There are plenty of diverting sights both on and near the trail, including eerie tunnels, unusual bridges, abandoned gold diggings and stacks of historic buildings in styles from agrarian. The otago central rail trail is a unique recreational facility, following the former otago central branch railway for 150 km from middlemarch to clyde. Central otago rail trail is a must for cyclists visiting this part of nzs south island. From bike hire to accommodation and even luggage transfers, trail journeys can help you plan and book everything for a seamless otago cycling trip. There are plenty of diverting sights both on and near the trail, including eerie tunnels, unusual bridges, abandoned gold diggings and stacks of historic buildings in. The queenstown otago rail trail is graded introductory. Imagine a dedicated bike trail where you can pedal comfortably for several days along the gentle grade of a. Jun 23, 2010 experience the best central otago has to offer with a luxury rail trail tour. Options available include starting in dunedin, clyde or queenstown, with all bike hire, transfers and lunch included. The otago central rail trail is a 150kilometre walking, cycling and horse riding track in the. Stunning scenery, amazing and important historical and.
The rail originally provided a vital link between dunedin, in 1889 new zealands largest city, and the major goldfields of central otago. The rail trail is very popular and used annually by thousands of cyclists and walkers from around the world. Otago rail trail nz cycle tours package with vehicle support. Theres so much to see and do on and near the trail, including spectacular railway bridges and tunnels, abandoned gold diggings, and historic architecture from art. A beautifully crafted book with amazing photography by peter andrews showing central otago as it truly is, one of the most rugged, extreme and beautiful locations on the planet. Spectacular views of mt cook and the southern alps. Passing through historic towns, massive viaducts, spectacular tunnels and stunning scenery, the closure of the railway in the 1990s opened up a year round trail for bikers.
A fantastic cycling holiday for couples, families and large groups. Named after the original railway line built between 1891 and 1907, the otago central rail trail is new zealands original great ride. Otago central rail trail the original great ride in new zealand, this trail established the concept of routing an easy biking trail along a disused railway line. Following the path of the former railway route between clyde and middlemarch, the otago central rail trail offers easy riding through everchanging scenery. Our scenic otago rail trail cycle tour includes five days of cycling on the 150km otago rail trail route from clyde to middlemarch. Highlights included seeing thyme in flower and newborn lambs,in january i experienced changeable weather, windy, hot days, some very cold days and lots of people on the trailduring march i found the. After years of working with the local communities along the trail, the otago central rail trail was opened in 2000. The trail traverses the foothills of the 1400metre high rock and pillar range with its huge rocky outcrops, before meandering through the valleys productive farmland to the ngapuna station site. Everything you need to plan a unique central otago rail trail experience. Enjoy central otagos big skies, distinctive landscape and famous southern hospitality. The otago rail trail rates as among the easiest of all the cycle trails in new zealand, and is a good trail to start with if you are new to cycling. You will be captivated by the stunning scenery, fascinated by the history of the rural towns you pass through and.
You cycle the trail over 4 days around 45 hours cycling a day for someone. We chose 151km of the otago rail trail there are 2 different websites to check out the otago rail trail and the otago central rail trail a gentle incline up, then a gentle incline down. The otago central rail trail follows the old railway line from clyde to middlemarch. Selfplanning your otago central rail trail adventure is as easy as. Line gang shed the small red sheds found along the rail trail used b. When it first opened to the public in 2000, trail journeys were the first to offer bike rental on the trail and today are the leading cycle operator on the otago rail trail. Built on the former otago central railway line, the rail trail offers every visitor a unique cycling experience. Along the way we will even try our hand at the ancient art of curling bowls on ice. Official otago central rail trail website otago central rail trail on bikemap interactive map with gpxdownload. The otago central rail trail is a 150kilometre walking, cycling and horse riding track in the south island of new zealand. The otago central rail trail is ideal for easy pace cyclists.
New zealands original great ride, open all year round. Cycle the otago central rail trail with luxury rail trail. Yes, its a must to book accommodation well in advance. Otago central rail trail central otago tripadvisor. Highlights of this section of the trail include the 37m high poolburn viaduct, two tunnels, the trails longest bridge and central otago stunning landscapes. Off the rails central otago rail trail epic deals and.
Response from otagocentrailtrail, facilitator at otago central rail trail responded apr 4, 2020 thank you for providing your feedback about your rail trail holiday and pleased you were happy with cycle surgery and the hospitality along the trail. Find hotels in otago central rail trail, new zealand. Making this trail a great cycling holiday for people of all ages and cycling abilities. Bike touring with kids attached the otago rail trail middlemarch to clyde. Enjoy the wonderful scenery and exploring the small towns along the route with full vehicle guide support along the way. The otago central rail trail is paradise on two wheels. Catherine stewart planning tips for otago rail trail.
Best section is auripo to omakau otago central rail trail. The otago rail trail classic is graded introductory. Rail trail tours our most popular rail trail bike tours. This is great for those that are regular cyclists and are short on time. Steeped in history and with a constant easy gradient, it is a great way to view scenery not seen from the highway. The otago central rail trail is a 152km cycle trail through the heart of central otago from clyde to middlemarch. Ultimate otago rail trail cycling trip trail journeys. Otago rail trail guide book this is the single most important resource you can own if you plan to travel the central otago rail trail. Otago central rail trail central otago, new zealand. There is a mix of wide and narrow trails with a few undulating hills. The department of conservation acquired the disused railway in 1993 and spent six years preparing and upgrading the route for use as a walking and cycling trail. The otago central railway ocr or in later years otago central branch railway, now often referred to as the taieri gorge railway, was a secondary railway line in central otago, in the south island of new zealand.
The 150km cycle trail is a disused railway corridor originally built for steam trains so the gradient is a very gentle incline and as such the otago bike trail is rated easy to negotiate with no. Otago central rail trail 4 day nz cycle tour with off the. We pride ourselves on our 5 service and provide you the latest trek roscoe 7 bikes and electric bike options. Otago central rail trail cycling tours with trail journeys.
The otago rail trail in new zealand, has a number of great options if you want to experience a taste of the central otago cycle trail in just one day with a taste the otago rail trail bike package. We offer the most comprehensive information on accommodation, transport and bike. The trail is vehiclefree, has an easy gradient, and takes you through amazing scenery, through tunnels and over viaducts. Catherine stewart planning tips for otago rail trail read more from catherineis there a right time to go. Otago central rail trail official website of nzs original. Once a busy railway, the historic rail trail used to connect many small inland gold towns to the big city of dunedin.
Cycling the otago central rail trail is one of the classic active experiences in new zealand. The stone work on structures along the trail is one of the outstanding. The otago central rail trail is a recreation reserve managed by the department of conservation in partnership. As the railway served a large country district there were many stops along the route, but now few original stations and buildings remain. The trail runs in an arc between middlemarch and clyde, along the route of the former otago central railway. Enjoy central otago s big skies, distinctive landscape and famous southern hospitality. Response from otagocentrailtrail, facilitator at otago central rail trail responded 4 apr 2020 thank you for providing your feedback about your rail trail holiday and pleased you were happy with cycle surgery and the hospitality along the trail.
Based on my experience, november was fine every day, very cold mornings and evenings. The otago central rail trail nzs orginal great ride. Otago rail trail accommodation, tour planning, transport. Otago central rail trail central otago 2020 all you need. You may also like to bring a torch for the tunnels along the way. Bike the otago central rail trail my moments and memories. There are also lots of options to divert a bit from the trail to visit other places and to. Cycling the otago rail trail if you want to experience a fun and exciting time with the family in central otago, why dont you consider cycling the central otago rail trail. The otago rail trail is a 152km cycle trail which runs through central otago from clyde to middlemarch. Several books on the trail and the surrounding area can be purchased at bookshops throughout new zealand. The single most important resource when travelling the central otago rail trail. The otago central rail trail cycle surgery rail trail. Trains typically travel through hills, around hills but if it can be avoided not uphill the maximum gradient is 2%.
Construction of the ocr began in 1877 and the 27km section to hindon was opened in 1889. The trains chugged their way up and then down and so. We suggest you plan your trip and book accommodation. A pioneering project for new zealand, the successful rail trail joined the new zealand cycle trail umbrella organisation in 2012, having been one of the inspirations for it. In 1990 the decision was made to remove the rail tracks of the then defunct rail line and luckily the following year the department of conservation took over managing the area and launched the otago rail trail cycle trail, as a means to reinvigorate the small towns left a little in the lurch by the removal of the rail line.
The trail is wide with a compacted gravel trail surface and a gentle 1 to 50 gradient. There are now rail trails throughout most of new zealand, but if you mention to a kiwi that youre doing the rail trail, it is the otago central rail trail theyll immediately think of. The otago central rail trail is ideal for cyclists who wish to see some spectacular central otago scenery, at an easy pace, on flat gravelled terrain. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 2 hours of cycling per week for the three months leading up to your trip. Prekids, we had always talked about this holiday, and then we had three energetic kids eager for adventure. Excellent trail through amazing landscape and with lots of good facilities on and off the trails. The otago central rail trail trip is not just about the cycling but rather exploring the many small towns and abandoned gold diggings and meeting local inhabitants on the otago rail trail. The otago central rail trail finally reaches its end at middlemarch. Its rightfully a very popular adventure through spectacular otago scenery, with tunnels and viaducts smoothing out dry, rocky hills and deep gorges. Frequently asked questions otago central rail trail.