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Taste of the Otago Rail Trail in Comfort is the perfect way to experience the full length of New Zealand’s iconic Otago Central Rail Trail in a shorter timeframe, combining three rewarding days of cycling with spectacular scenery, rich heritage and the comfort of carefully selected accommodation each evening. Designed for travellers wanting to complete the entire trail while enjoying a little extra comfort along the way, this fully supported journey delivers an unforgettable Central Otago cycling experience.
Following the route of the historic Otago Central Railway from Middlemarch to Clyde, the trail winds through expansive tussock plains, rugged schist landscapes and picturesque rural towns filled with stories from the region’s gold rush and pioneering past. Along the way, ride through hand-carved tunnels, across impressive viaducts and past beautifully restored railway stations that remain iconic highlights of the trail.
One of the journey’s standout sections is the spectacular Poolburn Gorge, where soaring stone viaducts and dramatic rocky landscapes showcase the incredible engineering feats that transformed this rugged country more than a century ago. Beyond the scenery, the trail’s gentle gradients and smooth riding surfaces make for enjoyable cycling, while the ever-changing Central Otago landscapes provide a constant backdrop of wide open skies and unforgettable views.
At the end of each day, relax in comfortable accommodation and enjoy the warm southern hospitality that defines the region. Heritage pubs, country cafés and local eateries offer the perfect opportunity to unwind, share stories from the trail and soak up the laid-back atmosphere of Central Otago.
With luggage transfers and logistics all taken care of, you’re free to simply focus on the ride and enjoy the satisfaction of completing the entire Otago Rail Trail over three memorable days. Ideal for active travellers short on time but still wanting the full Rail Trail experience, Taste of the Otago Rail Trail in Comfort combines rewarding cycling, tasty meals, iconic scenery and relaxed comfort into one unforgettable ride.
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Day 1
Cycle Clyde to Lauder (44km/27.34mi)
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
Cycle Lauder to Waipiata (56km/34.79mi)
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 and on to Oturehua. A self-guided tour of Historic Hayes is included in your trip, and the cafe is an excellent lunch spot. A visit to Oturehua's general store, Gilchrists, is a step back in time and also recommended. 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 Tavern provides a great alternative lunch stop if you didn't dine in Oturehua. 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. You will ride through Ranfurly and across the Maniototo Plains to Waipiata, encountering interesting features and landscapes, including extensive views of the Kakanui Mountains and Ida Range to your Waipiata accommodation.
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle Waipiata to Middlemarch (52km/32.31mi)
Today the trail continues along the Maniototo Plain to 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 trail takes you through 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. Just beyond Hyde 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 end of the trail at our Middlemarch depot where you return your bike and equipment and catch your transport back to Clyde or on to Dunedin.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
4Days
Introductory
5Days
Introductory to Moderate
6Days
2Days
3Days