Overview

Bike Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand. Step back in time to New Zealands rural past and join us on this cycle delight. The route follows the old Maniototo rail line from Clyde in central Otago to Middlemarch. Our Otago Central Rail Trail cycling tour ends with one of the world's great train trips as we travel on the spectacular Taieri Gorge railway into Dunedin.

The Otago Central Rail Trail trip is not just about the cycling but rather exploring the many small towns and abandoned gold diggings and meeting local inhabitants on the Otago Rail Trail. Along the way we will even try our hand at the ancient art of curling (bowls on ice).

Trip Highlights

Cycle the dedicated cycle trails of NZ's original great ride
Go deep into history through tunnels, over bridges, along railways & riverside paths
Experience the local 'southern hospitality' of Central Otago
Savour delicious local wine & food, and stay in great accommodation
Admire architectural gems in Clyde, Ophir, Ranfurly & Dunedin
Try your hand at 'curling' in Naseby
Marine wildllife cruise in the Otago Harbour on the Sootychaser
Explore Oamaru’s atmospheric Victorian precinct and the Pacific Coast

"Top notch organization with terrific people. The scenery on the rail trail was magnificent and the bikes were great quality." Patty M., USA.

Tour Grading: Moderate

This trip is ideal for Recreational Cyclists. All tours can be adapted by the guides for stronger cyclists wanting to cover more ground.

Details

Difficulty: 2

Departure Dates

Month	Year	Day
November	2025	2(H)
December	2025	31
January	2026	26
March	2026	15 (H)
April	2026	2(HS), 7

NZ$50 Public Holiday Surcharge Applies (HS) | NZ$200 High Season Surcharge Applies (H)

Start: Queenstown

Finish: Dunedin

Includes:

Tasty cafe breakfasts (x4), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x4), two course restaurant dinners (x4) catered to all dietary requirements
4 nights comfortable motel/hotel accommodation on a twin share basis
Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides with groups of 8 or more)
Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
Curling at Naseby
Marine wildllife cruise in the Otago Harbour on the Sootychaser
Visit to St Bathans to see the incredible Blue Lake
Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
Rider fees paid to the Department of Conservation and Trail Trusts for ongoing maintenance and improvements

What's Not Included

International or domestic flights and taxes
Arrival and departure transfers
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages, other than breakfast
Bike hire (including helmet)
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel insurance
Visa (if required)

Pricing:

Cost per person

Nov 2025 - March 2026

Trip Price: from NZ$2,995

Options & Supplements*

Bike Rental - NZD$150
Single Supplement - Limited to 2 per departure NZD$495
Ebike Rental - NZD$500
Holiday Season surcharge: NZ$50
High Season surcharge: NZ$200

Rates are correct at the time of publishing but are subject to change without prior notice. Minimum of 4 guests to guarantee departure.

Rates are exclusive to AU and NZ residents only. Please contact us for international rates.

Currency Converter

Overview

Trip Highlights

Cycle the dedicated cycle trails of NZ's original great ride
Go deep into history through tunnels, over bridges, along railways & riverside paths
Experience the local 'southern hospitality' of Central Otago
Savour delicious local wine & food, and stay in great accommodation
Admire architectural gems in Clyde, Ophir, Ranfurly & Dunedin
Try your hand at 'curling' in Naseby
Marine wildllife cruise in the Otago Harbour on the Sootychaser
Explore Oamaru’s atmospheric Victorian precinct and the Pacific Coast

"Top notch organization with terrific people. The scenery on the rail trail was magnificent and the bikes were great quality." Patty M., USA.

Tour Grading: Moderate

This trip is ideal for Recreational Cyclists. All tours can be adapted by the guides for stronger cyclists wanting to cover more ground.

Bridge between Lauder and Ophir on the Otago Central Rail Trail

Oturehua General Store and Coffee Shop

Cyclists cross old bridge near Oturehua

Cyclists near Oturehua

Group of Cyclists at Galloway

Indoor curling rink at Naseby

Reflections in Blue Lake near St Bathans in autumn

Peak hour in the South Island of New Zealand

Cycling near a hydro canal near Tekapo in South Canterbury, New Zealand

Bike tour guide instructing cyclists near Tekapo in South Canterbury, New...

Taieri Gorge Railway

Itinerary

Open All

Day 1Queenstown to Kawarau Bridge to Clyde42 km

After a morning briefing in Queenstown, your journey begins with a scenic ride along the Frankton Trail, hugging the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu. From here, follow the Twin Rivers and Countryside Trails to Arrowtown—an historic gold mining village—for lunch.

In the afternoon, cycle the Arrow River Bridges Trail, crossing two spectacular suspension bridges before finishing at the historic Kawarau Bridge, where you may catch a glimpse of bungy jumpers in action. Load up and enjoy a scenic transfer through the Kawarau Gorge to the charming town of Clyde.

Accommodation: Dunstan House, Clyde
Cycle: 42 km / 26 mi | +432 m / 1,416 ft
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2Clyde to Lauder (via Ophir & St Bathans)44km

Begin your Rail Trail journey at the original trailhead in Clyde, riding past wide plains and mountain vistas. After a gentle climb beyond Chatto Creek, stop near Omakau for lunch. A quick detour brings you to Ophir’s historic township and the Raggedy Range lookout for sweeping views.

Back on the trail, ride an easy final 9 km to Lauder. In the afternoon, head to St Bathans for a walk around the surreal Blue Lake or a self-guided wander through town. Wrap up the day with dinner and a relaxed evening at the local pub.

Accommodation: Lauder School B&B, Lauder
Cycle: 44 km / 28 mi | +379 m / 1,243 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3Lauder to Ranfurly (via Naseby)47km

Today features the first tunnels and viaducts of the trail, weaving through Poolburn Gorge and into the Idaburn Valley. Stop at Hayes Engineering Works and Oturehua’s old-style grocery store, before climbing to the trail’s highest point and rolling downhill into Ranfurly.

In the afternoon, visit Naseby—a forestry town with charm and character. Try your hand at curling on the Southern Hemisphere’s only indoor rink or relax with a stroll or drink at the local pub.

Accommodation: Hawkdun Lodge, Ranfurly
Cycle: 47 km / 29 mi | +410 m / 1,345 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4Ranfurly to Middlemarch to Dunedin (via Larnach Castle)61km

Cycle through open farmland and the scenic Taieri Gorge, with more bridges, tunnels, and sweeping views. Stop for a break at Hyde, then continue across gentle plains toward Middlemarch, the official end of the trail. After a well-earned café lunch, transfer to Dunedin.

Spend your final night at the stunning Larnach Castle, perched on the Otago Peninsula. Built in 1871, this is New Zealand’s only historic castle. Enjoy a four-course ‘Trust the Chef’ group dinner in the castle’s elegant dining room.

Accommodation: Larnach Castle, Otago Peninsula
Cycle: 61 km / 38 mi | +290 m / 951 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5Otago Peninsula Ride & Wildlife Cruise33km

Begin your final ride along the Otago Peninsula, overlooking the harbour and volcanic hills. This peaceful ride ends at Portobello, where you'll change and enjoy a picnic lunch before boarding the Sootychaser for a mini wildlife cruise.

Spot albatross, seals, shags, and more while hearing tales of harbour history and passing Larnach Castle from the water. The tour ends with a drop-off near Dunedin’s historic train station. Evening flights or extended stays in the city are both easy to arrange.

Cycle: 33 km / 21 mi | +301 m / 987 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Cost per person

Nov 2025 - March 2026

Trip Price: from NZ$2,995

Options & Supplements*

Bike Rental - NZD$150
Single Supplement - Limited to 2 per departure NZD$495
Ebike Rental - NZD$500
Holiday Season surcharge: NZ$50
High Season surcharge: NZ$200

Rates are correct at the time of publishing but are subject to change without prior notice. Minimum of 4 guests to guarantee departure.

Rates are exclusive to AU and NZ residents only. Please contact us for international rates.

Enquire Now!

Itinerary

Open All

Day 1Queenstown to Kawarau Bridge to Clyde42 km

After a morning briefing in Queenstown, your journey begins with a scenic ride along the Frankton Trail, hugging the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu. From here, follow the Twin Rivers and Countryside Trails to Arrowtown—an historic gold mining village—for lunch.

Accommodation: Dunstan House, Clyde
Cycle: 42 km / 26 mi | +432 m / 1,416 ft
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2Clyde to Lauder (via Ophir & St Bathans)44km

Begin your Rail Trail journey at the original trailhead in Clyde, riding past wide plains and mountain vistas. After a gentle climb beyond Chatto Creek, stop near Omakau for lunch. A quick detour brings you to Ophir’s historic township and the Raggedy Range lookout for sweeping views.

Accommodation: Lauder School B&B, Lauder
Cycle: 44 km / 28 mi | +379 m / 1,243 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3Lauder to Ranfurly (via Naseby)47km

Today features the first tunnels and viaducts of the trail, weaving through Poolburn Gorge and into the Idaburn Valley. Stop at Hayes Engineering Works and Oturehua’s old-style grocery store, before climbing to the trail’s highest point and rolling downhill into Ranfurly.

In the afternoon, visit Naseby—a forestry town with charm and character. Try your hand at curling on the Southern Hemisphere’s only indoor rink or relax with a stroll or drink at the local pub.

Accommodation: Hawkdun Lodge, Ranfurly
Cycle: 47 km / 29 mi | +410 m / 1,345 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4Ranfurly to Middlemarch to Dunedin (via Larnach Castle)61km

Cycle through open farmland and the scenic Taieri Gorge, with more bridges, tunnels, and sweeping views. Stop for a break at Hyde, then continue across gentle plains toward Middlemarch, the official end of the trail. After a well-earned café lunch, transfer to Dunedin.

Accommodation: Larnach Castle, Otago Peninsula
Cycle: 61 km / 38 mi | +290 m / 951 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5Otago Peninsula Ride & Wildlife Cruise33km

Begin your final ride along the Otago Peninsula, overlooking the harbour and volcanic hills. This peaceful ride ends at Portobello, where you'll change and enjoy a picnic lunch before boarding the Sootychaser for a mini wildlife cruise.

Cycle: 33 km / 21 mi | +301 m / 987 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enquire Now!

Back to search results

5 Day Otago Rail Trail Classic

Total Cycling Distance 196 kms

Overview

Trip Highlights

Tour Grading: Moderate

Details

Overview

Trip Highlights

Tour Grading: Moderate

Itinerary

After a morning briefing in Queenstown, your journey begins with a scenic ride along the Frankton Trail, hugging the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu. From here, follow the Twin Rivers and Countryside Trails to Arrowtown—an historic gold mining village—for lunch.

Begin your Rail Trail journey at the original trailhead in Clyde, riding past wide plains and mountain vistas. After a gentle climb beyond Chatto Creek, stop near Omakau for lunch. A quick detour brings you to Ophir’s historic township and the Raggedy Range lookout for sweeping views.

Today features the first tunnels and viaducts of the trail, weaving through Poolburn Gorge and into the Idaburn Valley. Stop at Hayes Engineering Works and Oturehua’s old-style grocery store, before climbing to the trail’s highest point and rolling downhill into Ranfurly.

Cycle through open farmland and the scenic Taieri Gorge, with more bridges, tunnels, and sweeping views. Stop for a break at Hyde, then continue across gentle plains toward Middlemarch, the official end of the trail. After a well-earned café lunch, transfer to Dunedin.

Begin your final ride along the Otago Peninsula, overlooking the harbour and volcanic hills. This peaceful ride ends at Portobello, where you'll change and enjoy a picnic lunch before boarding the Sootychaser for a mini wildlife cruise.

Itinerary

After a morning briefing in Queenstown, your journey begins with a scenic ride along the Frankton Trail, hugging the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu. From here, follow the Twin Rivers and Countryside Trails to Arrowtown—an historic gold mining village—for lunch.

Begin your Rail Trail journey at the original trailhead in Clyde, riding past wide plains and mountain vistas. After a gentle climb beyond Chatto Creek, stop near Omakau for lunch. A quick detour brings you to Ophir’s historic township and the Raggedy Range lookout for sweeping views.

Today features the first tunnels and viaducts of the trail, weaving through Poolburn Gorge and into the Idaburn Valley. Stop at Hayes Engineering Works and Oturehua’s old-style grocery store, before climbing to the trail’s highest point and rolling downhill into Ranfurly.

Cycle through open farmland and the scenic Taieri Gorge, with more bridges, tunnels, and sweeping views. Stop for a break at Hyde, then continue across gentle plains toward Middlemarch, the official end of the trail. After a well-earned café lunch, transfer to Dunedin.

Begin your final ride along the Otago Peninsula, overlooking the harbour and volcanic hills. This peaceful ride ends at Portobello, where you'll change and enjoy a picnic lunch before boarding the Sootychaser for a mini wildlife cruise.

Similar Tours