Otago Central Rail Trail

Stretching for 150 kilometres through the heart of the South Island, the Otago Central Rail Trail is New Zealand's original Great Ride, a gentle cycling and walking route that follows an old railway line between Clyde and Middlemarch. This is not a wilderness trail but a journey through the region's gold-mining history, passing through dry, rugged landscapes dotted with historic stone bridges, tunnels, and tiny former railway settlements. The trail is well-graded, mostly gravel, and suitable for most fitness levels, making it an accessible way to experience the vastness and raw beauty of Central Otago.

Highlights & What to See

• Historic Railway Structures: Ride through several tunnels, over high viaducts, and across the iconic Poolburn Gorge viaduct, a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering.
• Gold-Mining Ghost Towns: Stop at abandoned settlements like Chatto Creek and Omakau, where old pubs and stone buildings whisper tales of the gold rush era.
• Wine Country Detours: The trail's western end near Clyde and Alexandra puts you in the heart of the Central Otago wine region, perfect for a post-ride pinot noir.
• Stunning Landscapes: Pedal through the dramatic Maniototo plain, with the Rock and Pillar Range rising in the distance, and the tawny tussock-covered hills under big blue skies.
• Wildlife Encounters: Keep an eye out for native birds like the South Island pied oystercatcher and the iconic New Zealand falcon (kārearea).

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow three to five days to ride the full trail at a leisurely pace, stopping overnight at historic pubs, farm stays, and B&Bs in the small towns along the way. Many cyclists break the trail into four days, riding 30–40 kilometres each day with plenty of time for photos, picnics, and exploring side trips. If you're short on time, you can sample the best sections, such as the 20-kilometre stretch between Ranfurly and Waipiata, in a few hours.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Queenstown: About two hours' drive from Clyde, this adventure capital offers bungee jumping, jet boating, and stunning lake views.
• Wanaka: A scenic one-hour drive from Cromwell, Wanaka is a quieter alternative to Queenstown with great hiking and the famous #ThatWanakaTree.
• Dunedin: The trail's eastern end at Middlemarch is just over an hour from Dunedin, where you can explore Victorian architecture, the Otago Peninsula, and albatross colonies.
• Alexandra & Clyde: These historic gold-mining towns at the trail's western end offer wineries, fruit orchards, and the Clyde Dam.

Please check official sources for current details.