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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
The Classic Otago Rail Trail Challenge is designed for cyclists who want to experience the full length of New Zealand’s iconic Otago Central Rail Trail in just two rewarding days of riding. Covering the entire trail from Middlemarch to Clyde, this fully supported adventure is perfect for strong, experienced riders who are short on time but still want the satisfaction of completing one of the country’s most celebrated Great Rides.
With longer riding distances each day, this trip delivers an energetic and immersive journey through the spectacular landscapes of Central Otago. Follow the route of the historic Otago Central Railway across sweeping tussock plains, through rugged schist country and into dramatic gorges lined with hand-carved tunnels, impressive viaducts and beautifully preserved railway relics that reflect the region’s rich gold rush and pioneering history.
Highlights include the iconic Poolburn Gorge section, where soaring stone viaducts and curved tunnels create some of the most memorable scenery on the trail, along with the wide open big-sky landscapes that have made the Otago Rail Trail famous with cyclists from around the world.
Despite the challenge of completing the trail over two days, the ride remains achievable thanks to the gentle gradients of the former railway corridor and the seamless support throughout the journey. Luggage transfers and logistics are all taken care of, allowing you to focus on the ride itself and enjoy the rewarding sense of accomplishment that comes with covering the full trail in a condensed timeframe.
Perfect for fit and confident cyclists seeking a more demanding adventure, the Classic Otago Rail Trail Challenge combines long, satisfying riding days with spectacular scenery, rich heritage and the unique atmosphere of Central Otago. A complete Rail Trail experience in just two unforgettable days!
29kg of CO2-e PP per day
(29kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Cycle Clyde to Wedderburn (80km/49.70mi)
A morning briefing and bike fitting at our Clyde depot will set you up for your first day of cycling. You can meet us in Clyde, or you can add on a shuttle from Queenstown. 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 before climbing the gentle Tiger Hill to Omakau. You'll then cycle through the stunning Poolburn Gorge and Ida Valley. A tour of Historic Hayes is popular among our cyclists and is an excellent spot for lunch, as is the settlement of Oturehua just further down the road. Stay the night in Wedderburn.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle Wedderburn to Middlemarch (72km/44.73mi)
From Wedderburn, the trail is mostly downhill to Ranfurly, the Art Deco capital of Otago and a good place for morning tea before crossing the Maniototo Plains and passing through Waipiata. The day's highlights are between Daisybank and Hyde, where the trail runs alongside the Taieri River over the Capburn and Prices Creek Bridges and through the last tunnel before arriving at Hyde. Grab a quick lunch at the Hydeaway Cafe situated in the old Hotel. Onwards from Hyde, you will pass the 1943 Hyde Rail disaster site and cycle through the wide-open spaces of the Strath Taieri. The trail's end is at our Middlemarch depot, where you return your bike and equipment and catch your shuttle back to Clyde or on to Dunedin.
Meals: B
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.
The majority 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 along-side 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 and end of your trip can be added onto any package, just ask us.
Add on a Haye's Engineering Works tour of the workshop and homestead of Ernest and Hannah Hayes, 19th-century pioneers whose resourcefulness, skill and determination define the spirit of 'Kiwi ingenuity'.
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.
Cycle the Lake Dunstan Trail from Cromwell to Clyde, taking in glistening lakes, mighty gorges and wine country. Stay the night in the quaint town of Clyde before starting your Otago Rail Trail adventure.
The 2 Day Challenge is graded moderate. The Otago Central Rail Trail itself is graded introductory, with a wide compacted gravel surface and gentle 1 to 50 gradient. This trip is graded moderate due to the average cycling distance of 75km per day. You will need a very good level of fitness and be used to riding longer distances. E-bikes are also suitable on low power - although we can't guarantee battery life.
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
4Days
Introductory
2Days
3Days