Otira Rail Trail

Snaking through the dense rainforest and steep river valleys of the Southern Alps, the Otira Rail Trail is a wonderfully scenic and accessible cycling and walking track that follows the historic Otira Tunnel route. This 8.5 km trail connects Otira to the base of the tunnel, offering a gentle gradient, historic relics, and a palpable sense of isolation that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time to the golden age of rail.

Highlights & What to See

• Historic Otira Tunnel Portal – The imposing western entrance of New Zealand's longest rail tunnel, a marvel of early 20th-century engineering, framed by lush native bush.
• Kelly's Creek Viaduct – A graceful curved steel viaduct that offers dramatic views down the narrow gorge; perfect for photos.
• Abandoned Rail Relics – Along the trail you'll spot old signal posts, sleepers, and remnants of the workers' camp, adding a layer of industrial archaeology to the ride.
• Native Forest & Birdlife – The trail winds through podocarp forest alive with the calls of bellbirds and fantails; keep an eye out for the occasional kea near the tunnel portal.
• Jackson Bay Option – Extend your journey by riding the short but scenic Jackson Bay Road to the wild west coast beach, where you can spot dolphins and seals.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 2–3 hours for the return ride or walk (including time to explore the tunnel portal and viaduct). Cyclists can comfortably do the full trail in 1–1.5 hours each way, while walkers should budget 3–4 hours. If you're combining it with a visit to Jackson Bay, set aside half a day to enjoy the coastal scenery and a picnic.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Jackson Bay – A remote, windswept settlement with a stunning beach and the southernmost café on the West Coast; perfect for a meal after the ride.
• Haast Pass Highway – Drive the spectacular road to Haast, with stops at Thunder Creek Falls and the Blue Pools; a must for nature lovers.
• Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers – About 1.5 hours north, these iconic glaciers offer heli-hikes and valley walks; pair them with the trail for a diverse West Coast itinerary.
• Lake Matheson – Famous for its mirror reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook, this easy loop walk is a serene contrast to the rail trail's industrial history.

Please check official sources for current details.