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Home / Otago Rail Trail Tunnels & Viaducts Day Cycle
3
Introductory
Activities
  • 1 day self guided cycle
Accommodation
Meals

Price

1 dayfrom

$115NZD

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Trip Code: TJV
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Trip highlights

  • Cycle the spectacular Poolburn Gorge, home to the Rail Trail’s famous tunnels and towering stone viaducts
  • Cycle through dramatic Central Otago landscapes with wide open views and rugged schist scenery
  • Ride over the iconic Daniel O'Connell suspension bridge at Ophir
  • Explore charming historic towns including Lauder, Omakau, Ophir and Chatto Creek along the way
  • Enjoy an easy, mostly downhill ride with gentle gradients perfect for relaxed cycling
  • Finish your day in Clyde with a local wine, craft beer or meal at a cosy café or historic pub

The Otago Rail Trail Tunnels & Viaducts Day Cycle is the perfect way to experience the most iconic and spectacular section of the Otago Central Rail Trail in just one unforgettable day. Following the breathtaking Poolburn Gorge section, this self-guided ride combines dramatic Central Otago scenery, fascinating railway history and some of the trail’s most impressive engineering landmarks.

Your adventure begins with a scenic shuttle to Auripo, where you’ll start riding through wide open landscapes and classic Central Otago countryside before reaching the unforgettable Poolburn Gorge. Here, the trail winds its way through towering schist cliffs, across magnificent stone viaducts and through a series of hand-carved railway tunnels that date back more than a century. It’s one of the most photographed and talked-about sections of the entire Rail Trail — and for good reason.

Along the way, pass through charming country settlements including Lauder, Omakau, Ophir and Chatto Creek, where you can stop for coffee, lunch or a refreshing drink while soaking up the relaxed atmosphere and warm southern hospitality that define the region.

With mostly gentle gradients and easy riding terrain, this ride is achievable for a wide range of cyclists while still delivering a real sense of adventure. Take your time exploring old railway relics, pausing for photos at the viaducts and enjoying the ever-changing Central Otago scenery as you make your way towards Clyde.

Finish your day with a well-earned glass of Central Otago wine, a local craft beer or a relaxed meal in one of Clyde’s welcoming cafés, wineries or historic pubs, the perfect end to an incredible day on the trail!

Carbon Footprint

(4kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Itinerary

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After a morning briefing and bike fitting at our Clyde Depot, we’ll shuttle you into the peaceful Ida Valley to begin your ride from Auripo. Cycle back towards Clyde through the spectacular Poolburn Gorge, crossing historic stone viaducts and riding through hand-carved railway tunnels surrounded by rugged schist landscapes and classic Central Otago scenery. Along the way, pass through the welcoming townships of Lauder, Omakau, Chatto Creek and Alexandra, with plenty of opportunities to stop for coffee, lunch or a refreshing drink before finishing back at our Clyde Depot.

Meals:  Nil

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 1 day including helmet, repair kit and odometer (e-bikes available)
  • Transport from Clyde to Auripo
  • Detailed trip itinerary and map

  • Extra transport (e.g. to/from Queenstown or Dunedin)
  • Meals
  • Optional activities and upgrades
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance

Bike information

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.

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

Compact Gravel

The majority of the Otago Central Rail Trail is compacted gravel therefore cyclists need to be confident riding on uneven surfaces. The trail is wide, which means you can be sociable and ride alongside others. There are some narrow cattle-stop grates and chicanes (s-shaped saftey gateways).

Accommodation

Add on a night

Start or finish your trip with a relaxing night in historic Clyde.

Grading

Introductory  
3

Suitable for novice riders, families and others seeking an easy, relaxing cycling experience. Most bikes are suitable, including touring bikes, hybrid bikes and children’s bikes. E-bikes are also suitable as long as they are ridden appropriately and have sufficient battery capacity. Off-road trails are compacted gravel, with only gentle climbs and generally wide enough for side-by-side riding.

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.

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World Expeditions Travel Group

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