Otago Central Rail Trail Guided Cycle Ride Tour
Our guided cycle/ride is a 5 day/ 4 night guided ride starting with us in Clyde.
We will take you through the heart of Central Otago Rail Trail from Clyde to
Middlemarch. There is an option to end your journey in Dunedin, in true style by
taking the historic Taieri Gorge Railway to Dunedin.Other option is to take you
to Queenstown.
This package includes all transport, support vehicle carrying all your luggage,
experienced driver/guide offering full mechanical backup, accommodation, meals
(as listed), snacks (home baking), and cycles/bikes. As a last resort if the
weather is inclement or you're really tired you can retire gracefully to the bus
to complete the days ride.
The Adventure
This cycle/biking adventure explores the historic gold mining remote picturesque
landscape of the Central Otago. You will cycle on the rail trail where there are
no vehicles and no real hills, making this safe and enjoyable for people of all
ages and experience. This adventure is a “true” New Zealand experience. Each day
you’ll be riding through heart of the Maniototo, the locals name for the area,
past historic sites and quaint old towns. At night you may end up sharing a beer
(and a “yarn”) with a local “Cockie” (or farmer).
History This guided cycle tour travels through the remote Central Otago area of
the South Island of New Zealand. This is New Zealand's only multi-day cycle
trail on an old historic railway line which is 150 km in length. The rail trail
follows the former Otago Central Branch railway line from Clyde to Middlemarch.
This line was constructed at the turn of the 20th century and completed in 1921,
having taken 42 years to complete and providing a vital link to New Zealand's
major goldfields in Central Otago.Daily Trip Descriptions
Day 1 Clyde to Alexandra 8km
Your adventure starts in Queenstown where you will be picked up by our shuttle
at 9.00am to travel to Clyde and be taken to the Trail Journeys base at the
start of the Rail Trail. If you are travelling by vehicle, you will need to be
in Clyde by 10.30am to get fitted with your cycle and get briefed by your tour
guide. You will have the day to yourselves, so time to check out the shopping in
Clyde and Alexandra or visit the many attractions in the area. From Clyde you
can cycle past vineyards and over an old wooden trestle bridge on the ride to
Alexandra. For the more adventurous, there is the option of riding on the Clutha
River Centennial Track to Alexandra which adds another 8km to your cycle ride.
You will stay in Alexandra for the night. You are responsible for your own meal
arrangements on this day. Trail Journeys staff can make recommendations for you.
Day 2 Alexandra to Omakau 28km
From Alexanda you bike to Galloway Station where we boil the billy for morning
tea with good old home baking. You then bike to Chatto Creek, twice crossing
over bridges on the Manuherikia River. You will reach the Chatto Creek Tavern,
an historic stone building which is where you will stop for lunch. After lunch
you cycle up Tiger Hill, an easy gradient of 1 in 50. From the top of Tiger Hill
it is all down hill to your over night accommodation in Omakau. Sites of
significant interest are the Daniel O’Connor Suspension Bridge and the Ophir
Post Office which will be worth checking out in this old gold mining town. You
will then travel a short distance by bus to the historic gold mining town of St
Bathan’s and a visit to the old Vulcan Hotel returning to Omakau where you will
dine in the evening at the Omakau Commercial Hotel.B/L/D
Day 3 Omakau to Wedderburn 45km
Highlights of today's cycle ride is the beautiful Poolburn gorge section of the
trail featuring two tunnels and two viaducts all set in a secluded gorge. You
then cycle through the vast open expanse of the Ida Valley farm lands past the
Idaburn dam, one of New Zealands few out door winter curling sites. A site visit
to Hayes Historic Engineering Works, then there is a short ride to Oturehua for
lunch at Oturehua Hotel. After lunch you'll cycle on to the Golden Progress mine
just north of Oturehua, then on to Wedderburn just past the highest point on the
rail trail before stopping the night at Wedderburn Lodge and Cottages B&B. When
you arrive at Wedderburn your guide will take you on a short side trip to Naseby
to try your hand at curling and look through the old gold mining town. The
evening meal is a traditional farm style meal, at the Wedderburn Hotel.B/L/D
Day 4 Wedderburn to Hyde 43km
From Wedderburn the trail is mostly down hill to Ranfurly, the Art Deco Capital
of Otago for morning tea by the old railway station, then crossing the Maniototo
Plains on to the Waipiata Tavern for lunch. After lunch the days highlight must
be the lovely trail section between Daisybank and Hyde alongside the Taieri
river which snakes around the Rock and Pillar Range, crossing the stone Cap Burn
bridge, the Price’s Creek Viaduct which is 32m high and the last tunnel which
152m long arriving at the recently restored Otago Central Hyde Hotel, your over
night stop, dinner, bed and breakfast. Depending on the time you arrive at Hyde,
your guide may take you on a short side trip up to the gold mining town of
Macraes, the site of New Zealand’s largest working gold mine. B/L/D
Day 5 Hyde to Middlemarch 29km
Just a short ride today and slightly downhill with views of the Rock and Pillar,
Taieri Ranges, and the Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial. We provide a morning
snack along the way. For those travelling on the Taieri Gorge Train trip to
Dunedin we will arrive at the Middlemarch Railway Station in time for you to
depart by train at 1 p.m. The rest of the group will then return to Clyde by
bus. If required we will arrange to get you onto Queenstown. Breakfast provided.
Trip also can start in Dunedin
A Start in Dunedin is possible and typically reverses the itinerary.
For start dates please click here
Accommodation
Accommodation is all locally operated and consists of hotels, farm stay and
bed-and-breakfast accommodation. All accommodation will be on a twin share
basis. Because accommodation along the trail is varied, we cannot guarantee
en-suite facilities, but we attempt to allocate accommodation so that the group
shares the available en-suite facilities during the trip.
This is an opportunity of a lifetime to experience Central Otago wilderness
without sacrificing your comforts or convenience.
Food and Refreshments
After an invigorating day riding on the Rail Trail you will have worked up
quite an appetite. All evening and mid-day meals are in locally operated hotels.
A selection of Central Otago local wines, beer and soft drinks are available for
purchase from the hotel bar throughout the evening.
Breakfast offers a selection of fruit and cereal, and toast and spreads. Just
what is needed to send you on your way. Your guide will supply home baked snacks
during the day while you are out on the trail.
For those with special dietary requests or requirements, let us know at the time
of booking and we will endeavor to cater for your needs.
Health and Fitness
Our guided cycle/ride is neither easy nor difficult. It is a challenge and
adventure which people of all ages and abilities will relish. To enjoy your ride
you need to be able to cycle 4 to 6 hours each day at a leisurely pace, and a
distance of 29km to 45km per day. We encourage you to cycle/ride at your own
pace, there is no pressure to cycle/ride with others or keep up with the fastest
riders.
The track surface is generally well formed and a maximum gradient of 1m in 70m.
If you are not a regular cyclist/rider we suggest you begin a daily cycling
regime for 4 to 6 weeks before departure, gradually increasing the distance you
ride.
Thousands of cyclists are enjoying riding the Central Otago Rail Trail each
year, of all ages with 85% of cyclists/ riders being between the age of 45 to 70
and beyond.
What to Bring
We provide all transport, accommodation, and food. Soap, shampoo and
conditioner will be provided at your accommodation.
The following is a list of essential equipment
For cycling/riding
waterproof raincoat
walking shoes/ jogging shoes
woollen or polypropylene thermal underwear top & bottom is essential
light hat (woollen or fleece)
fleece jacket
Mid-weight merino top or fleece
lightweight T-shirts for fine weather
short cycle gloves (available at Trail Journeys)
cycle shorts (available at Trail Journeys)
gel seat covers (available at Trail Journeys)
socks
water bottle
sunscreen
camera
For evening wear
shirt or sweater
trousers or lightweight pants
underwear
sandals or light shoes
night wear
handkerchiefs
toilet requisites (towels, shampoo and conditioner are provided)
We transport your baggage each day to your accommodation. For those who prefer
to travel light, we have a shop in Queenstown, Outside Sports where the above
items can be purchased (with the exception of pyjamas and personal toilet
requisites) at competitive prices.
Only have one day?
See Details Otago Rail Trail Supported
Day Trips
Back to information on Trail Journeys Otago Rail
Trail Trips
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