5 Surprising Things to do on the Rail Trail

1. A Fine Dam Tour

You can’t miss the imposing hydroelectric dam at the start of the Rail Trail in Clyde.

Constructed between 1977 and 1989, Clyde Dam was finally commissioned in 1992 and can produce 432 megawatts of power from its four huge turbine generator units. That’s almost 9% of NZ’s peak electricity demand. It’s New Zealand’s third biggest hydroelectric dam.

But, you might be surprised to learn that you can take a fascinating access-all-areas tour of the dam, including deep into the dam wall itself, some 90m below the lake surface!

Read more here.

2. Ice, Ice, Baby…

Did you know that Naseby – just a short detour from the trail at Ranfurly – is the curling capital of the Southern Hemisphere?

Famously located at 2,000ft above worry level, Naseby’s internationally accredited indoor curling rink offers a unique opportunity to try curling for both first timers and seasoned veterans alike. But be warned, no matter your skill level, curling can quickly become addictive and extremely competitive!

The curling rink is open year-round and located at Maniototo Adventure Park, which also includes an ice luge track (winter only) and a 300m long summer luge.

Naseby is a 12km bike ride from Ranfurly (off the main trail), although shuttle transfers are also available.

3. Starry, Starry Night.

Central Otago is one of the best places in New Zealand for astronomy and astrophotography. With clear skies, low horizons, a dry atmosphere, and a southerly latitude, stargazing is a must-do when riding the Otago Central Rail Trail.

Stargazing tours are available in Naseby, and with another nod to the Heavens, don’t miss the Interplanetary Ride with its scale models of the planets arranged in an orbit along the trail which radiates from the sun in Ranfurly.

Did you know that Central Otago’s clear skies and geographical isolation makes it perfect for observing atmospheric chemistry and radiation? In fact, this is exactly why NIWA (the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research), has located its Atmospheric Research Station in Lauder, just off the Rail Trail.

4. Number 8 Wire and Kiwi Ingenuity

Kiwis are renowned for their ingenuity and resourcefulness; a can-do attitude and ability to think laterally to solve a problem.

At Historic Hayes in Oturehua, the workshop and homestead of Ernest and Hannah Hayes is a must do. These Central Otago pioneers had resourcefulness, skill and determination which has become the embodiment of Kiwi ingenuity and a number 8 wire approach to engineering.

Ernest Hayes was a millwright by trade, but when the railway came to Central Otago it killed demand for locally produced flour and so Ernest had to pivot to a new trade. At his Oturehua farm, he set about developing a series of brilliant new agricultural tools which his wife, Hannah, then sold and distributed around the region…by bicycle, of course!

Historic Hayes is open September – May, 9:30am – 4:30pm daily and has a great café onsite for hungry and thirsty modern-day cyclists.

5. Pedal to Pinot.

OK, so this might be less surprising, but Central Otago is home to world-class wineries and no trip along the Rail Trail would be complete with sampling some of the region’s famous pinot noir.

The Alexandra Basin (between Clyde and Alexandra) is the ideal place to visit some iconic vineyards, and perhaps take a bottle or two away in your panniers to enjoy later.

Located just off the Rail Trail in Clyde, the first vines in Otago were planted in the late 1860s at Monte Christo Winery. Accommodation, ‘Fritzy’ the food truck and wine tastings are available here.

Halfway between Clyde and Cromwell you’ll find Dunstan Road Wines. There’s a gate to the cellar door directly from the trail but look out for the flag on the post, which means that they’re open. A short distance further along the trail you’ll hit Immigrant’s Vineyard / Ruru Wines where you can pre-book a beautiful platter for lunch.

Read more about wine trail itineraries here.