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Otago Central Rail Trail

Dun Mountain Trail, Nelson, New Zealand
Otago Central Rail Trail
Otago
  • Grade: Easy
  • Duration: 1-5 days
  • Total Length: 150km
  • Location: Otago

Named after the original railway line, built between 1891 and 1907, the Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand's original 'Great Ride', is steeped in history. The Rail Trail offers a 150 kilometre scenic and historic journey into the Central Otago heartland. Cyclists will traverse ever-changing mountainous, dry and rocky landscapes, spectacular river gorges, tunnels, viaducts and more.

There are over 20 townships located on and off the trail to explore, with opportunities to meet the spirited locals and to take detours and side trips to unique places such as old abandoned gold diggings left over from the gold rush. The detailed workmanship of the stone bridges and tunnel facings along the trail have stood the test of time and the mountains still bear scars of the races, built back in the 1860s to bring water to the long gone gold mines.

The Central Otago climate is characterised by hot summers, cold winters and low rainfall. As the seasons change, the landscape is dominated by a stunning array of browns, golds and reds.

The Otago Central Rail Trail begins and ends in Middlemarch and Clyde. Getting to the Otago Central Rail Trail can be an experience in itself. From Dunedin, you can take a two and a half hour train trip travelling the historic Taieri Gorge Railway to start your ride at Middlemarch. It's a one hour drive from Queenstown through spectacular scenery and vineyard country to Clyde, if you want to start your ride there. Shuttle transport is also available enabling you to begin or end your cycle journey almost anywhere along the trail.

There are toilets are available at regular intervals along the trail. Drinking water is not always readily available so be sure to carry plenty. Mobile phone reception is available but can be weak along some sections of the trail. You can experience four seasons in one day on the Otago Central Rail Trail, so carry clothing sufficient to cope with a range of temperatures. Be sure to apply sunscreen no matter what the season as the sun can burn in even in colder months.

For more information, view the The Otago Central Rail Trail page provided by NZ Cycle Trail.

Central Otago

Find out more about the Central Otago region by following the links below:

All Central Otago Accommodation can be booked online.

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