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. Savor 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.
Following the old branch line from Clyde to Middlemarch, the ride takes in grand landscapes, railway heritage and charming country towns. Admire architectural gems in Clyde, Ophir, Ranfurly & beyond, explore Oamaru’s atmospheric Victorian precinct and the spectacular Pacific Coast.
The expert guides will show you the trail’s best sights such as gold rush relics, architectural gems and amazing natural wonders. There’s even a chance to try the ancient art of curling at the Southern Hemisphere’s only indoor rink.
Start the trip in either Christchurch or Clyde, and finish in Christchurch or Dunedin.
The Otago Rail Trail Classic is graded introductory. The trail is wide with a compacted gravel trail surface and a gentle 1 to 50 gradient. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and the tour operator suggests 2 hours of cycling per week for the three months leading up to your trip. They recommend training on compacted gravel trails, and completing a multi-day ride prior to your trip to get used to being in the saddle for long periods of time. The more training you have done on hills and on compacted gravel, the more enjoyable your trip will be.