Welcome to the Otago Trails!
Be inspired by stories from some of the best trails in New Zealand!
Otago’s trail network includes five Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand along with a multitude of other cycling and walking adventures from easy day trips to epic multiday missions.
Here at Trail Hub, you’ll find stories, news, itineraries and tips to help you discover trails and towns 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!
Latest Stories
Trail Rescue
Community & Environment, From Local Experts
How volunteers from across the emergency services collaborate to save lives.
Trail RescueTrail Rescue
Cycle Trail Etiquette
From local experts
Learn how to be a good human on the Otago trails...
Good Cycling EtiquetteCycle Trail Etiquette
Tips for Safe & Enjoyable E-bike Riding
From local experts
“It’s just like riding a bike...isn’t it”?
E-Bike Safety TipsTips for Safe & Enjoyable E-bike Riding
Cycling Tips for Beginners
Tips to prepare for your first multi-day trail ride.
Cycling Tips for BeginnersCycling Tips for Beginners
How to support your trails
The Otago Trails rely on funding support and donations for track maintenance and new trail building.
Help by making a donation or completing a trail survey to help us improve the trail experience. Thank you.
Get Inspired!
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.
In Pictures - the Queenstown Trails
Ride Guides, Photography & Video, Quick Reads, Queenstown Trails
A stunning photo gallery of the Queenstown Trail - a network of over 130km of purpose-built walking and cycling trails.
Rail Trail Family Must Dos
Read More About Rail Trail Family Must Dos
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.
On Track in Tarras
A 60km (6-7 hour) advanced mountain bike ride through iconic Central Otago landscapes from Cluden Creek to McPhies Ridge Track near Tarras.
Central Otago Touring Route Plus a Bike
Ride Guides, Otago Central Rail Trail
Whether your preferred choice of two wheels is a mountain bike, gravel bike or e-bike, here are some ride ideas to get you rolling along the Central Otago Touring Route…
RESTORING NATIVE HABITATS ON THE CLUTHA GOLD TRAIL
An exciting project on the Clutha Gold Trail extension called Te Nukuroa o Matamata is restoring native habitats to support healthy ecosystems at Lake Waihola and the surrounding wetlands.
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.