Central Otago Great Trails Cycle Explorer

A morning briefing and bike fitting at our Middlemarch depot will get you set for your first day of cycling on the Otago Central Rail Trail. Meet us in Middlemarch or you can add on a shuttle from Dunedin. You're first day will take you through the Strath Taieri Valley, below the long flat-topped Rock and Pillar mountain range. After 23km you'll pass the site of the 1943 Hyde railway disaster before reaching Hyde itself. Continue on to Kokonga (14.5km) and then through to Waipiata, where you can enjoy a great pub meal and a rest for the night.

Meals:  Nil

Today you'll head through 'Art Deco' Ranfurly before riding west across the open Maniototo Plains. Here you'll reach Wedderburn, and your accommodation for the night. The iconic green Goods Shed and original Wedderburn station are features of this small township. This afternoon is a great opportunity to visit Naseby to go curling at the famous Naseby Indoor Curling Rink (add to your itinerary) seeing as the ride today is a short one.

Meals:  B

After breakfast, you'll gently climb to the highest point on the trail, crossing the 45° south latitude twice, as you head towards Oturehua. Make sure you visit Gilchrist's Store before continuing a short distance along the trail to Hayes Engineering Works for a tour, or an early lunch. From here, you'll enter one of the most iconic sections of the Otago Central Rail Trail, featuring historic tunnels and viaducts through the Ida Valley and Poolburn Gorge. Stay the night in Omakau.

Meals:  B

The last section of the trail takes you through to the historic settlement of Clyde, down Tiger Hill, through Chatto Creek and Alexandra. A 5km loop to Ophir from Omakau is highly recommended, with historic wooden and stone buildings from the gold-mining era and the iconic suspension bridge. Stay the night in Clyde.

Meals:  B

Meet at our Clyde depot in the morning for a shuttle through to Cromwell to start the Lake Dunstan Trail. We will shuttle you through to the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, where you can grab a coffee before starting your ride. Cycle through to the Bannockburn wine-country, stopping at the Carrick Winery. Enjoy delicious food and wine whilst overlooking the stunning Bannockburn Inlet from their restaurant. Choose from their seasonal menu which showcases the best local produce and organic ingredients fresh from their garden or enjoy a coffee and pizza alfresco. Continue through the breathtaking Cromwell Gorge along the Clutha / Mata-au River to Clyde, enjoying lake views, clip-ons, bridges and climbs along the way. On arrival in Clyde, celebrate the day and the ride with a local Otago wine or a stroll around this quaint town or simply relax and put your feet up at your accommodation.

Meals:  B

After breakfast you'll set off on the river trail to Alexandra. From here, the trail makes its way down the Roxburgh Gorge to Doctors Point Boat Ramp. Here you will meet with a local boat operator who will transfer you to Shingle Creek. Relax on board the boat while you take in the stunning scenery and history of the area. At Shingle Creek the trail continues to Lake Roxburgh Village. Take a look at the Roxburgh Dam Lookout with its great photo opportunity. Accommodation this night is in the Lake Roxburgh Village.

Meals:  B

Today's ride starts from Lake Roxburgh Hydro village. Cross the dam and cycle 10km to the Roxburgh township, famous for fruit orchards that serve up a splash of colour every season. Roxburgh is also the home of the famous Jimmy's Pie shop. Ensure you pick up some lunch to take with you from one of the selection of cafes in Roxburgh before leaving town. The Clutha Gold trail starts here and follows the sparkling Clutha River/Mata-Au for 20km to Millers Flat. This wee town was a stop on the branch railway line to Dunedin before it closed in 1968.

Meals:  B

After breakfast, set off, on the trail that follows the river through the Beaumont Gorge before leaving the Clutha River/Mata Au and heading inland through rolling farmland. Much of today’s route follows the old railway corridor, including a ride through Tunnel Hill, a short, hand-carved rail tunnel that adds a touch of historic charm to your journey. The trail leads you into Lawrence, a town steeped in gold rush history and the birthplace of New Zealand’s first major gold discovery at nearby Gabriel’s Gully in 1861. Once in Lawrence, take time to explore the characterful main street, dotted with heritage buildings, antique shops, and welcoming cafés. You might like to visit the Lawrence Chinese Camp historic site, browse the Tuapeka Goldfields Museum, or simply unwind at one of the local eateries with a coffee or glass of Central Otago wine.

Meals:  B

The final Lawrence to Waihola section of the Clutha Gold trail traverses rolling farmland between Lawrence and Waitahuna, once a bustling stop on the goldfields railway. From Waitahuna to Mt Stuart the trail generally follows the old railway corridor with highlights including original rail cuttings, two heritage rail tunnels, and a viaduct, impressive reminders of the region’s rail history. Along this stretch, you'll also pass through serene woodland glades, adding a tranquil and shaded contrast to the open farmland. It then follows the Tokomairiro River and onto the Tokomairiro plains, crossing two, 42m long suspension bridges along the way, before passing through wetlands, with long sections of elevated boardwalk, alongside and across Lake Waihola, a shallow tidal lake known for its birdlife and natural beauty. Once in Waihola, take time to relax by the lake or enjoy a well-earned refreshment in this peaceful lakeside village before your shuttle takes you back to Clyde (or onto Dunedin).

Meals:  B