Central Otago Rail Trail

Pedalling through a landscape that shifts from golden tussock hills to rocky gorges, the Central Otago Rail Trail is one of New Zealand's Great Rides and a quintessential Kiwi adventure. This 150-kilometre cycling and walking trail follows the former Otago Central Railway line, threading through historic gold-mining towns, over viaducts, and alongside the Clutha River. With gentle gradients and well-maintained gravel surfaces, it's accessible to most fitness levels and offers a unique window into the region's pioneering past.

Highlights & What to See

• Cycle or walk the entire trail – a multi-day journey from Clyde to Middlemarch, passing through Cromwell, Alexandra, and Ranfurly, with plenty of heritage bridges and tunnels along the way.
• Explore historic gold-rush towns – stop at Cromwell (Old Cromwell Town), Alexandra (with its striking clock tower), and Naseby (famous for its ice rink and curling club).
• Poolburn Viaduct – a spectacular 47-metre-high curved viaduct that offers sweeping views over the Manuherikia Valley.
• Hawkdun Range views – the section between Omakau and Lauder reveals dramatic mountain scenery and the historic Lauder railway station.
• Local food and wine – detour to nearby Bannockburn vineyards or enjoy a slice of famous Cromwell fruit (cherries, apricots, peaches) in season.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most riders take 3–5 days to complete the full trail, allowing time to soak in the scenery and explore the towns. If you're short on time, pick a section: the 60 km between Clyde and Omakau is a popular two-day ride with plenty of accommodation. Walkers should budget 5–7 days for the whole trail. The best seasons are spring (October–November) and autumn (March–April) when temperatures are mild and the landscape is at its most colourful.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Queenstown – 1.5 hours' drive from Cromwell, offering adventure sports, lake cruises, and a vibrant dining scene.
• Wanaka – a scenic hour from Cromwell, with stunning lake views, hiking trails, and the famous #ThatWanakaTree.
• Dunedin – 2.5 hours east, known for its Scottish heritage, wildlife (Royal Albatross Centre), and the Otago Peninsula.
• Oamaru – Victorian architecture, steampunk culture, and a blue penguin colony – about 2 hours from the trail's northern end.
• Central Otago wine region – explore cellar doors in Bannockburn, Gibbston, and Bendigo for world-class Pinot Noir.

Please check official sources for current details.