoo and conditioner are provided)

We transport your baggage each day to your accommodation. For those who prefer to travel light, we have a shop in Queenstown, Outside Sports where the above items can be purchased (with the exception of pyjamas and personal toilet requisites) at competitive prices.