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Cycle New Zealand: Otago Rail Trail

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Cycle New Zealand: Otago Rail Trail

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Description

It’s almost like New Zealand was made for cycling. This is a land known for its natural beauty, welcoming people and delicious wine, and this cycling trip just happens to take in the best of it. Kick things off in the outdoor paradise of Queenstown, then cycle the famous Central Otago Rail Trail through small gold-mining towns like Alexandra, Omakau, Wedderburn and Hyde. Meander through the open plains with pristine rivers, enjoy some proper South Island hospitality at local taverns, and rediscover the joy of pedalling through one of the most gorgeous areas in the entire country.

Trip Name
Cycle New Zealand: Otago Rail Trail
Last Updated
2024-04-18
Days
4
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Cycle the spectacular Otago Central Rail Trail, the oldest rail trail in the country and voted 'New Zealand's Favourite Ride' for the past two years.
  • Ring along flat, traffic-free paths alongside some of the South Island's most stunning scenery.
  • Begin your journey in Queenstown, an outdoor paradise set among the stunning Southern Alps of New Zealand.
  • Experience firsthand the famous hospitality of New Zealanders on a trail built specifically to cater to cyclists.
  • Cycle in the company of an experienced guide as they share their unique perspective of this fascinating region.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Queenstown & Otago Rail Trail
Kia-ora! Welcome to Queenstown, New Zealand. If you have time before or after the tour in the country's adventure capital, there's simply no end to the line-up of optional activities including bungee-jumping, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, helicopter rides, jet boating and paragliding. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars to keep you entertained. This cycling trip kicks off with a pick-up at 8 am. After the meeting, you’ll jump in a private vehicle and follow the Kawarau River to nearby Clyde (85kms, approximately 1.5 hour), where you’ll be fitted with your bike to start your cycling adventure along the Otago Rail Trail, which has been voted NZ's ‘Favourite Ride’ for the past two years. The trail runs for 152 kilometres/95 miles in total and was originally used to transport supplies to and from the Gold Fields, then later to transport goods and livestock. It fell into disrepair but was refurbished into a rail trail at the start of the new millennium and is now arguably the best way to explore the area and contribute to the local economy. You'll begin by cycling past vineyards, over an old wooden trestle bridge and along the Clutha River Track for around 13 kilometres before arriving in Alexandra via the historic bridge. Take a short rest in this delightful gold rush-era town, then cycle toward Galloway Station and though Chatto Creek, up Tiger Hill then cruise downhill to your overnight accommodation in Omakau/ Ophir. Perhaps join the locals for dinner and a locally-brewed Dark Horse beer or cider at the renowned Commercial Hotel before settling in for a well-earned sleep. For those looking for a little more riding we highly recommend a side trip to Ophir (4kms/2miles return from Omakau). Once a thriving Goldfields hub, its well-preserved historical buildings and one of the last surviving suspension bridges in Central Otago (Dan O’Connell Bridge) are well worth the extra effort.
Day 2 - Otago Rail Trail - Omakau to Wedderburn
The highlight of today's cycle is the beautiful Poolburn Gorge section of the trail, which features two tunnels and two viaducts. You'll then ride through the Ida Valley farmlands, pedalling past Idaburn Dam, one of New Zealand's few outdoor curling sites, and visiting the Hayes Historic Engineering Works before stopping at Oturehua Tavern for lunch. After lunch, you'll continue north to the Golden Progress Mine and up to the highest point of the trail before stopping for the night at Wedderburn. In the evening, enjoy a traditional, farm-style meal at the Wedderburn Tavern (not included) and rest those legs.
Day 3 - Otago Rail Trail - Wedderburn to Waipiata
A short but good day today – just 23 kilometres in total – though it's mostly downhill from Wedderburn to Ranfurly, Otago's Art Deco capital. Enjoy morning tea and have a look around this small yet eclectic town, then cross the Maniototo Plains. Here you are further from the sea than elsewhere in New Zealand and it shows in the scenery and the near-empty roads - this is Lord of the Rings territory, and the flat plains give way to snow-capped mountains on the horizon.
Day 4 - Otago Rail Trail - Waipiata to Middlemarch/Queenstown
Today you'll cycle approximately 55 kilometres with stunning views of the Rock and Pillar Ranges. Starting your day riding alongside the Taieri River, the fourth-longest in New Zealand and one of today's highlights. Cross the historic Capburn Bridge and Price's Creek Viaduct and continue your way downhill, passing through more tunnels (including the famous Daisybank tunnel) then pausing at the Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial, which commemorates the fatal 1943 derailment of a passenger train. Enjoy a morning snack en route before arriving in Middlemarch and the end of the cycling part of your adventure. Take a while to grab lunch at one of the local eateries or load up at Maggies Ice Cream shop before transferring by vehicle (approx. 3 hrs) back to Queenstown, where your trip finishes on arrival.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-09-202409-09-2024AUD $ 1,785-
27-09-202430-09-2024AUD $ 1,682-
11-10-202414-10-2024AUD $ 1,840-
25-10-202428-10-2024AUD $ 1,840-
08-11-202411-11-2024AUD $ 1,910-
15-11-202418-11-2024AUD $ 1,910-
22-11-202425-11-2024AUD $ 1,910-
06-12-202409-12-2024AUD $ 1,910-
13-12-202416-12-2024AUD $ 1,910-
21-12-202424-12-2024AUD $ 1,910-
30-12-202402-01-2025AUD $ 1,910-
17-01-202520-01-2025AUD $ 1,840-
15-02-202518-02-2025AUD $ 1,840-
28-02-202503-03-2025AUD $ 1,840-
21-03-202524-03-2025AUD $ 1,770-
04-04-202507-04-2025AUD $ 1,770-
25-04-202528-04-2025AUD $ 1,770-
12-09-202515-09-2025AUD $ 1,770-
26-09-202529-09-2025AUD $ 1,770-
17-10-202520-10-2025AUD $ 1,770-
07-11-202510-11-2025AUD $ 1,840-
14-11-202517-11-2025AUD $ 1,840-
21-11-202524-11-2025AUD $ 1,840-
05-12-202508-12-2025AUD $ 1,840-
12-12-202515-12-2025AUD $ 1,910-
19-12-202522-12-2025AUD $ 1,910-
02-01-202605-01-2026AUD $ 1,910-
09-01-202612-01-2026AUD $ 1,910-
16-01-202619-01-2026AUD $ 1,910-
06-02-202609-02-2026AUD $ 1,910-
20-02-202623-02-2026AUD $ 1,840-
06-03-202609-03-2026AUD $ 1,840-
20-03-202623-03-2026AUD $ 1,770-
03-04-202606-04-2026AUD $ 1,770-
17-04-202620-04-2026AUD $ 1,770-
03-06-202606-06-2026AUD $ 1,760-
17-06-202620-06-2026AUD $ 1,760-
08-07-202611-07-2026AUD $ 1,760-
29-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 1,760-
05-08-202608-08-2026AUD $ 1,760-
12-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 1,760-
26-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 1,760-
02-09-202605-09-2026AUD $ 1,760-
09-09-202612-09-2026AUD $ 1,760-
23-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 1,760-
30-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 1,760-
07-10-202610-10-2026AUD $ 1,760-
28-10-202631-10-2026AUD $ 1,760-
11-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 1,760-
25-11-202628-11-2026AUD $ 1,760-
09-12-202612-12-2026AUD $ 1,760-
23-12-202626-12-2026AUD $ 1,760-
06-01-202709-01-2027AUD $ 1,760-

Accommodation

Hotel/Guesthouse (3 nights)

Transport

Bicycle,minivan (e-bike available,subject to availability)

Map

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