1
introductory

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 5 day cycle trail
Accommodation
  • 4 nights hotel/motel
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts

5 Days$2695NZD

Trip Code: ORT

Otago Rail Trail Trip highlights


  • Cycle the dedicated cycle trails of NZ's original great ride
  • Go deep into history through tunnels, over bridges, along railways & riverside paths
  • Experience the local 'southern hospitality' of Central Otago
  • Savour delicious local wine & food, and stay in great accommodation
  • Admire architectural gems in Clyde, Ophir, Ranfurly & Dunedin
  • Try your hand at 'curling' in Naseby
  • Marine wildllife cruise in the Otago Harbour on the Sootychaser
  • Explore Oamaru’s atmospheric Victorian precinct and the Pacific Coast

Why Book With Us

  • Pioneers in group cycle tours since 1992
  • Stay at the historic Dunstan House in Clyde and quaint Lauder School
  • Our support vehicle is always nearby if you are feeling tired
  • Flexibility to change the itinerary on tour if effected by weather or trail closures

Experience the full breadth and depth of New Zealand’s original Great Ride on our fully guided and supported trip on the Otago Central Rail Trail.

You’ll enjoy easy riding on this trail created especially for cyclists, walkers and horses.

Following the old branch line from Clyde to Middlemarch, it takes in grand landscapes, railway heritage and charming country towns.

Our expert guides will show you the trail’s best sights such as gold rush relics, architectural gems and amazing natural wonders. There’s even a chance to try the ancient art of curling at the Southern Hemisphere’s only indoor rink.

Start the trip in either Christchurch or Clyde, and finish in Christchurch or Dunedin.


Your adventure begins with the drive across the picturesque Canterbury Plains. After pausing for refreshments at the sweet country town of Geraldine, we’ll continue through rolling farmland to reach Fairlie where we’ll stop for lunch. The scenic journey over Burke’s Pass is a fitting introduction to the famous Mackenzie Country, where Lake Tekapo soon appears as a bright, blue jewel. Hopping on our bikes, we’ll warm up with an easy ride along peaceful hydro-canals lined with epic panoramas of the Southern Alps. Driving over the stunning Lindis Pass to reach Central Otago, we’ll arrive in Clyde. Enjoy a relaxing stroll around the old town or get back on the bike for a short ride along the mighty Clutha–Mata-au River before we meet up for our first group dinner. Cycling distance: 22km/14 miles; optional additional riding in the afternoon Accommodation: Dunstan House, Clyde

Meals:  L,D

Leaving Clyde via the historic railway line, we’ll track across rural plains encircled by dramatic mountain ranges. Beyond the tiny settlement of Chatto Creek, the trail climbs gently before levelling off to reach our lunch stop, Omakau. We’ll then hop on the bus for the short detour to must-see Ophir township and the Raggedy Range lookout for a bird’s eye view of region. Back on the bikes, it’s another 9km of easy riding to reach Lauder. Late afternoon we’ll drive to St Bathans for a walk around the surreal Blue Lake formed during the 1800s gold days. Enjoy a game of pool or banter at the Lauder pub before we tuck into a well-earned dinner. Cycling distance: 44km/27 miles Accommodation: Lauder School B&B

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s ride features the trip’s first tunnels and bridges as we trace the pretty Poolburn Gorge and head into the Idaburn Valley. We’ll stop at Hayes Engineering Works, a delightfully rustic heritage site, and Oturehua’s old-fashioned grocery store. After lunch, it’s a gentle climb to the rail trail’s highpoint, then a downhill roll to Ranfurly with its striking art deco architecture. Late afternoon, we’ll take the short drive to Naseby, a cute forestry town famous for its indoor curling rink. Here’s your chance to try ‘bowls on ice’ – it’s very addictive! Naseby is also terrific for a stroll or a sup at the old pub, both nice ways to wind down before we return to Ranfurly for dinner. Cycling distance 47km/29 miles Accommodation: Hawkdun Lodge, Ranfurly

Meals:  B,L,D

Today combines the trip’s biggest daily distance with some of its most fun riding. The trail tracks towards Waipiata, then follows the edge of an old lake before entering the Taieri Gorge with yet more bridges and tunnels. It’s a flowing downhill run to the historic Hotel Hyde, a picturesque spot for a breather. From here, the final 27km takes in the poignant 1943 Hyde rail disaster memorial, then wends across rolling plains towards the trail’s end at Middlemarch. After a well-earned café lunch, we’ll board the support vehicle for the drive through to Dunedin where we‘ll celebrate our trip with a final group dinner. Cycling distance: 59km/37 miles Accommodation: Dunedin Palms Motel

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we head off to ride alongside the Otago Harbour to Portobello. This ride takes us down the harbour, surrounded by volcanic hills on both sides, and home to nesting albatross, penguins, and seals, as well as the site of historic shipwrecks. We’ll get a closer look as we board the vessel ‘Sootychaser’ for a mini wildlife tour across to Port Chalmers. The Sootychaser is named after the Sooty shearwater, New Zealand’s muttonbird, and on our tour we’ll hear about history of the area, see the boats, make a detour to see harbour birds and Larnach Castle from a distance. From Port Chalmers we’ll drive north stopping for a wander around the Victorian Precinct and portside park in Oamaru. After lunch we continue driving northwards across the Canterbury Plains, and on to Christchurch for a central city drop-off around 6pm. Cycling distance: 15-20km/10-15 miles

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.



Inclusions

  • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x4), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x4), two course restaurant dinners (x4) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 4 nights comfortable motel/hotel accommodation on a twin share basis
  • Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides with groups of 8 or more)
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
  • Wine tasting at a Central Otago vineyard and curling at Naseby
  • Marine wildllife cruise in the Otago Harbour on the Sootychaser
  • Visit to St Bathans to see the incredible Blue Lake
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • Transport from Christchurch (return)
  • Otago Rail Trail passport to collect stickers as you ride the trail
  • Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Rider fees paid to the Department of Conservation and Trail Trusts for ongoing maintenance and improvements

  • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • All beverages, other than breakfast
  • Bike hire (including helmet)
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)

About Your Leader

Our guides are one of our biggest assets and we pride ourselves on their level of quality and high standards. Once the trip reaches 8 people, we provide you with two of our expert guides to maximise your enjoyment and overall experience. You’ll know you’re in safe hands as all of our guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics. They come from all walks of life but our guides have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you.


Accommodation


Bike information


Trail Surface


Grading

introductory  
1

The Otago Rail Trail Classic is graded introductory. The trail is wide with a compacted gravel trail surface and a gentle 1 to 50 gradient. 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. We recommend training on compacted gravel trails, and completing a multi-day ride prior to your trip to get used to being in the saddle for long periods of time. The more training you have done on hills and on compacted gravel, the more enjoyable your trip will be.


Departure dates


Notes

HS
Holiday Season
H
High Season
NB:
See more dates on our other Otago Central Rail Trail tour combined with the Lake Dunstan Trail, check out trip code ORQ.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$2695NZD

Options & Supplements*
  • Bike RentalNZD$150
  • Single Supplement - Limited to 2 per departureNZD$495
  • Ebike RentalNZD$500
*Prices listed are per person

Essential information

Ready to book? 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. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Otago Rail Trail Trip reviews


Otago Rail Trail Videos

Otago Central Rail Trail Tours NZ

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