The trail that inspired the creation of the new zealand cycle trail network, the otago central rail trail follows the old railway line between clyde and middlemarch. The cost to you will be in accommodation and meals while you are riding the trail. A number of rail trails have been established through new zealand. Official otago central rail trail website otago central rail trail on bikemap interactive map with gpx download. The otago central rail trail is a 150kilometre walking, cycling and horse riding track in the. Based on my experience, november was fine every day, very cold mornings and evenings. Catherine stewart planning tips for otago rail trail. Many elderly people bike or walk all or sections of the trail in both summer and winter. The queenstown otago rail trail is graded introductory. 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. The trail is wide with a compacted gravel trail surface and a gentle 1 to 50 gradient. Otago central rail trail new zealand, central otago rail. Experience for yourself why thousands of people love exploring the ota. Carpark rail trail information trailside toilet otago rail clyde dunedin queenstown wanaka cromwell clyde railhead 10 galloway o akau ophir ha to creek poo urn moa creek.
After years of working with the local communities along the trail, the otago central rail trail was opened in 2000. The original great ride in new zealand, this trail established the concept of routing an easy biking trail along a disused railway line. Getting me riding a bike on the otago rail trail, up through the poolburn tunnels has motivated me beyond words. Tunnel no 1 is in public reserve, appears to be no access to others. 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. Start planning your next adventure on the otago rail trail. Trail okm gangers shed information campground kilometres topographic outline panel patearoa tiroiti hyde scrub rock and pillar prices creek tunnel macraes flat map key. Otago rail trail nz cycle tours package with vehicle support. The otago central rail trail new zealands original great ride. Spin your way around mouth watering vineyards, past villages pulled from the watery depths, pan for gold, fly in the face of your vertigo and sample, sample otago s delicacies on this glorious cycle trail. Blown away by our experience at your stunning 1920s homestead, lauderburn house.
The otago central rail trail is a unique recreational facility located in the central otago region of new zealand. The otago central rail trail is ideal for walkers and cyclists who wish to see some spectacular central otago scenery, at an easy pace, on flat,gravelled terrain. We pride ourselves on our 5 service and provide you the latest trek roscoe 7 bikes and electric bike options. Central otago s popularity makes it essential to book accommodation well in advance for peak season januaryapril. Following the path of the former railway route between clyde and middlemarch, the otago central rail trail offers easy riding through everchanging scenery. Bike the otago central rail trail my moments and memories. Otago central rail trail official website of nzs original great ride. Rakis and tapui tunnels on the former tokarahi branch. Central otago has the most distinctive climate in new zealand. Imagine a dedicated bike trail where you can pedal comfortably for several days along the gentle grade of a. The single most important resource when travelling the central otago rail trail.
The immensely popular rail trail runs for 150kms between clyde and middlemarch close to dunedin and is a public reserve, motorised vehicles are not permitted. On this 4 day luxury otago central rail trail independent bike tour cycle adventure, you will pass through central otago s characteristic landscape of big skies and open spaces while riding through historic tunnels and over impressive viaducts, sample unique cuisine, and. You cycle the trail over 4 days around 45 hours cycling a day for someone with average fitness and bike it now. Your hospitality, knowledge of the area and kindness was worth millions. Follow the 150kilometre section of former railway line and explore heritage features, historical buildings and bridges and enjoy the wide open scenery of central otago. On the third day we cycle through two tunnels and over two rail bridges. Get your copy from selected bookshops, operators on the trail or buy it online from. 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. As new zealands original great ride, and the trail that inspired the nz cycle trail network, the 150km otago central rail trail follows a historic railway line from clyde to middlemarch. Wikimedia commons has media related to otago central rail trail. Journey through a one hundred million to one accurate.
Below us at the time are a willow tree edged gorge and welcoming river pools. Trail journeys offer a free accommodation booking service on the otago central rail trail, the roxburgh gorge and clutha gold cycle trails. Otago central rail trail central otago 2020 all you. The new zealand cycle trail project, a governmentled initiative, will greatly accelerate the establishment of new trails.
Check out what the otago central rail trail trust has been up to over. Transport trail journeys otago rail trail, roxburgh. Prekids, we had always talked about this holiday, and then we had three energetic kids eager for adventure. Once youve booked, we will supply you with a predeparture document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead. Enjoy central otago s big skies, distinctive landscape and famous southern hospitality. With the decline and closure of the railway, many buildings were disposed of before their historical value was realised. The otago central rail trail follows the former railway line between middlemarch and clyde.
Taieri gorge railway train journey dunedin railways. There is a mix of wide and narrow trails with a few undulating hills. Otago central rail trail cycling tours with trail journeys. Mosgiel, dunedin puke rangi otago central rail trail. Its all offroad, no traffic, just central otago s big skies and distinctive landscape to enjoy. Otago rail trail accommodation, tour planning, transport.
Otago central rail trail adventure south nz activities. It boasts a truly memorable blend of natural beauty, fascinating history and a series of friendly towns. Yes, its a must to book accommodation well in advance. 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 rail trail guide book this is the single most important resource you can own if you plan to travel the central otago rail trail. The otago rail trail classic is graded introductory. They sent out a detailed itinerary and a lot of information about what to expect, what to pack, where to book your evening meals and other useful information. 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. Otago central rail trail central otago, new zealand. This is a fascinating journey into some of new zealands most iconic scenery and history, where passengers are amazed at the engineering feats of new zealands early pioneers, set among the stunning landscape of the gorge. The otago central rail trail is ideal for easy pace cyclists. We would also love to have you as a friend on facebook or follower on instagram.
These should be booked in advance, but if there is space on a bus, 24 hours notice is adequate. A fantastic offroad cycle trail suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. New zealands original great ride is open all year round. Rail trail tours our most popular rail trail bike tours. Enjoy central otagos big skies, distinctive landscape and. Tunnels were brick lined for stability, a wooden framework was used form the curve of the tunnels and to hold bricks in place while the mortar set. This tour is our recommendation if you want to experience the trail at a leisurely pace. Use the interactive map below by selecting the buttons above the trail map to help plan your rail trail experience. Along the way we will even try our hand at the ancient art of curling bowls on ice. Its rightfully a very popular adventure through spectacular otago scenery, with tunnels and viaducts smoothing out dry, rocky hills and deep gorges. The otago central rail trail a great bike ride blog. As the railway served a large country district there were many stops along the route, but now few original stations and buildings remain. Not just how to get here and where to stay but the many other options available to make your trip even more special and give you time off the saddle.
New zealands original great ride, open all year round. We do hope that its inspired you to revisit and perhaps explore a bit more of the trail and its surrounds. The otago central rail trail is a recreation reserve managed by the department of conservation in partnership with the otago central rail trail charitable trust. The stone work on structures along the trail is one of the outstanding features and is an important part of the experience.
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. After a second tunnel, the railway runs along mullocky gully, crossing it over the 197 metres. It was the first day of our cycling the otago rail trail. The rail trail makes a large arc through the otago central valley along the foothills of the south islands east and west coastal mountain ranges, running slightly uphill for first half, generally nw from clyde to its halfway highpoint 618 metersjust over 2,000 ft elevation near wedderburn and then turns gently sw running slightly. A beautifully crafted book with amazing photography by peter andrews showing central otago as it truly is, one of the most rugged, extreme and. Several books on the trail and the surrounding area can be purchased at bookshops throughout new zealand. 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. Three tunnels on the former roxburgh branch ranging from 226 to 443 m. Three tunnels on the otago central rail trail former otago central railway, ranging in length from 152 to 229 m. Thank you for your feedback about your experience cycling on the otago central rail trail, you covered a very popular section on the trail. The stone work on structures along the trail is one of the outstanding. We offer the most comprehensive information on accommodation, transport and bike. Make sure you download and read the detailed otago rail trail classic trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking.
Which is the best way to cycle the otago central rail trail. 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. Everything you need to plan a unique central otago rail trail experience. We suggest you plan your trip and book accommodation.
The otago central rail trail is a great family experience but children should be good riders no trainer wheels or else seated in a trailalong attached to an adults bike. Catherine stewart planning tips for otago rail trail read more from catherineis there a right time to go. Best section is auripo to omakau otago central rail trail. Further trail information including faqs, newsletters, our free brochure and much more. 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. Selfplanning your otago central rail trail adventure is as easy as. Combine a wealth of history with railway charm and the result is one of new zealands bestloved scenic railway journeys. Steeped in history and with a constant easy gradient, it is a great way to view scenery not seen from the highway. Alternatively, you may wish to share your pics via these platforms or email to. 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. In the event of an emergency dial 111 for nonurgent medical servic. Rich in history, the otago central rail trail is popular with walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders alike. 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.
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. Already, in our lodgings at clyde, we had encountered the warmth of southern hospitality. Shut one eye cycling the otago rail trail a curious. Read the easy guide book first and youll arrive better prepared for your trip. From bike hire to accommodation and even luggage transfers, trail journeys can help you plan and book everything for a seamless otago cycling trip. Shut one eye this is the advice given to us from a stranger. Luckily trains could not climb sleep hills, so the rail trail is an easy riding trail with no steep hills. The otago central rail trail cycle surgery rail trail. The classic experience is to ride it over several days, but the trail can. The clutha gold trail ends at lawrence, otago s first gold rush town.
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