Ride the iconic Otago Rail Trail on the South Island of NZ
At the end of the tour, journey to Dunedin on this spectacular journey
Discover the historic rail trail by bike
Enjoy making new friends or perhaps touring with old ones
Journey along a wonderful rail trail and experience exceptional rural sights

Otago Rail Trail Classic

Duration
5 days
Site savings
$16
From
$1,500 USD
14 Reviews

Cycle the dedicated cycle trails of NZ's original great ride with a 5 day bicycle tour on the Otago Rail Trail. Experience the full breadth and depth of New Zealand’s iconic rail trail on this fully guided and supported trip. You’ll enjoy easy riding on this trail created especially for cyclists, walkers and horses. Go deep into history through tunnels, over bridges, along railways & riverside paths. Savour delicious local wine & food, and stay in great accommodation. Journey back in time on the Taieri Gorge Railway and experience the local 'southern hospitality' of Central Otago.

  • Category
    Solo
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    5 days
  • Culture Level
    Familiar
  • Skill Level
    2 - Novice
  • Activity Level
    2 - Moderate
  • Elevation
    2 - Moderate
  • Terrain
    Mixed
  • Distance
    131.7 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    26.1 miles
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  • Where does the tour start and end?

    The tour starts and ends in central Christchurch where you will be collected and returned to at the end of the tour. Fly in/out of Christchurch International Airport (CHC).

    If preferred, you can meet the tour in Clyde, the first destination after Christchurch on day 1 - and you can finish in Dunedin on the last day if desired when the rest of the group heads north back to Christchurch.

  • How long is the tour? How many cycling days?

    The tour is 5 days long with all 5 days being cycling days.

  • What's the tour like?

    The majority of the Otago Rail Trail is compacted gravel with wide trails making it suitable for introductory riders and upwards. Cyclists need to be confident riding on uneven surfaces.

    The trail is wide, which means you can be sociable and ride alongside others. There are some narrow cattle-stop grates and chicanes (s-shaped safety gateways).


  • Who will lead the group?

    The guides are one of the biggest assets of the tour operator and they have pride for their level of quality and high standards. Once the trip reaches 8 people,  two expert guides will join to maximise your enjoyment and overall experience. You’ll know you’re in safe hands as all of the guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics. They come from all walks of life but the guides have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you.

Overall Rating:
5.0/5
View all 14 reviews
Roslyn S
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

We were welcomed, always informed of each days happenings, given confidence and support, nothing was too much trouble, accommodation excellent and the group was friendly.Had a great time.


Philippa M
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

We did the rail trail as a family (9 & 11 y.o kids) and all thoroughly enjoyed it. We were greeted by friendly staff (Sue & Howie) who guided us through a week of riding & other activities. They looked after us each step of the way, providing interesting facts, funny stories and all the support and snacks we could need when riding each day. The scenery on this trail is magnificent, there were so many photo opportunities! The trail is very well maintained and there are stops with information about the area along the way. There were so many highlights - the tunnels, bridges, wildflowers, braided rivers, fields and views that just went on and on. We loved it, and the team at [the tour operator] made the trip stress free and a really fun holiday experience.


Jack C
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

The trip was excellent. The two guides, Sue and Howie, were friendly, professional and helpful at every stage. The equipment was in good condition and the whole trip passed without a problem. I would particularly like to praise the highly professional manner that Sue dealt with the obnoxious oaf who runs the hotel/café in Hyde who, with his wife, abused us for some imagined transgression. Sue was at all times calm and reasonable and I was very impressed by her.


View all 14 reviews