Central Otago Rail Trail

The Central Otago Rail Trail is New Zealand's premier cycling and walking journey, a 150-km ribbon of crushed gravel that threads through the region's historic gold-mining heartland. Following the old Otago Central Railway line, the trail offers a gentle grade, making it accessible to casual riders and families, while rewarding you with ever-changing landscapes: tawny tussock hills, rocky gorges, and the shimmering man-made lakes of the Maniototo plain. Along the way, you'll roll through tiny, preserved towns like Clyde, Omakau, and Ranfurly, each with its own character and stories of the gold rush era. The air smells of wild thyme and dust, and the silence is broken only by the crunch of tyres and the occasional birdcall. This is a trip that feels both adventurous and deeply peaceful.

Highlights & What to See

• Ride or walk the entire trail over 3–5 days, staying in historic hotels and B&Bs in towns like Clyde, Omakau, and Ranfurly.
• Explore Clyde, the trail's southern terminus, with its charming stone buildings, the Clyde Dam, and excellent cafes.
• Cross the Poolburn Gorge Viaducts – dramatic iron bridges that span deep, rocky gorges.
• Visit the Otago Central Rail Trail Museum in Ranfurly for a dose of railway and gold-mining history.
• Stop at the historic townships of Omakau and Lauder, where you can soak up the local hospitality and sample Central Otago wines.
• Cycle through the Maniototo plain, a vast, open landscape with big skies and a sense of isolation.
• Look out for the 'ghost' railway stations – restored platforms and signal boxes that dot the route.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most people take 3 to 5 days to cycle the entire trail, covering 30–50 km per day at a relaxed pace. If you're short on time, you can ride a section as a day trip – for example, the 16 km from Clyde to Omakau or the 20 km from Ranfurly to Waipiata. Walking the full trail takes 5 to 7 days. For a truly immersive experience, allow 4 days to cycle, with stops to explore each town and enjoy the local food and wine scene.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Queenstown – a 1.5-hour drive from Clyde; combine the trail with the adventure capital's lakes and mountains.
• Wanaka – about 1 hour from Clyde; enjoy lake views, hiking, and wineries.
• Dunedin – 2.5 hours east; explore its Victorian architecture, wildlife, and the Otago Peninsula.
• Alexandra – just 10 km from Clyde; famous for its fruit-growing and the Alexandra Blossom Festival.
• Naseby – a short detour from the trail; a historic gold-mining village with a curling rink and forest walks.

Please check official sources for current details.