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The "Otago Central Rail Trail" is one of New Zealand's great recreational trails used by bikers, walkers and horse riders. It follows part of the route of the old railway line from Clyde to Middlemarch, which originally linked Dunedin with Cromwell. The link from Middlemarch to Clyde took 16 years to complete this 150 km section, crossing numerous bridges, viaducts and culverts through some most spectacular scenery, including the Maniototo Plain, farmland, hills and gorges.
The rail road was originally built to service the booming gold mining industry that developed after the discovery of gold in 1861, linking the gold mines with the city of Dunedin. As the gold boom subsided, the railway line eventually closed.
In February 2000 the Central Otago Rail Trail was re-opened as the first rail trail in New Zealand. Before being opened all the sleepers, rock ballast and railway lines were removed, and the track was replaced by a gravel surface.
The prevailing winds in Otago are Northwesterly. By cycling from the Clyde end of the Otago Rail Trail, you do receive some protection from the nearby hills. The track goes slightly downhill between Clyde and Alexandra, with the Northwesterly behind you, before climbing to Wedderburn, the halfway point on the ride to Middlemarch. From Wedderburn the trail again slowly descends to Middlemarch. However weather in New Zealand is very variable, so the wind direction does frequently change, making prediction extremely difficult!
These cycle tours also have the option have having your luggage transferred each day. We also have the largest range of bike rental in New Zealand, including touring bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes and road bikes for hire.
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Christchurch to Christchurch
Cycle along the original Otago Central Rail Trail. Steeped in history, this Otago Rail Trail guided cycling holiday is a great way to view scenery not seen from the highway.
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Queenstown to Dunedin
This South Island cycle tour takes us from Bluff, the southern most point of the South Island to Picton in the north via the scenic West Coast.
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Queenstown to Dunedin
You will absorb the wonderful scenery, taste fantastic wines, local cheeses and sit down to a gorgeous gourmet platter lunch at 1 of the vineyards.
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Christchurch to Christchurch
Have more time to explore as you enjoy a relaxed ride through the Otago Rail Trail's diverse and stunning land-scapes as you travel through Central Otago.
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Christchurch to Christchurch
A great family cycling holiday that includes activities such as a Cadbury Chocolate factory tour and observing the blue penguins at dusk!
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