Tailor make your Otago Central Rail Trail cycling trip with us | <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>
 

The Trail Journeys Story

How we became the trusted cycle trail experts in Central Otago

 

From the very moment the Otago Central Rail Trail opened in 2000 we began organising cycling holidays. Trail Journeys can help you to explore Central Otago at your own pace so let us introduce you to our region by organising a personalised cycling tour for you - either on the Rail Trail or following the Clutha / Mata-Au River south to Lawrence. We operate New Zealand cycling holidays in the spectacular Otago Central Rail Trail, Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trails.

Being Otago locals, we know the area inside and out. Our team has helped thousands of travelers put together memorable cycling experiences tailored to their special interests, budgets and time constraints. 

 

With depots at both ends of the Otago Central Rail Trail (Clyde and Middlemarch) this enables us to offer plenty of options to suit your requirements, budgets and preferences for the perfect cycling experience.

 

OUR VISION

To inspire a world where responsible adventure travel is a catalyst for positive change in the world.

 

OUR PURPOSE

To connect travellers with the world’s wild places, vibrant cultures, and shared humanity through active, immersive travel; inspiring deeper understanding, empowering communities, and leaving a lasting, positive impact on both traveller and the planet.

 

OUR MISSION

To lead as a global force in responsible adventure travel by bringing people together through active outdoor experiences that foster a deep appreciation for the world's delicate ecosystems and diverse cultures, all driven by our dedication to sustainable and regenerative travel.  

Our mission is powered by our Thoughtful Travel Charter.

 

 

  • 150km of cycle heaven

    2000

    New Zealand's first Cycle Trail, the Otago Rail Trail officially opened in the year 2000 and, because of the bike aspect of their current business, two long time friends, Neville Grubb and Ritchie Bailey, started fielding enquiries as to whether they hired bikes for people to ride the Railtrail.  The initial answer was “no” but it didn’t take too many more enquiries for them to think that maybe they should. So accordingly they purchased a modest fleet of bikes and began hiring them out.
  • Trail Journeys specifically developed trail bikes | <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>

    2003

    In 2003 the cycle shop was sold and the business focused on cycle hire and providing services associated with the Otago Central Rail Trail. They bought a van and started "The Railtrail Express" transport service and also began to organise customer itineraries. Very quickly they did not have enough bikes or the room to store them so they erected a double garage at the back of their existing premises for this purpose; this was adequate for only about 12 months. In an attempt to rectify this once and for all they started to look for larger premises and through an unlikely conversation they stumbled on to the idea of the disused railway building at the head of the Otago Central Rail Trail in Clyde. 
  • Trail Journeys Depot - Clyde | <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>

    2004

    The decision to relinquish their business and a prominent site in town with the ability to attract foot traffic was not an easy one; however in 2004 Neville & Ritichie took a punt and shifted to what seemed a gigantic building that they would need to partition to prevent the look and feel of a big empty shed. Quickly it became apparent that this concern was unfounded as the trail and their business flourished at a phenomenal rate.
  • Trail Journeys specifically developed trail bikes | <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>

    2006

    Trail Journeys was a finalist in the Tourism Section of the Westpac Otago Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Tourism Sector. From humble beginnings of two partners working in the business, one van and 30 bikes in 2004, the company expanded to the point where it had five full time staff and up to four seasonal staff, 200+ hire bikes, three 21 seater buses, three mini vans and three shuttle trailers. 
  • Taking a break in the Ida Valley | <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>

    2007

    In 2007 Trail Journeys was the recipient of two Central Otago District Council Business Excellence Awards. It received the Tourism Award as well as the overall Business Excellence Award. At the end of the 2006/07 season Ritchie felt the pace of growth and the consequent demands were more than he was seeking and he retired. Nev took sole ownership until, through an unlikely conversation the motion was forwarded to sell some shares and form a board of governance to aid in the decision making and directing of the business. Neville took up the role of Managing Director with a particular responsibility for marketing and business development. 
  • Bike fitting at the Trail Journeys Depot | <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>

    2008

    A major step in 2008 was to secure premises at Middlemarch so both ends of the trail could be serviced properly. This also involved the establishment of card operated fuel dispensing equipment to preserve the only fuel outlet in Middlemarch. Trail Journeys was again a finalist in the Tourism Section of the Westpac Otago Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Tourism Sector.
  • Trail Journeys Depot - Clyde | <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>

    2010

    Trail Journeys was named the "Supreme Tourism Business" award winner at the Otago Business Excellence Awards dinner in Dunedin on the 26th November 2010. Managing Director Neville Grubb said this award is recognition for the years of hard work, attention to detail and a fantastic staff.
  • Trail Journeys Depot - Clyde | <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>

    2011

    When the Trail activity first started, the initial requirements from customers were to be provided with a bike and helmet. As popularity grew so did the need to help clients with:
    - arranging accommodation
    -transferring their luggage from the various accommodation places that they used
    - arranging for them to be picked up at the end of the trail and delivered back to where they started on their trip
    - provision of secure storage for their vehicles while they were on the trail
    Today the company provides the full suite of services.
  • Trail Journeys specifically developed trail bikes | <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>

    2013

    Trail Journeys developed, in conjunction with Avanti, a new bike specifically for the trail and from our years of experience on the trail we have identified areas that are important to our customer and our service depart. These include puncture resistant tyres, good quality bearings and comfortable riding position with high rake stems for maximum comfort, comfort saddles and many other features identified by our staff.


  • World Expeditions Logo

    2017

    Trail Journeys becomes part of the World Expeditions Travel Group.

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World Expeditions Travel Group

World Expeditions Australian Walking Holidays Tasmanian Expeditions Adventure South Great Canadian Trails Utracks Huma Challenge World Expeditions Schools Walkers' Britain and Europe Sherpa Van Trail Journeys Blue Moutains Adventures Company Larapinta Trail Walk Australian Cycle Tours Great Walks of New Zealand Great American Trails Adventure Travel West On Water Expeditions
  World Expeditions hold an Air Travel Organisers Licence (ATOL) no. 4491 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to www.atol.org.uk/atolcertificate.
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