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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
Classic Otago Rail Trail Cycle in Comfort is a relaxed and rewarding cycle through some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes, rich heritage towns and unforgettable rail trail scenery. Following the route of the historic Otago Central Railway, this fully supported ride from Clyde to Middlemarch combines gentle gradients with spectacular big-sky landscapes, making it ideal for travellers who want to explore at a comfortable pace without sacrificing comfort at the day’s end.
If you appreciate a little extra ease along the way, this ‘in comfort’ itinerary pairs the charm of the trail with carefully selected accommodation, warm southern hospitality and the convenience of luggage transfers so you can focus purely on the ride itself. Each day reveals a different side of Central Otago, from sweeping tussock plains and dramatic schist gorges to beautifully restored railway stations, soaring viaducts and hand-carved tunnels that tell the story of the region’s gold rush past.
Ride through character-filled country towns such as Alexandra, Oturehua and Wedderburn where heritage pubs, local cafes and genuine Kiwi hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere at the end of each day. Along the trail, take time to enjoy the slower pace of life, stopping for coffee in old railway precincts, soaking up expansive high-country views and discovering the engineering feats that transformed this rugged landscape more than a century ago.
With its easy riding terrain, flexible daily distances and seamless support throughout, the Classic Otago Rail Trail Cycle in Comfort is perfectly suited to couples, groups of friends and first-time cycle tourers looking for an active holiday that blends comfort, scenery and authentic regional experiences. It’s no surprise this remains one of New Zealand’s most loved and iconic cycles.
20kg of CO2-e PP per day
(61kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Cycle Clyde to Omakau/Ophir: (37-39km/22.9-24.23mi)
A morning briefing and bike fitting at our Clyde depot will set you up for your first day of cycling. The first stop is Alexandra, 8km away. Alex is a great place to stop for a coffee and a Southern cheese roll. You'll then head towards Chatto Creek, where the tavern serves an excellent lunch and is a recommended stop before Tiger Hill. Tiger Hill is a gentle uphill ride then it's downhill to your overnight accommodation in Omakau. The 5km loop to Ophir is highly recommended, with historic wooden and stone buildings from the gold-mining era and the iconic Daniel O'Connell suspension bridge (circa 1880). Your accommodation tonight is in Omakau or Ophir.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle Omakau/Ophir to Wedderburn (42-44km/26.09-27.34mi)
Today you'll cycle through the stunning Poolburn Gorge, which features historic tunnels and viaducts in a secluded rocky setting. The gorge then opens out to the vast expanse of the Ida Valley. A tour of Historic Hayes is highly recommended and is an excellent spot for lunch, as is the settlement of Oturehua just further down the road. This next section of the trail provides splendid views of the Hawkdun, and Ida Ranges as the trail gently climbs to 618 metres above sea level, its highest point, just before Wedderburn. The Wedderburn station site has the original station building, and a big green goods shed. The shed has gained iconic status since featuring in a painting by Central Otago artist Grahame Sydney. Your accommodation tonight is in Wedderburn. **NOTE: Please ensure you walk your bikes through the tunnels for safety
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle Wedderburn to Hyde (46km/28.58mi)
Today the trail descends across the Maniototo Plains through Ranfurly, Waipiata and on to Hyde. Ranfurly is the Maniototo's commercial centre and once a bustling railway town. Much of the town was rebuilt following a spate of fires in the 1930s, and it is now famous for its art deco architecture. From Ranfurly you’ll cycle through Waipiata, Kokonga and past the former 2 km-wide Taieri Lake. Basalt stone was mined from the hills in this area to build Dunedin's grand railway station. The Waipiata Hotel makes a great lunch stop. The trail then enters the beautiful Upper Taieri Gorge, crosses the 91-metre long, 32-metre-high Price's Creek Viaduct, through a 152 m-long fully bricked tunnel and out onto the Strath Taieri plain at Hyde. Your accommodation tonight is in Hyde. ** Please note: due to availability on the trail or accommodation preferences, you may be accommodated for the night in either Waipiata or Kokonga).
Day 4
Cycle Hyde to Middlemarch (27km/16.77mi)
Your last day on the trail takes you down through the wide-open spaces of the Strath Taieri Valley and the impressive Rock and Pillar Range. Just beyond Hyde you'll find the Hyde Railway Station, an important part of the rail Heritage. The stories told inside the building are a must read. 4km from the Railway Station is the site of the 1943 Hyde railway disaster. The ride is downhill to the end of the trail at our Middlemarch Depot, where you return your bike and equipment and catch your 2.30pm shuttle back to Clyde.
What's included
What's not included
Our trail bikes are ideal for the Otago Central Rail Trail and other similar gravel trails. They feature an upright riding position, front suspension and a gel seat for maximum comfort. With their Australasian-designed Avanti frames and proven Shimano and Tektro componentry, these bikes ensure the best possible riding experience.
E-bikes have made cycle touring possible and pleasurable for a wide range of people. They are simple to operate, and eliminate much of the cycling strain from legs and knees. Our European-designed E-bikes are built with comfort and ease of operation in mind, and feature unisex frames, 29” wheels, front suspension and proven Bosch electronics.
Our low-step trail bikes are ideal for the Otago Central Rail Trail and other similar gravel trails. They feature an upright riding position, front suspension, swept back handlebars and a gel seat for maximum comfort, and a low-step frame to make getting on and off easy. With their Australasian-designed Avanti frames and proven Shimano and Tektro componentry, these bikes ensure the best possible riding experience.
Small bikes, with 20” wheels (single speed) or 24” wheels (seven gears, twist shift).
Tow bike – A ‘third wheel’ trailer fitted with handlebars, pedals and seat for a small child.
Child’s trailer – A covered two-wheeled trailer, designed for 1-2 smaller children.
Child’s seat – Fitted in place of a carrier on one of our trail bikes.
Most of the Otago Central Rail Trail is compacted gravel with wide trails, making it suitable for introductory riders or higher and wide enough to ride alongside others. Cyclists need to be comfortable riding on compacted gravel, and there are some narrow cattle-stop grates and "chicanes" (s-shaped safety gateways).
Standard accommodation is the perfect option for those looking for a clean, simple and comfortable way to enjoy their cycling holiday. Almost all locations will include ensuite facilities. These are a mix of motels, B&Bs, lodges and cottages.
A level above, superior accommodation oozes quality, comfort and character for you to indulge in at the end of a day’s cycling. Rooms include ensuited facilities and are a mix of motels, lodges, cottages and farmstays.
As the Otago Central Rail Trail is situated in a remote area of New Zealand, there is limited availability for superior accommodation in some locations.
Additional nights at the start or end of your trip can be added onto any package, just ask us.
Forget the professionals - Indoor Curling is a lot easier than it looks and is a fun activity for the whole family. The Naseby Indoor Curling Rink, which is open all year round, offers a cool retreat on a hot Central Otago summer day.
Immerse yourself in the history and stunning scenery of St Bathans and Cambrian. St Bathans was settled mainly by the Irish seeking their fortunes on the goldfields and you can still enjoy a beer at the old and haunted Vulcan Hotel. Cambrian, where the Welsh came to mine gold and coal, has a number of surviving historic buildings preserved by Central Otago's dry climate. Cambrian is also home to New Zealand artist Grahame Sydney who has captured many of Central Otago's iconic landscapes in his painting and photography.
Book a private and relaxing wine tour to some of our local Otago winegrowers. The Otago region is the world’s southern most commercial wine growing region and famous worldwide for our Pinot Noir.
There are a number of quality vineyards to choose from, some with views that will take your breath away. Our team can help you plan your itinerary so that you can include a visit - and a tasting - at one of our Otago vineyards.
The four-day Otago Central Rail Trail is graded introductory, with an average cycling distance of 38km 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.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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.
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.
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.
5Days
Introductory to Moderate
6Days
2Days
3Days
Introductory
4Days