2
introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

 

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

5 Days$2795NZD

Trip Code: ORQ

Trip highlights


  • Ride the stunning new Lake Dunstan trail through the magnificent Cromwell Gorge
  • Enjoy easy riding in epic landscapes with big skies on the Otago Rail Trail
  • Go deep into history through tunnels, over bridges, along railways & riverside paths
  • Try your hand at curling in Naseby
  • Admire architectural gems in Clyde, Ophir, Ranfurly, Dunedin, Oamaru & beyond
  • Enjoy a marine wildlife cruise on the Sootychaser in Otago Harbour
  • Savour delicious local wine & food, and stay in great accommodation
  • 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

Ride through an array of spectacular southern landscapes on our fully guided and supported trip taking in both the Lake Dunstan Trail and Otago Central Rail Trail.

The adventure begins with a warm up ride alongside the shimmering waters of Lake Dunstan before we have the option to ride through the dramatic Cromwell Gorge on the new Lake Dunstan Trail.

Then you’re off on New Zealand’s first and most famous Great Ride. Following the old Otago Central railway line from Clyde to Middlemarch, this iconic, multi-day ride takes in grand landscapes, charming towns, country hospitality and rich history.

Our expert guides will show you the best trailside highlights such as heritage sites, architectural gems, and vineyards.

You’ll also enjoy delicious local food and drink, and friendly welcomes in accommodation full of character.


We’ll meet in downtown Queenstown at 8:00am and drive through the picturesque Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell. We unload the bikes at Smith’s Way and start our journey with an easy ride following the glistening shores of Lake Dunstan. We pass through Cromwell’s Old Town, a small historic precinct dating back to the gold rush days of the 1800s, where galleries, coffee shops and boutiques give us a short break from the bike. The trail continues along the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to the Bannockburn Bridge offering stunning views across the lake while passing by wineries and olive groves, making the perfect stop for lunch. From Cornish Point some riders will continue on along the new Lake Dunstan Trail into the dramatic Cromwell Gorge, where the track winds around sheer rockfaces and over lake inlets on impressively engineered platforms and bridges rising above the lake to Clyde. For those riders who wish to avoid the more demanding section through the gorge, there will be an option to drive to Clyde and ride all or part of the easier river trail to Alexandra, or explore the small historic town. We will all meet again in Clyde, settle into our comfortable accommodation and enjoy a winery visit and our first group dinner in the early evening. Cycling Distances: Smith’s Way to Cornish Point – 30km/18miles Cornish Point to Clyde via Lake Dunstan (Moderate) – 25km/15miles Clyde to Alexandra River Trail (Introductory) – 12km/7miles each way 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/27miles 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 lunch, we’ll board the support vehicle for the drive 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 and cafe lunches (x4), two course restaurant dinners (x4) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 4 nights comfortable motel/hotel accommodation on a twin share basis
  • Curling at Naseby
  • Visit to St Bathans to see the incredible Blue Lake
  • Marine wildlife cruise in the Otago Harbour on the Sootychaser
  • 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
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • Otago Rail Trail passport to collect stickers as you ride the trail
  • Wine Tasting at a boutique Central Otago vineyard
  • Transport from Queenstown to Christchurch
  • 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 to moderate  
2

The Lake Dunstan & Otago Central Rail Trail is graded introductory to moderate. The section of the Lake Dunstan Trail through the Cromwell Gorge on day 1 is moderately technical and is optional as it is more challenging with some short hills, narrow track, tight corners and exposure in places. There is an alternate ride for less confident riders. The Otago Central Rail Trail is graded introductory and is a good, hard packed wide trail with just one significant hill which is a gradual gradient as it follows the course of the old railway. Overall you will need a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy the trip 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. For those keen to ride through the Gorge, experience of rougher terrain and riding tight corners is recommended.


Departure dates


Notes

HS
Holiday Season
H
High Season
NB:
See more dates on our Classic Otago Rail Trail, check out trip code ORT

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

$2795NZD

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 Lake Dunstan and Otago Central Rail Trail 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.


Trip reviews


Videos

Otago Central Rail Trail Tours NZ

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