Otago Central Rail Trail

The Otago Central Rail Trail is a 150-kilometre cycling and walking track that follows an old railway line through the heart of Otago's rugged gold-mining country. With its gentle gradients, historic tunnels, and viaducts, it's a leisurely journey through dramatic landscapes of dry hills, rocky outcrops, and wide river valleys. The trail passes through tiny former gold-rush towns where you can soak in hot pools, visit local pubs, and explore heritage museums.

Highlights & What to See

• Cycling or walking the entire trail – a multi-day adventure through ever-changing scenery, from the Maniototo plains to the Taieri River gorge.
• Historic tunnels and viaducts – ride through the 1.5km-long Poolburn Gorge Tunnel and cross the dramatic Taieri River Viaduct.
• Heritage railway stations – stop at restored stations in Ranfurly, Wedderburn, and Lauder, each with local history displays.
• Oturehua – a classic gold-rush village with a working blacksmith, the historic Gilchrist's Store, and the Rough Ridge Tunnel.
• Naseby – a charming town with New Zealand's only indoor curling rink and excellent mountain biking trails off the rail trail.
• St Bathans – a historic village with the Blue Lake (a former gold mine) and the Vulcan Hotel, one of the country's oldest pubs.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most people take 4–6 days to cycle the entire trail, averaging 25–40 km per day. If you're short on time, you can do a day ride on the most scenic sections, such as from Middlemarch to Hyde or from Ranfurly to Wedderburn. Walkers should allow at least 6–8 days for the full trail. The best times are spring (October–November) and autumn (March–April) when temperatures are mild and the landscapes are at their most colourful.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Queenstown – the adventure capital of New Zealand, perfect for adrenaline activities and lake cruises, about 2.5 hours' drive from the trail's western end.
• Wanaka – a stunning lakeside town with hiking, skiing, and the famous #ThatWanakaTree, about 2 hours from the trail.
• Dunedin – a historic city with a vibrant student culture, the Otago Peninsula's wildlife, and the trail's eastern terminus, about 1 hour from Middlemarch.
• Arrowtown – a picturesque gold-mining settlement with a charming main street, excellent for a half-day detour en route to Queenstown.
• Glenorchy – a gateway to the Routeburn Track and Paradise, offering spectacular alpine scenery and horse treks, about 2.5 hours from the trail.

Please check official sources for current details.