Lake Dunstan & Classic Otago Rail Trail Cycle - 5 Day Essentials

Cycling out from the Vulcan Hotel near St Bathans | Tom Powell

Cyclists ride across the Hugo Swingbridge | Geoff Marks

Cycling self guided along the Otago Rail Trail

Art along the Otago Rail Trail | Brad Atwal

Cycling out from the Vulcan Hotel near St Bathans | Tom Powell

Cyclists ride across the Hugo Swingbridge | Geoff Marks

Cycling self guided along the Otago Rail Trail

Art along the Otago Rail Trail | Brad Atwal

Introductory to Moderate

Activities

5 days self guided cycling

Accommodation

4 nights base level accommodation on a twin share basis, shared facilities

Meals

Price

ON SALE

5 daysfrom

$990 NZD

$891NZD

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View Inclusions

Trip Code: TJ5

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Trip highlights

Visit the vineyards of Bannockburn
Ride the stunning Cromwell Gorge - the most popular part of the trail
Cycle the full 152km Otago Central Rail Trail at a leisurely pace over 4 days, with the basic essentials included
Explore the tunnels and viaducts of the Poolburn Gorge and Ida Valley
Ride through the scenic Maniototo Plains
Experience the local 'southern hospitality' of Central Otago
Perfect cycle tour for those on a budget

Lake Dunstan & Classic Otago Rail Trail Cycle - 5 Day Essentials combines two of Central Otago’s most iconic cycling experiences into one unforgettable and affordable adventure. Over five rewarding days, this self-guided journey takes you from the dramatic cliffside landscapes of the Lake Dunstan Trail through to the wide open plains, historic railway relics and timeless country towns of the full Otago Central Rail Trail.

The adventure begins on the spectacular Lake Dunstan Trail, one of New Zealand’s newest and most talked-about Great Rides. Winding between Cromwell and Clyde, this remarkable trail hugs the turquoise waters of Lake Dunstan beneath towering schist cliffs, crossing suspension bridges and impressive boardwalks suspended above the lake. Along the way, pass through Bannockburn wine country, where vineyards, cellar doors and local cafés provide the perfect excuse to stop and soak up the atmosphere.

From Clyde, continue onto the iconic Otago Central Rail Trail, following the gentle gradients of the historic Otago Central Railway all the way through to Middlemarch. Covering the full 152km trail over four memorable days, the ride meanders through sweeping tussock plains, dramatic gorges and remote rural landscapes rich in gold rush history and pioneering heritage.

Highlights include the famous Poolburn Gorge, where towering stone viaducts and hand-carved railway tunnels create some of the most spectacular riding on the entire trail. Ride through welcoming towns such as Alexandra, Oturehua, Ranfurly and Wedderburn, where country pubs, local cafés and genuine southern hospitality offer memorable stops along the way.

Designed for budget-conscious travellers wanting the full Central Otago cycling experience without any of the frills or extras, this trip includes the basics that you need to complete the ride. Standard bike hire and pre-booked basic accommodation are all taken care of, allowing you to simply enjoy the ride at your own pace.

Accommodation is simple, clean and full of character, with stays in a mix of country pubs, local motels and shared lodges that reflect the laid-back charm of the region. While facilities are generally shared, the experience is authentic, welcoming and perfectly suited to active travellers who value great riding and memorable experiences over luxury.

With manageable daily distances, seamless logistics and two of New Zealand’s most iconic cycle trails rolled into one incredible trip, Lake Dunstan & Classic Otago Rail Trail Cycle - 5 Day Essentials is the perfect choice for independent-minded cyclists looking for a budget adventure.

Carbon Footprint

12kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(49kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Cycle the Lake Dunstan Trail (40km/24.85mi)

A morning briefing and bike fitting at our depot in Clyde will set you up for your first day of cycling on 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.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Cycle Clyde to Omakau/Ophir: (37-39km/22.9-24.23mi)

A morning briefing and bike fitting at our Clyde depot will set you up for your first day of cycling. The first stop is Alexandra, 8km away. Alex is a great place to stop for a coffee and a Southern cheese roll. You'll then head towards Chatto Creek, where the tavern serves an excellent lunch and is a recommended stop before Tiger Hill. Tiger Hill is a gentle uphill ride then it's downhill to your overnight accommodation in Omakau. The 5km loop to Ophir is highly recommended, with historic wooden and stone buildings from the gold-mining era and the iconic Daniel O'Connell suspension bridge (circa 1880). Your accommodation tonight is in Omakau or Ophir.

Meals: Nil

Day 3
Cycle Omakau/Ophir to Wedderburn (42-44km/26.09-27.34mi)

Today you'll cycle through the stunning Poolburn Gorge, which features historic tunnels and viaducts in a secluded rocky setting. The gorge then opens out to the vast expanse of the Ida Valley. A tour of Historic Hayes is highly recommended and is an excellent spot for lunch, as is the settlement of Oturehua just further down the road. This next section of the trail provides splendid views of the Hawkdun, and Ida Ranges as the trail gently climbs to 618 metres above sea level, its highest point, just before Wedderburn. The Wedderburn station site has the original station building, and a big green goods shed. The shed has gained iconic status since featuring in a painting by Central Otago artist Grahame Sydney. Your accommodation tonight is in Wedderburn. **NOTE: Please ensure you walk your bikes through the tunnels for safety

Meals: Nil

Day 4
Cycle Wedderburn to Waipiata (21km/13.04mi)

This morning is a great time to go curling at the famous Naseby Indoor Curling Rink (add to your itinerary) before cycling through Ranfurly and across the Maniototo Plains. Ranfurly is the Maniototo's commercial centre and once a bustling railway town. Much of the town was rebuilt following a spate of fires in the 1930s, and it is now famous for its art deco architecture. Continue through to Waipiata and your accommodation for the night.

Meals: Nil

Day 5
Cycle Waipiata to Middlemarch (52km/32.31mi)

Your last day on the trail enters the beautiful Upper Taieri Gorge, crosses the 91-metre long, 32-metre-high Price's Creek Viaduct, through a 152 m-long fully bricked tunnel and out onto the Strath Taieri plain at Hyde. Just beyond Hyde you'll find the Hyde Railway Station, an important part of the rail Heritage. The stories told inside the building are a must read. 4km from the Railway Station is the site of the 1943 Hyde railway disaster. The ride is downhill to the end of the trail at our Middlemarch Depot, where your trip arrangements end.

Meals: Nil

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

Standard bike hire for 5 days including helmet, repair kit and odometer (e-bike upgrade available)
Bike panniers
4 nights basic accommodation on twin share basis (usually shared facilities)
Detailed trip itinerary and map
Haehaeata National Heritage and Lake Dunstan Trail Trust Donations

What's not included

Transfers from Queenstown to Clyde or Middlemarch to Dunedin
Transport from Middlemarch to Clyde at the end of your trip
E-bike upgrade (supplement applies)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Daily Luggage transfers (weight limit of 15kg per bag, 1 bag per person)
Otago Central Rail Trail Passport
Items of a personal nature (eg: laundry, e-Sims, snacks, etc)
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel insurance

Bike information

Standard Trail Bike

Our trail bikes are ideal for the Otago Central Rail Trail and other similar gravel trails. They feature an upright riding position, front suspension and a gel seat for maximum comfort. With their Australasian-designed Avanti frames and proven Shimano and Tektro componentry, these bikes ensure the best possible riding experience.

Low Step Trail Bike

Our low-step trail bikes are ideal for the Otago Central Rail Trail and other similar gravel trails. They feature an upright riding position, front suspension, swept back handlebars and a gel seat for maximum comfort, and a low-step frame to make getting on and off easy. With their Australasian-designed Avanti frames and proven Shimano and Tektro componentry, these bikes ensure the best possible riding experience.

Electric Bike

E-bikes have made cycle touring possible and pleasurable for a wide range of people. They are simple to operate, and eliminate much of the cycling strain from legs and knees. Our European-designed E-bikes are built with comfort and ease of operation in mind, and feature unisex frames, 29” wheels, front suspension and proven Bosch electronics.

Trail Surface

Compacted Gravel 99%

The majority of the Lake Dunstan Trail and Otago Central Rail Trail is compacted gravel. The Lake Dunstan Trail has mostly wide trails with some narrow sections that you'll need to be confident riding. The Otago Central Rail trail has wide trails throughout with some cattle-stop grates and "chicanes" (s-shaped safety gateways) to navigate.

Accommodation

Basic Accommodation

Basic economy accommodation is for those looking for a clean, basic no frills style accommodation. Most are shared bathrooms.

Add on a Night

Additional nights at the start or end of your trip can be added onto any package, just ask us.

Suggested extensions

Hayes Engineering Works

Add on a Haye's Engineering Works tour of the workshop and homestead of Ernest and Hannah Hayes, 19th-century pioneers whose resourcefulness, skill and determination define the spirit of 'Kiwi ingenuity'.

Curling - Naseby Ice Rink

Forget the professionals - Indoor Curling is a lot easier than it looks and is a fun activity for the whole family. The Naseby Indoor Curling Rink, which is open all year round, offers a cool retreat on a hot Central Otago summer day.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate
4

The 5 day Lake Dunstan and Rail Trail is graded Introductory to Moderate. The Lake Dustan trail has a mix of introductory and moderate trails that include some narrow, hilly and remote sections with some tight turns. If you are not a regular cyclist or are worried about these features, we recommend practicing riding on similar features at home before your trip. The Otago Central Rail Trail is wide with a gentle gradient. You'll need to be comfortable riding 30-45km over 5 days. The more training you have done on compacted gravel, the more enjoyable your trip will be. E-bikes are also suitable as long as they are ridden appropriately and have sufficient battery capacity.

Departure dates

Daily departures 01 September to 31 May.

Notes

Note:

If you are needing luggage transfers, ensuite accommodation, shuttle transfers etc - then please refer to our 'in comfort' packages.

Note:

Single Travellers cannot be matched with others outside of their booking party and must pay the relevant Single Supplement or Solo Traveller Surcharge.

Note:

Accommodation along the trails are small, and spaces are therefore limited. If your chosen date is not available, we may be able to offer alternatives in different room types or for different dates if you are flexible. Surcharges may apply.

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Trail Journeys.

Priceper person from

$891NZD

Options & Supplements*

Transport from Queenstown to Clyde/Cromwell (return) - Min 2 PaxNZD$170
Transport from Middlemarch to Dunedin, One Way - Min 2 PaxNZD$165
Transport from Queenstown to Clyde/Cromwell, one way - Min 2 PaxNZD$95
Transport from Middlemarch to Clyde, one way - Min 2 paxNZD$115
Electric Bike UpgradeNZD$425
Naseby Curling and Transport - Min 2 paxNZD$130

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Videos

Cycle New Zealand's Otago Central Rail Trail

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

First On The Trail

Trail Journeys is the largest and longest serving bike hire business on the Otago Central Rail Trail. We have helped more cyclists explore our region since the trail opened in 2000 than any other company.

EXPERT LOCAL ADVICE

Our team is passionate about the Central Otago Region and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for your needs.

Quality services

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. With regular bag, passenger and bike transport services, expert cycle mechanics and experienced consultants, enjoy a stress free cycling trip with Trail Journeys.