Welcome to the Otago Trails!
Be inspired by stories from the best biking and hiking trails in Otago, New Zealand!
Otago’s trail network includes five Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand along with a multitude of other cycling, mountain biking and walking adventures from easy day trips to epic multiday missions.
Here at Trail Hub, you’ll find stories, news, itineraries, guides and tips to help you discover trails from Queenstown to Dunedin and throughout Central Otago and Clutha. So, read on, plan, get ready and go - create your own stories to share and inspire others!
Featured Stories
Trail Tipples
Ride Guides
Exploring Otago Wine Country on New Zealand’s Best Cycle Trails.
Trail TipplesTrail Tipples
Family Fun - the Lake Dunstan Trail
An easy bike ride for families along the Lake Dunstan Trail.
Lake Dunstan Trail Family RideFamily Fun - the Lake Dunstan Trail
Gravel Biking - A Cycling Revolution
Ride Guides
Otago is one of the world’s best gravel biking destinations.
Read MoreGravel Biking - A Cycling Revolution
Action Photography Guide
Photography
f/8 and be there! Tips and tricks for improving your photography.
f/8 and be thereAction Photography Guide
THE OTAGO TRAILS
Otago's purpose-built walking and cycling trails span a network of over 500kms, between Queenstown and Dunedin. The trails wind through diverse landscapes from rugged mountains and deep gorges to crystal clear lakes and rivers.
Get Inspired!
Affordable Cycling Holiday Tips
cycling, Ride Guides, Trail Tips & Coaching
Tips for an affordable cycling holiday.
Full Circle
cycling, Ride Guides, Quick Reads
A fun comparison of Le Tour de France and a Big Loop around Otago's cycle trails.
The Cairnmuir Circuit
Ride Guides, cycling, Lake Dunstan Trail
A classic Central Otago mountain bike or gravel bike loop ride, including the Lake Dunstan Trail.
11 of the Best Short Walks in Otago
Walking, Queenstown Trails, Otago Central Rail Trail, Lake Dunstan Trail, Roxburgh Gorge Trail, Clutha Gold Trail
11 of the best short walks in Otago and close to the cycle trails, ranging from 30 minutes up to 3 hours.
Taniwhā's Tail
Community & Environment, Walking, Ride Guides, Otago Central Rail Trail
The Upper Taiari River Scroll Plains are one of the most important and unique wetlands in NZ, and an easy detour off the Rail Trail.
Biking Naseby's Backroads
Ride Guides, Trail Towns, Otago Central Rail Trail
A network of quiet country roads just off the Rail Trail around Naseby are a worthwhile detour to discover some iconic country hotels.
The Big Loop
Otago's 500km network of cycling trails provides an opportunity for a Big Loop around the whole Otago region taking in some spectacular and diverse landscapes, not to mention vineyards, cosy country pubs and great cafes on an epic multi-day adventure...
Trail Towns
Trail Towns - Lauder
Trail Towns
“95% of people that visit Lauder are cyclists on the Rail Trail. 4.9% are here for an event, like a wedding. And 0.1% are completely and utterly lost”! …
Trail Towns - Ranfurly
Trail Towns
“Before you ask”, says Shirley with a wry grin, “No, the famous Ranfurly Shield rugby trophy – or Log o’ Wood - was not named after the town”.
Central Otago's Secret Tiny Towns
Trail Towns
Central Otago has dozens of secret tiny towns just waiting to be discovered, as Stuff's senior travel reporter, Siobhan Downes, finds out in this article.
Dunedin - a Ride at the Seaside
Trail Towns
Sensational beaches, craft breweries & fabulous food are just a short ride away.
Waipiata: Pie Central
Trail Towns
Stuff visits Waipiata, the tiny town on the Otago Central Rail Trail that's become famous for huge pies!
Lingering in Lawrence
Trail Towns
MCD Magazine explores the tiny town that once had a population bigger than Dunedin.