OTAGO CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS - 155KMS

This independent cycle adventure is a 5 day/4 night tour on the Otago Central Rail Trail. The trail is vehicle-free, has an easy gradient and takes you through amazing scenery, over viaducts and through tunnels. There are also many old historic hotels to visit along the way. Adding to your experience is a guided tour through the historic gold mining township of Naseby here you will try your hand at curling which is always great fun. Accommodation is in a twin/double share room.

Inclusions:

Cycle equipment: bicycle, helmet, repair kit, panniers, odometer and trail documentation

• All Luggage transfers: weight limit of 15kg per bag.

• All accommodation with ensuite or private bathroom and a continental breakfast. Based on twin/double share.

All transport from Queenstown along the trail where required and through to Dunedin.

Straight through bags from one end of the trail to the other Transport Middlemarch to Dunedin

DAY 1: Clyde to Alexandra - Distance: 8- 15kms

Your adventure starts in Queenstown where you will be picked up from your accommodation and brought to our Clyde Depot. Here you will be fitted on your bikes, briefed about your tour and start the ride to Lauder. Between Clyde and Alexandra, the trail takes you past vineyards and over an old wooden trestle bridge. For the more adventurous, there is the option of riding on the River Track to Alexandra, along the banks of the Clutha River / Mata Au. The River Track adds 7km to your ride, but it is well worth it if time and energy allow. If you wish to explore further, the Roxburgh Gorge Trail follows the river into the gorge for 10km to Doctors Point.

DAY 2: Alexandra to Omakau - Distance: 28 kms

From Alexandra, the trail heads out to Chatto Creek where the tavern serves an excellent lunch and is a recommended stop before cycling up Tiger Hill. The gradient is easy, and then it is downhill to your overnight accommodation in Omakau. We suggest riding the 5km loop to Ophir. Ophir is an interesting settlement with historic buildings and the Daniel O’Connell suspension bridge, as well as places for a coffee or a drink.

DAY 3: Omakau to Wedderburn - Distance: 42 kms

From Omakau, cycle to Lauder and the start of one of the most spectacular sections of the trail. The Poolburn Gorge, home to the rare New Zealand falcon, features tunnels and viaducts in a secluded rocky setting. The gorge then opens out to the vast expanse of the Ida Valley, made famous by the paintings of Graham Sydney. Oturehua is an interesting settlement with the old Gilchrist’s Store and the Oturehua Tavern. Other attractions include the historic Hayes Engineering Works & Homestead, and the remains of the Golden Progress Mine which is just north of Oturehua. The trail then takes you through Wedderburn and onto your accommodation at Wedderburn. Later that afternoon, you will be picked up and taken for a tour around the historic township of Naseby as well as trying your hand at curling. For your evening meal, the Wedderburn Tavern is just a short walk from your accommodation.

DAY 4: Wedderburn to Hyde - Distance: 46 kms

From Wedderburn, the trail is mostly downhill to Ranfurly, the Art Deco capital of Otago. Perhaps a stop here for morning tea before crossing the Maniototo Plains to a lunch stop at the Waipiata Tavern. The afternoon’s highlights are between Daisybank and Hyde where the trail runs alongside the Taieri River over the Capburn and Prices Creek Bridges and through the last tunnel before arriving at your accommodation.

DAY 5: Hyde to Middlemarch - Distance: 27 kms

The trail from Hyde passes the site of the 1943 Hyde Rail disaster and on through the wide-open spaces of the Strath Taieri. The end of the trail is at our Middlemarch Depot where you can have a shower, if you wish, before the transfer to Dunedin by shuttle. Transport back to Queenstown by bus can also be arranged instead of taking the shuttle to Dunedin.

$1,697