3
Introductory

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 2 days self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 1 night's comfort level accommodation on a twin share basis, ensuited where available
  • Superior and economy levels available
Meals
  • 1 Breakfast

Price

2 daysfrom

$460NZD

Trip Code: TJI

Trip highlights


  • Cycle the most scenic 80km of the Otago Central Rail Trail from Wedderburn to Clyde
  • Explore the tunnels and viaducts of the Poolburn Gorge and Ida Valley
  • Experience the local 'southern hospitality' of Central Otago
  • Explore the quaint township of Clyde

Cycle from Wedderburn to Clyde on our self-guided, 2-Day Otago Central Rail Trail. You'll explore some of the most scenic landscapes Central Otago has to offer through the Ida Valley and Poolburn Gorge.

We'll move your luggage daily and transport you to where you need to be at the end of your trip. 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. We'll shuttle you to Wedderburn, where you'll begin your ride. The first town along the way is Oturehua (approx 12 km), an excellent spot for morning tea or lunch. Places of interest in and around the town are Gilchrist's Store, the Historic Hayes Engineering Workshop and Homestead, and the remains of the Golden Progress Mine just north of the trail. The next part of the trail, the Poolburn Gorge, is one of the most spectacular, featuring two tunnels and viaducts in a secluded rocky setting. The trail then continues through the township of Lauder and then on to Omakau to your accommodation.

Meals:  Nil

Today’s ride brings you from Omakau through to Clyde. You will pass through Chatto Creek along the way, and the tavern is a great place to stop for morning tea. The trail then follows the Manuherikia River to Alexandra. Here you may continue along the Rail Trail to our depot in Clyde.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • Standard bike hire for 2 days including helmet, repair kit and odometer (e-bike upgrade available)
  • 1 night's comfort accommodation on twin share basis, ensuited where available
  • Transport from Clyde to Wedderburn at the start of your trip (Transport to/from Queenstown can be added).
  • 1x breakfasts
  • Daily Luggage transfers each (weight limit of 15kg per bag, 1 bag per person)
  • Detailed trip itinerary and map

  • Transport to/from Queenstown and/or Dunedin
  • 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 2-Day Otago Central Rail Trail is graded introductory with an average cycling distance of 40km per day. The trail is wide with a compacted gravel surface and a gentle 1 to 50 gradient. You will need a reasonable fitness level, 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. The more training you have done on compacted gravel, the more enjoyable your trip will be. E-bikes are also suitable if 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

$460NZD

Options & Supplements*
  • Transport from Middlemarch to Dunedin - MIN 2 PaxNZD$140
  • eBike Upgrade (subject to availability)NZD$160
*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.

Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips