OTAGO TRIPPIN' WITH NZ CYCLING JOURNAL
In autumn 2022, after weeks of studying maps, the team from NZ Cycling Journal put together their very own Grande Boucle* of Otago on gravel bikes utilising the infrastructure of the Great Rides as hubs and spokes to explore some wild and remote corners of Otago...
*Otherwise known as the Big Loop… or more commonly as Le Tour de France.
Otago’s Great Rides network encompasses over 400km of purpose-built cycling trails stretching from Queenstown to the Dunedin region and as far as Waihola on the coast with the opening on the Clutha Gold Trail extension in April 2023.
Not only are these trails outstanding multiday rides in their own right, with a supporting infrastructure of great cafes, welcoming country taverns and bike-friendly accommodation, but with mile after mile of quiet gravel roads they also provide the opportunity for exploring well off the beaten track.
Read NZ Cycling Journal's epic story here, with a gallery of previously unpublished photos below.
Photo credits: Cam MacKenzie www.cameronmackenzie.co.nz
The 5-day adventure began and finished from Alexandra. Crossing the Alexandra Bridge and the Clutha River to the start of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail.
Meeting the jet boat | water taxi service which connects the 2-ends of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail.
The jet boat is one of the highlights of the trail and includes a fascinating commentary on the gold mining heritage of the region.
An aerial view of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail makes it look like a work of art...
Zigging and zagging on the switchbacks up to the viewpoint over the Roxburgh Dam
Spectacular autumn riding along the Clutha River on the Clutha Gold Trail.
Full beam at sunrise on Otago's backroads.
Mighty Mahinerangi - breathtaking scenery on the approach to Lake Mahinerangi
Sunrise on the Otago Central Rail Trail near Middlemarch.
The original and still one of the best - the Otago Central Rail Trail.
The Old Dunstan Road can be challenging - best ridden in warm, dry conditions.
The long steady climb up to Poolburn Dam.
Soft light at sunset over the Ida Valley.
Whether on a mountain bike, gravel bike or eBike, the network of purpose-built trails and backroads throughout the Otago region makes for some outstanding bike riding. So, pull out the map and get planning your next mission!
Special thanks to Liam Friary from NZ Cycling Journal and photographer Cameron MacKenzie for their support with this story.
Related Stories
-
In Pictures - the Queenstown Trails
A stunning photo gallery of the Queenstown Trail - a network of over 130km of purpose-built walking and cycling trails.
Read more about In Pictures - the Queenstown Trails -
In Pictures - The Otago Central Rail Trail
Best of the Otago Central Rail Trail - a stunning video and photo gallery.
Read more about In Pictures - The Otago Central Rail Trail -
In Pictures - Autumn Trail Colours
A gallery of spectacular autumnal photos from around the Otago Trails.
Read more about In Pictures - Autumn Trail Colours -
The Movie Pedlar
Brett is the Taupō-based founder, curator, and self-described pedlar, of the Big Bike Film Night – a film festival that celebrates cycling in all its glorious shapes and forms.
Read more about The Movie Pedlar -
Backcountry for Beginners
The Mount Ida Water Race is a great backcountry mountain bike ride for beginners.
Read more about Backcountry for Beginners -
The Best Pies in Otago
A guide to the best pies in Otago along the cycle trails.
Read more about The Best Pies in Otago -
Mastering Shared Path Etiquette
A guide to safe and courteous trail sharing.
Read more about Mastering Shared Path Etiquette -
Marauding Magpies
Tips for cyclists to avoid swooping magpies this spring.
Read more about Marauding Magpies -
Taniwhā's Tail
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.
Read more about Taniwhā's Tail -
Wheel Life
Rob McFarland of Explore Magazine on cycling New Zealand's latest spectacular Great Ride
Read more about Wheel Life -
In Pictures - Roxburgh Gorge Trail
A photo gallery and video from the spectacular Roxburgh Gorge Trail - one of NZ's best day rides.
Read more about In Pictures - Roxburgh Gorge Trail -
The Golden Trails of Otago
Australian Mountain Bike magazine discovers that the trails of Central Otago are a great way to break up riding the more demanding technical downhill tracks.
Read more about The Golden Trails of Otago -
The Clutha Gold Trail Expansion
A remarkable 62km extension to the Clutha Gold Trail is nearing completion. This ambitious project will connect the existing network of trails in Central Otago and Clutha, establishing a continuous cycle path all the way to the East Coast.
Read more about The Clutha Gold Trail Expansion -
Restoring Native Habitats on the Clutha Gold Trail
An exciting project called Te Nukuroa o Matamata has the vision of restoring native habitats around Lake Waihola on the Clutha Gold Trail.
Read more about Restoring Native Habitats on the Clutha Gold Trail -
Lingering in Lawrence
MCD Magazine explores a tiny town that once boasted double the population of Dunedin!
Read more about Lingering in Lawrence
