4 Day Otago Central Rail Trail Explorer Self-Guided Bike Tour

Prepare for your inaugural cycling day with a morning briefing and meticulous bike fitting at our Clyde Depot. Your initial destination is just 8km away in Alexandra. The inviting town offers a perfect pause for relishing a coffee and indulging in a Southern cheese roll.

Continuing your journey, head towards Chatto Creek, where a tavern awaits, offering a superb lunch and earning a high recommendation as a pit stop before Tiger Hill. The ascent up Tiger Hill is gently graded, followed by a satisfying downhill stretch to your overnight lodgings.

Don't overlook the highly recommended 5km loop to Ophir, where you can explore historical wooden and stone structures from the gold-mining era, including the iconic Daniel O'Connell suspension bridge (circa 1880).

Your overnight stay will be arranged in either Omakau, Ophir, or Lauder, depending on availability.

Embark on a captivating cycling adventure today as you traverse through the breathtaking Poolburn Gorge. This segment showcases a blend of historic tunnels and viaducts nestled in a serene rocky backdrop. As you exit the gorge, you'll be greeted by the expansive beauty of the Ida Valley. Many of our cyclists opt for a tour of the renowned Hayes Engineering Works, a favored activity during this journey. Similarly, the settlement of Oturehua, a short distance down the road, offers an excellent lunch stop.

Conclude your day's journey by resting in the comfort of Wedderburn for the night.

Make the most of your morning by adding a visit to the renowned Naseby Indoor Curling Rink, a delightful option to include in your itinerary. Following this, pedal through Ranfurly, then across the picturesque Maniototo Plains leading you to Waipiata. You can opt to stay overnight in Waipiata, or if you prefer and based on accommodation availability, continue your cycling journey to either Kokonga or Hyde.

Concluding your trail adventure, the final day takes you past the historic site of the 1943 Hyde railway disaster. Descending through the expansive Strath Taieri Valley and the awe-inspiring Rock and Pillar Range, you'll be greeted by boundless vistas. The journey's descent leads to the trail's endpoint at our Middlemarch depot. Here, you'll bid farewell to your bike and gear, and board a shuttle back to Clyde (departing at 2:30 pm) or onward to Dunedin (departing at 2:00 pm).