Lake Dunstan & Classic Otago Rail Trail Cycle in Comfort

Cyclists riding across the Hugo Swingbridge on the Lake Dunstan Trail. | Geoff Marks

Lake Dunstan credit: Geoff Marks | Geoff Marks

Wedderburn Cottages | Lachlan Gardiner

Cycling Wedderburn to Ranfurly late winter | Lachlan Gardiner

Friends enjoying the scenery | James Jubb

Cyclists riding across the Hugo Swingbridge on the Lake Dunstan Trail. | Geoff Marks

Lake Dunstan credit: Geoff Marks | Geoff Marks

Wedderburn Cottages | Lachlan Gardiner

Cycling Wedderburn to Ranfurly late winter | Lachlan Gardiner

Friends enjoying the scenery | James Jubb

Introductory to Moderate

Activities

5 days self guided cycling

Accommodation

4 nights comfort level accommodation on a twin share basis, ensuited where available

Meals

4 Breakfasts

Price

ON SALE

5 daysfrom

$1750 NZD

$1662NZD

View all pricing

View Inclusions

Trip Code: TJO

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Trip highlights

Tick off two of New Zealand’s most iconic Great Rides in one unforgettable cycling adventure
Visit the vineyards of Bannockburn
Ride the breathtaking Lake Dunstan Trail with its cliff-hugging boardwalks, suspension bridges and turquoise lake views
Experience the full Otago Central Rail Trail, including the famous Poolburn Gorge, towering viaducts and hand-carved tunnels
Refuel with Central Otago wines, legendary country pub meals and great local cafés along the way
Finish each rewarding day with comfortable accommodation, warm southern hospitality and incredible big-sky scenery all around you

Lake Dunstan & Classic Otago Rail Trail in Comfort combines two of Central Otago’s most iconic cycling journeys into one unforgettable adventure, linking the full Lake Dunstan Trail with the full Otago Central Rail Trail for an immersive ride through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes. Blending dramatic scenery, fascinating heritage and rewarding cycling with the comfort of quality accommodation each evening, this fully supported trip is perfect for riders wanting to experience the complete journey of both trails in comfort.

The adventure begins on the spectacular Lake Dunstan Trail, one of New Zealand’s newest and most talked-about cycle experiences. Covering around 40km between Cromwell and Clyde, the trail winds along the lake edge beneath towering schist cliffs, crossing suspension bridges and remarkable boardwalks suspended above the water. With constantly changing lake and mountain views, this ride offers an unforgettable introduction to the rugged beauty and engineering brilliance of Central Otago.

From Clyde, continue onto the full Otago Central Rail Trail, riding the entire 152km route through the heart of Central Otago to Middlemarch. Following the gentle gradients of the historic Otago Central Railway, the trail meanders through expansive tussock plains, rocky gorges and peaceful rural landscapes rich in gold rush history and railway heritage. Daily riding distances are rewarding yet achievable, allowing time to enjoy the scenery, heritage sites and welcoming country towns along the way.

Highlights include the dramatic Poolburn Gorge, where the trail crosses soaring stone viaducts and passes through hand-carved tunnels that remain some of the most iconic features of the Rail Trail. Ride through charming towns such as Alexandra, Oturehua, Ranfurly and Wedderburn, where heritage pubs, cosy cafés and beautifully restored railway stations create memorable stops along the journey.

Along the way, enjoy Central Otago’s famous big skies, ever-changing landscapes and warm southern hospitality, with opportunities to sample local wines, fresh regional produce and hearty country meals. Travelling in comfort means you can relax each evening in carefully selected accommodation, while luggage transfers and seamless support throughout the trip allow you to focus entirely on the ride itself.

With nearly 200kms of riding across two of New Zealand’s Great Rides, the Lake Dunstan & Classic Otago Rail Trail in Comfort delivers the ultimate Central Otago cycling experience, combining rewarding distances, iconic scenery, fascinating history and well-earned comfort at the end of every day.

Carbon Footprint

21kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(84kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Cycle the Lake Dunstan Trail (40km/24.85mi)

A morning briefing and bike fitting at our depot in Clyde will set you up for your first day of cycling on the Lake Dunstan Trail. We will shuttle you through to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, where you can grab a coffee before starting your ride. Cycle through to the Bannockburn wine-country, stopping at the Carrick Winery. Enjoy delicious food and wine whilst overlooking the stunning Bannockburn Inlet from their restaurant. Choose from their seasonal menu which showcases the best local produce and organic ingredients fresh from their garden or enjoy a coffee and pizza alfresco. Continue through the breathtaking Cromwell Gorge along the Clutha / Mata-au River to Clyde, enjoying lake views, clip-ons, bridges and climbs along the way. On arrival in Clyde, celebrate the day and the ride with a local Otago wine or a stroll around this quaint town.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
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: B

Day 3
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 4
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).

Meals: B

Day 5
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.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

Standard bike hire for 5 days including helmet, repair kit and odometer (e-bike upgrade available)
4 nights' comfort accommodation on twin share basis, ensuited where available
Transport from Middlemarch to Clyde at the end of your trip (Transport to/from Queenstown can be added)
4 x breakfasts
Daily Luggage transfers (weight limit of 15kg per bag, 1 bag per person)
Detailed trip itinerary and map
Otago Central Rail Trail Passport
Haehaeata National Heritage and Lake Dunstan Trail Trust Donations

What's not included

Extra transport (e.g. to/from Queenstown or Dunedin)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional activities and upgrades
Personal expenses
Travel insurance

Bike information

Standard Trail Bike

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.

Electric Bike

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.

Low Step Trail Bike

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.

Mountain Bike

Traditional mountain bikes are the bike of choice for more challenging terrain, or for those riders who prefer a more ‘aggressive’ riding position. Our mountain bikes feature 29” or 27.5” wheels, hydraulic disc brakes and front suspension.

Children's Bikes & Trailers

Small bikes, with 20” wheels (single speed) or 24” wheels (seven gears, twist shift).

Child’s seat – Fitted in place of a carrier on one of our trail bikes.

Tow bike – Not available for Lake Dunstan Trail due to narrow trails.

Child’s trailer – Not available for Lake Dunstan Trail due to narrow trails.

Please note the Lake Dunstan Trail is only recommended for children who are experienced riders.

Trail Surface

Compacted Gravel 99%

The majority of the Lake Dunstan Trail and Otago Central Rail Trail is compacted gravel. The Lake Dunstan Trail has mostly wide trails with some narrow sections that you'll need to be confident riding. The Otago Central Rail trail has wide trails throughout with some cattle-stop grates and "chicanes" (s-shaped safety gateways) to navigate.

Accommodation

Comfort Accommodation (Included)

Comfort 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.

Superior Accommodation

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.

Add on a Night

Additional nights at the start or end of your trip can be added onto any package, just ask us.

Suggested extensions

Highlands Power Hour, Museum or Taxi

Cycle around a world class motorsport track, visit the on site Car Museum or experience the thrill of a fast lap around the track in their 'Taxi'.

Curling - Naseby Ice Rink

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.

Hayes Engineering Works

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'.

Wine Tour

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.

St Bathans and Cambrian Tour

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.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate
4

The 5 day Lake Dunstan and Rail Trail is graded Introductory to Moderate. The Lake Dustan trail has a mix of introductory and moderate trails that include some narrow, hilly and remote sections with some tight turns. If you are not a regular cyclist or are worried about these features, we recommend practicing riding on similar features at home before your trip. The Otago Central Rail Trail is wide with a gentle gradient. You'll need to be comfortable riding 30-45km over 5 days. The more training you have done on compacted gravel, the more enjoyable your trip will be. E-bikes are also suitable as long as they are ridden appropriately and have sufficient battery capacity.

Departure dates

Daily departures 01 September to 31 May.

Notes

Note:

Accommodation along the trails are small, and spaces are therefore limited. If your chosen date is not available, we may be able to offer alternatives in different room types or for different dates if you are flexible. Surcharges may apply.

Note:

Single Travellers cannot be matched with others outside of their booking party and must pay the relevant Single Supplement or Solo Traveller Surcharge.

Note:

Due to the rural location of the Otago Central Rail Trail, Superior accommodation is not possible at all locations and subject to availability.

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

$1662NZD

Options & Supplements*

Transport from Queenstown to Clyde/Cromwell (return) - Min 2 PaxNZD$170
Transport from Middlemarch to Dunedin, One Way - Min 2 PaxNZD$165
Transport from Queenstown to Clyde/Cromwell, one way - Min 2 PaxNZD$95
Compulsory Dinner - Kokonga or HydeNZD$90
Electric Bike UpgradeNZD$425
Single Room Supplement (own room during trip)NZD$790
Straight Through Luggage (per 25kg bag) - Start of trail to end of trailNZD$30
Naseby Curling and Transport - Min 2 paxNZD$130
Clyde/Alexandra Wine Tour - 3 hours - Min 2 paxNZD$180
St Bathans Blue Lake Tour - Wine & Cheese - Min 2 paxNZD$190
St Bathans Blue Lake Tour - Wine, Cheese & Cooked BBQ Dinner - Min 2 paxNZD$250

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Videos

Cycle New Zealand's Otago Central Rail Trail

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.