Base Otago Rail Trail Cycle - 3 Days Your Way

Enjoying the beauty of the Blue Lake near St Bathans | Tom Powell

Cycle over the flowing waters of the Manuherikia on longest bridge (110m) on the Central Otago Rail Trail | Trail Journeys

The historic hotel at Hyde

Cycling through Prices Valley on the Otago Rail Trail | Tom Powell

Enjoying the beauty of the Blue Lake near St Bathans | Tom Powell

Cycle over the flowing waters of the Manuherikia on longest bridge (110m) on the Central Otago Rail Trail | Trail Journeys

The historic hotel at Hyde

Cycling through Prices Valley on the Otago Rail Trail | Tom Powell

Introductory

Activities

3 days self guided cycling

Accommodation

2 nights basic accommodation, twin share

Meals

Price

3 daysfrom

$510NZD

View all pricing

View Inclusions

Overview
Itinerary
Inclusions
Bike Information
Trail Surface
Accommodation
Suggested extensions
Grading
Departure dates
Videos
FAQs
Trip reviews
Why travel with us
Similar trips

Trip Code: TJDZ

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Trip highlights

Cycle the full 152km Otago Central Rail Trail over 3 days, including only the basics
Explore the tunnels and viaducts of the Poolburn Gorge
Cycle through the scenic Maniototo Plains
Experience the local 'southern hospitality' of Central Otago
Cost effective for those on a budget

For those seeking a bigger pedal-powered challenge over three days, this budget-friendly self-guided trip along New Zealand’s original Great Ride delivers a more active take on the iconic Otago Central Rail Trail. Ride the full 152 km (94 mi) stretch from Clyde to Middlemarch through Central Otago’s sweeping plains, historic townships and remote country landscapes.

You’ll cycle at your own pace along the gently graded trail each day, with distances suited to active riders who enjoy a longer time in the saddle. We take care of all the logistics – including standard bike hire, a detailed daily route map and pre-booked, simple accommodation. You'll stay in shared lodges, country pubs or basic motels with shared facilities – clean, comfortable and full of character.

This is a practical, well-supported way to experience the full trail in less time, offering great value for those who don’t mind a bit more riding each day. It’s an ideal choice for independent-minded travellers who want to keep it simple, cover more ground and soak up the old-world charm of New Zealand’s southern high country whilst sticking to the basics and a budget.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Clyde to Lauder: Cycle - 44km

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, and then it's downhill to your overnight accommodation in Lauder. 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).

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Lauder to Ranfurly or Waipiata: Cycle 48km - 56km

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 popular among our cyclists and is an excellent spot for lunch, as is the settlement of Oturehua, approx 1km down the road from Hayes. A visit to Oturehua's general store, Gilchrists, is a step back in time and also recommended Stay the night in Ranfurly (or Waipiata).

Meals: Nil

Day 3
Ranfurly or Waipiata to Middlemarch: Cycle 52km - 60km

Your last day on the trail passes the site of the 1943 Hyde railway disaster and down through the wide-open spaces of the Strath Taieri Valley and the impressive Rock and Pillar Range. The ride is downhill to the trail's end at our Middlemarch depot where tour arrangements end.

Meals: Nil

Inclusions

What's included

Standard bike hire for 3 days including helmet, repair kit and odometer (e-bike upgrade available)
Bike panniers
2 nights basic accommodation on a twin share basis (shared facilities)
Detailed trip itinerary and map
Haehaeata National Heritage Trust Donation

What's not included

Transfers from Queenstown to Clyde or Middlemarch to Dunedin
Transport from Middlemarch to Clyde at the end of your trip.
E-bike upgrade (supplement applies)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Daily Luggage transfers (weight limit of 15kg per bag, 1 bag per person)
Otago Central Rail Trail Passport
Items of a personal nature (eg: laundry, e-Sims, snacks, etc)
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
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.

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).

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.

Other bike options

Tandem mountain bike: A mountain bike built for two. Twice the fun? How good is your relationship?

Recumbent tandem: Another bicycle built for two, but in this case the front rider sits in a comfortable reclined seat and has the option to participate in the pedaling, but does not have to.

Trail Surface

Compacted Gravel 99%

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).

Accommodation

Basic Accommodation

Basic economy accommodation is for those looking for a clean, basic no frills style accommodation. Most are shared bathrooms.

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

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.

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.

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'.

Lake Dunstan Trail (adds an extra day)

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.

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.

Backcountry 4WD Tour

Enjoy a personalised 4WD experience in this unique region of New Zealand. Learn about our rich history, heart and beauty, together with a fantastic landscape of rock and tussock.

It's always great to get off the 'beaten track' so, as you plan your Otago Central Rail Trail cycling adventure, so why not plan to explore the surrounding hinterlands with the locals.

Grading

Introductory
3

The Otago Rail Trail Classic is graded introductory with an average cycling distance of 50km per day. The trail is wide with a compacted gravel surface and a gentle 1 to 50 gradient. You will need a reasonable level of fitness 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 of time. 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

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

$510NZD

Options & Supplements*

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Videos

Otago Central Rail Trail Highlights

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.