Otago Central Rail Trail by bike

Otago Central Rail Trail - New Zealand
Distance
152 km (94 miles)
Country
New Zealand
Difficulty
Easy
Type of trip
Cycling route

The Otago Central Rail Trail is a 152 km gravel trail between Clyde and Middlemarch in the South Island of New Zealand. It follows the old Otago Central Railway, which closed in 1990, and opened as a trail in 2000. It was the first of New Zealand’s Great Rides. The gradient is never steeper than about 1 in 50, and the trail is graded easiest.

Most people take three to five days, staying in the small towns along the way. Alexandra, Omakau, Lauder, Oturehua, Ranfurly and Hyde all have places to sleep and eat. Bikes can be hired at either end, and luggage transfers are common. The surface is gravel, so expect some bumps and loose stones.

Highlights along the way

  1. Poolburn Gorge: two tunnels, 201 m and 230 m long, and the 108 m Poolburn Viaduct. Bring a light.
  2. Highest point: the trail tops out at 618 m between Oturehua and Ranfurly, on the edge of the Maniototo.
  3. Ranfurly: the largest town on the inland stretch, and a common overnight stop.
  4. Middlemarch: the eastern end, where the Taieri Gorge train from Dunedin can link up with the trail.

Distance

152 km, Clyde to Middlemarch or the other way round.

Best time to go

It’s open all year. Spring and autumn are usually the most comfortable. Summer can reach 35°C with little shade, and winter brings frost and sometimes snow. The Taieri Gorge train runs a reduced timetable, so check it before planning around it.

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