How much time should I allow for stops and sightseeing along the trail?

Although the daily riding time is generally around 3–5 hours, it is worth allowing additional time for photographs, refreshments, exploring the historic towns and simply enjoying the river and Central Otago scenery. The self-guided format gives you flexibility to take breaks rather than treating the route as a race. Planning a few longer stops can make the experience more relaxed and give you more opportunity to appreciate the gold-mining heritage and changing landscapes.