WATCH: RAIL TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS
In Pictures - The Otago Central Rail Trail
New Zealand's original Great Ride, the Otago Central Rail Trail remains one of the country's best multi-day cycle trails and a must do experience.
Young or old; experienced rider or novice; summer or winter; the Rail Trail offers a multi-sensory experience from its breathtaking landscapes to fabulous food and wine, and that unforgettable Central Otago hospitality and welcome from the locals.
Be inspired by the photos and video below and start planning your own adventure on the Otago Central Rail Trail now!
- Photo credits: Cameron Mackenzie, Geoff Marks, James Jubb & Will Nelson
The western end of the Otago Central Rail Trail starts / finishes in the historic town of Clyde on the Clutha River.
Clyde is home to some excellent accommodation, cafes and restaurants.
There are numerous bike shops and trail operators in Cyde to help you hit the trail.
It's an easy 10km ride from Clyde to Alexandra where the trail starts to follow the Manuherikia River.
Spectacular views and a hearty pub lunch await at Chatto Creek.
Great hospitality is a consistent theme along the length of the Rail Trail...
... as is great food! Photos: Chatto Creek Tavern.
A short deviation from the Rail Trail at Omakau via the old Ophir Bridge is worthwhile...
....and leads to more seriously good food at Pitches Store in the historic settlement of Ophir.
If you've worked up an appetite, then the huge cheese rolls at Stationside Cafe in Lauder will fill you up!
The trail is well signed along its entire 152km. The refurbished station building in Lauder
Between Lauder and Auripo, the Poolburn Gorge with its spectacular viaduct is a highlight of the trail.
A torch can be very useful for the numerous tunnels along the length of the trail.
Remember to dismount and walk through the tunnels for your safety.
Accommodation along the trail includes historic country taverns, cosy B&Bs and farm stays like Wedderburn Cottages (pictured).
The garden at the old Ranfurly Station (now the Visitor Information Centre) is ideal for picnics.
The trail passes right through the centre of Ranfurly.
Iconic Central Otago landscapes near Waipiata.
The half kilo pies at the Waipiata Country Hotel have gained cult status. (Tip: arrive hungry)!
The trail meanders along the Taieri River out of Waipiata towards Middlemarch at its eastern end.
End of the line... Middlemarch is the eastern end of the Otago Central Rail Trail.
Celebrating an epic 152km ride with a cold beer at the Strath Taieri Hotel in Middlemarch.
The sunsets over the Otago Central Rail Trail near Middlemarch.
A Trail For All Seasons
The Otago Central Rail Trail can be ridden year round.
Fresh snow on the hills makes for spectacular winter riding.
From late March to early May, the autumn colours of Central Otago are a photographer's dream!
Colourful flowers bloom throughout the summer - tulips in Lauder.
Spring blossoms line the trail, especially riding through the fruit orchards around Clyde & Alexandra.
You're sure to make some new friends along your Rail Trail journey!
For more information including trail maps, itinerary ideas, tour packages with accommodation, transport and bike hire plus more great photos and travel tips for your Rail Trail journey check out the Otago Central Rail Trail website by clicking below.
If you've already ridden the Rail Trail and would like to help support its maintenance and upkeep, you can make a donation here.
We'd love to know what you thought of your Rail Trail experience, and it would be hugely appreciated if you completed a Rail Trail Survey so that we can continue to develop and improve the trail.
Thank you!
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