A Beginner’s Guide to the Otago Central Rail Trail

The Otago Central Rail Trail is New Zealand’s original Great Ride, and it was literally built to be easy.

Following a decommissioned old railway line through heartland Otago, it offers big skies, epic landscapes, friendly small towns, and zero stress. Perfect for beginners, casual riders, active retirees, families (grandparents are often seen riding alongside the grandkids) and anyone else who thinks “fitness” should include morning coffee and cake, followed by an afternoon pinot noir.

So, what is the Rail Trail?

The Otago Central Rail Trail stretches for 152km from Clyde in Central Otago to Middlemarch which is part of the Dunedin region. It’s an off-road walking and cycling trail on a wide gravel path with no steep hills - just a gentle gradient (max 2%) on a route that was once used by trains. The trail winds through historic old goldmining towns, vineyards, iconic Otago landscapes, tunnels, viaducts, and dramatic rock formations.

You can ride the full thing over 3-5 days, or dip into it for a weekend ride or even a day trip. It’s about freedom, fresh air, and finding your own pace.

Why the Otago Central Rail Trail is ideal for first-time cycle tourers

• It’s flat (ish) - thanks to its railway roots
• The trail towns are close together - ideal for short riding days, morning coffee stops, long lunches and leisurely paced exploration
• Luggage transfer services - mean you only carry a small daypack or light panniers
• E-bikes available everywhere - e-bikes make the trail accessible to those that haven’t ridden a bike in years
• Accommodation, meals and transport - can all sorted in advance by expert bike tour companies
• No cars - means stress-free, safe riding

How to ride the Otago Central Rail Trail (and love every minute)

Ride Duration
Whether riding the full trail or just a short section, expert bike tour companies can help with cycle hire, shuttles to / from the trail and all the other logistics which you haven’t even thought about yet!

• Full trail: 3–5 days at an easy going pace with plenty of time for stops.
• Popular half day / day rides:
  Oturehua to Omakau (29.5 km) - points of interest along the way include the Golden Progress Mine, historic Gilchrist’s Store, Hayes Engineering, and crossing the longest bridge on the trail. A picnic lunch in the Poolburn Gorge is recommended and then finish your day at Omakau.
  Auripo Road to Chatto Creek (29.5 km) to Alexandra (46.5 km) - visit one of the highlights of the Trail, the Poolburn Gorge - journey through the two tunnels and across the famous viaduct. Stop for lunch at Lauder or Omakau, and finish with a cold beer or glass of local pinot at Chatto Creek. Arrange your pick-up here, or follow the Manuherikia River downhill to Alexandra.
  Hyde to Daisybank (21 km out and back) - explore the spectacular and secluded wilds of the Upper Taieri Gorge complete with its tunnels and bridges. Stop for picnic by the river, before riding back the same way.

Direction of travel
Most people ride from Clyde to Middlemarch but riding the trail in either direction is a wonderful journey. In spring, the prevailing wind tends to be from the northwest, meaning you’re more likely to have a tail wind following a west (Clyde) to east (Middlemarch) itinerary…. but no guarantees!

Tips for when you're on the trail

• The Rail Trail is shared by bikers, runners, dog-walkers and even horse riders so it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the basics of trail etiquette before you head off. Read more here.
• E-bikes have revolutionised the cycling industry and the trails are now accessible to people that might not otherwise have been able to ride them. But it’s important to understand that E-bikes will not make you a better rider, they just assist you along the way. Here are 12 top tips for E-biking.
• Here are some more useful tips to prepare for your first multi-day trail ride.

Must-do stops & experiences
It’s not just about the bike! There are so many fun and engaging off-trail activities and sights to experience along the Otago Central Rail Trail...

• Clyde – historic charm, cafes and wineries, and explore the Clyde Dam on a tour.
• Alexandra – wineries and fruit orchards, walk up to the famous Clock on the Hill, spectacular autumn colours and an indoor ice skating rink that’s open year-round.
• Chatto Creek – once a township of 800  (mostly comprised of rabbiters and Otago Central Rail Trail construction workers), the Chatto Creek Tavern has been quenching thirsts since 1886 and today is a popular lunch stop for cyclists.
• Omakau – detour to Ophir’s historic post office and the famous Daniel O’Connell Bridge
• Lauder – cross the longest bridge on the trail and have your head torch ready for Poolburn Gorge with its tunnels and viaduct.
• Oturehua – visit Gilchrist’s Store (still stocked like it’s 1920), and Historic Hayes a fascinating, living museum.
• Wedderburn – the iconic green railway shed is a must for an Instagram photo
• Ranfurly – a quirky art deco town in the middle of the vast Maniatoto plain, with great coffee and bakeries. Ranfurly also claims to be “Centre of the Universe”… based on the out of this world Interplanetary Ride.
• Naseby – historic goldmining town with heritage buildings and the curling capital of the Southern Hemisphere!
• Waipiata – or Wai-PIE-ata as known by the locals… the impressive pies available at the pub have made Waipiata a Rail Trail institution.
• Middlemarch – the finish line! Book a train trip back to Dunedin through the spectacular Taieri Gorge.