Hawkdun lodge, central otago accommodation official site. The otago central rail trail was established in 1994 and officially opened in 2000 by the governor general sir michael hardie boys. Welcome to beautiful lauder and our historic mud brick store. The original great ride in new zealand, this trail established the concept of routing an easy biking trail along a disused railway line. Passing through historic towns, massive viaducts, spectacular tunnels and stunning scenery, the closure of the railway in the 1990s opened up a year round trail for bikers. This is the single most important resource you can own if you plan to travel the central otago rail trail. The route roughly follows the old railway that was constructed on the back of the gold mining and freight industry that boomed here in the 19th century.
The 150 km otago central rail trail follows the route of the old railway. The otago central rail trail walkers musthave book. With their australasiandesigned avanti frames and proven shimano and tektro componentry, these bikes ensure the best possible riding experience. The otago central rail trail is paradise on two wheels. The cost to you will be in accommodation and meals while you are riding the trail. Otago central rail trail central otago 2020 all you. Everything you need to plan a unique central otago rail trail experience. Frequently asked questions otago central rail trail. Rail trail tours our most popular rail trail bike tours. Introduction to self planning otago central rail trail. This is a popular sightseeing trip with groups and the scheduled rides sell out. Self guided otago central rail trail tour 4 days bike it now. Quality central otago accommodation beside the otago central rail trail in ranfurly.
After years of working with the local communities along the trail, the otago central rail trail was opened in 2000. Otago central rail trail official website of nzs original great ride. Central otago, new zealand the official website for the. If you are planning on extending your trip, we are happy to help out with highly personalised itineraries. After sending out a few inquiries to the companies listed on the otago rail trail website i got a reply from only one. Buy the book and help the ongoing enhancement of the. Find hotels in otago central rail trail, new zealand. Enjoy central otago s big skies, distinctive landscape and famous southern hospitality. Once a busy railway, the historic rail trail used to connect many small inland gold towns to the big city of dunedin. Otago rail trail nz cycle tours package with vehicle support. We are passionate about cycling and we love sharing our knowledge off cycling and the cycle trails with our clients. The trail that inspired the creation of the new zealand cycle trail network, the otago central rail trail offers a classic blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, friendly towns, along with fantastic local food and wine. Find central otago accommodation, things to do in central otago, otago central rail trail, events, wine, vineyards, heritage, cycling, mountain biking, arts, culture, and heritage. Book your central otago nz tour luxury rail trail tours.
A little history about the otago central rail trail. It took 28 years to build and was finished in 1907, carrying freight as well as passengers. Otago central rail trail accommodation, tour planning. The otago central rail trail is a 150kilometre walking, cycling and horse riding track in the south island of new zealand. The trains chugged their way up and then down and so. When it first opened to the public in 2000, trail journeys were the first to offer bike rental on the trail and today are the leading cycle operator on the otago rail trail. The otago central rail trail a great bike ride blog the globe. We have thirteen spacious units plus an indoor spa pool, free laundry, secure bike storage and free wi fi. Central otago, on new zealands south island, is know for its wine, cycling and powerful landscapes.
Please provide valuable feedback about your trail experience, it only takes a. Otago rail trail accommodation deluxe standard rooms. Gerald cunningham guide to the otago central rail trail, which is a hiking, biking and horseriding trail. Bike the otago central rail trail my moments and memories. There are now rail trails throughout most of new zealand, but if you mention to a kiwi that youre doing the rail trail, it is the otago central rail trail theyll immediately think of. Originally a drapery store, but now five modern, stylish studio ensuit.
The trail delves deep into the heart of central otago as it winds its way through the vast rocky landscapes, spectacular gorges, railway tunnels. Door to door collection from queenstown by one of our friendly team and a scenic drive clyde. Built on the former otago central railway line, the rail trail offers every visitor a unique cycling experience. To find out more information about a particular section of the otago central rail trail click on your chosen town. The otago central rail trail a great bike ride blog.
The rail trail makes a large arc through the otago central valley along the foothills of the south islands east and west coastal mountain ranges, running slightly uphill for first half, generally nw from clyde to its halfway highpoint 618 metersjust over 2,000 ft elevation near wedderburn and then turns gently sw running slightly downhill to middlemarch for the full 150 km. Construction of the ocr began in 1877 and the 27km section to hindon was opened in 1889. The 150km cycle trail is a disused railway corridor originally built for steam trains so the gradient is a very gentle incline and as such the otago bike trail is rated easy to negotiate with no. Bike touring with kids the otago rail trail planning. The route roughly follows the old railway that was constructed on the back of the gold mining and freight industry that boomed here in the 19th. The otago central rail trail is ideal for cyclists who wish to see some spectacular central otago scenery, at an easy pace, on flat gravelled terrain.
Prekids, we had always talked about this holiday, and then we had three energetic kids eager for adventure. Explore 20 or more townships located near or on the trail and meet with pioneer spirited locals. Book accommodation which best suits your requirements. The trail traverses the foothills of the 1400metre high rock and pillar range with its huge rocky outcrops, before meandering through the valleys productive farmland to the ngapuna station site.
Otago central rail trail new zealand adventure south nz. Its all offroad, no traffic, just central otagos big skies and distinctive landscape to enjoy and our famous southern hospitality. The otago rail trail is a 152km cycle trail which runs through central otago from clyde to middlemarch. You cycle the trail over 4 days around 45 hours cycling a day for someone with average fitness and bike it now. We offer the most comprehensive information on accommodation, transport and bike. The otago central rail trail cycle surgery rail trail. The otago rail trail rates as among the easiest of all the cycle trails in new zealand, and is a good trail to start with if you are new to cycling. New zealands original great ride, open all year round. The otago central rail trail nzs orginal great ride. Its rightfully a very popular adventure through spectacular otago scenery, with tunnels and viaducts smoothing out dry, rocky hills and deep gorges. Book your tickets online for otago central rail trail, central otago.
Otago central rail trail cycling tours with trail journeys. Self guided otago central rail trail tour 4 days bike. Otago central rail trail central otago 2020 all you need. Visit otago central rail trail on your trip to central otago. This season on the otago central rail trail is gearing up to be our busiest season yet, make sure you book your accommodation as soon as you can. The otago central rail trail can be travelled in either direction and access is available at various locations. Rail trail map otago central rail trail cycle central. Enjoy central otagos big skies, distinctive landscape and. The otago central railway ocr or in later years otago central branch railway, now often referred to as the taieri gorge railway, was a secondary railway line in central otago, in the south island of new zealand.
Taste your way around the sunny central otago s pinot noir vineyards, cycle the otago central rail trail or explore picturesque heritage towns. Making this trail a great cycling holiday for people of all ages and cycling abilities. A pioneering project for new zealand, the successful rail trail joined the new zealand cycle trail umbrella organisation in 2012, having been one of the inspirations for it. Response from otagocentrailtrail, facilitator at otago central rail trail responded apr 4, 2020 thank you for providing your feedback about your rail trail holiday and pleased you were happy with cycle surgery and the hospitality along the trail. If you wish to stay in and relax we have an attractive communal kitchen and lounge where you can make your own meal or enjoy one of our dining options. Hand over your bags to your tour organisers and ride for 3 or 4 hours along a very flat wellmaintained gravel trail till you. Off the rails central otago rail trail epic deals and.
Otago central rail trail highlights cycle tour trail journeys. New zealands original great ride is open all year round. Otago central rail trail central otago, new zealand. Youll pass vast countryside, mountains, and numerous attractions. Boutique clyde accommodation is the perfect stopover while you cycle on central otago rail trail. We also operate small group, active, authentic adventures throughout otago, southland, and the south island.
Central otago nz the official website for the central otago region discover a world of difference. Fully renovated bed and breakfast accommodation with options to suit all. The otago central rail trail is ideal for easy pace cyclists. Central otago trail 6 day cycle tours nz with support vehicle. As new zealands original great ride, and the trail that inspired the new zealand cycle trail network, the 150km otago central rail trail follows a historic railway line from clyde to middlemarch. We are passionate about cycling and we love sharing our knowledge off. A beautifully crafted book with amazing photography by peter andrews showing central otago as it truly is, one of the most rugged, extreme and beautiful locations on the planet. Cycle surgery has been involved in the cycling industry for over 30 years and providing bike hire on the otago central rail trail for over 15 years. As the seasons change, the landscape is dominated by a stunning kaleidoscope of browns, golds and reds. Otago central rail trail otago rail trail accommodation. We chose 151km of the otago rail trail there are 2 different websites to check out the otago rail trail and the otago central rail trail a gentle incline up, then a gentle incline down. Get to the start point from the airport or hotel at queenstown or dunedin, settle into some nice accommodation, get fitted for your bikes and head to a nice restaurant or pub.
A fantastic cycling holiday for couples, families and large groups. Cycling the otago central rail trail is one of the classic active experiences in new zealand. The queenstown otago rail trail is graded introductory. Otago central rail trail official website of nzs original. Trains typically travel through hills, around hills but if it can be avoided not uphill the maximum gradient is 2%. Rail trail map otago central rail trail cycle central otago. If you want to do the otago central rail trail in luxury, contact us. The otago central rail trail is a 152km cycle trail through the heart of central otago from clyde to middlemarch. Rich in history, the otago central rail trail is a 150km journey through charming central otago country. Arranging a 5 day otago rail trail bike ride was a last minute addition to our trip last month.
Otago central rail trail highlights cycle tour trail. Cycle surgery our story learn more about who we are. A pioneering project for new zealand, the successful rail trail joined the new zealand cycle trail umbrella organisation in 2012, having been one of the inspirations for it the trail runs in an arc between middlemarch and clyde, along the route of the former otago. The elevation map shows the distances between towns plus the climbs and. Otago central rail trail the original great ride in new zealand, this trail established the concept of routing an easy biking trail along a disused railway line. There is a mix of wide and narrow trails with a few undulating hills. The single most important resource when travelling the central otago rail trail. They feature an upright riding position, front suspension and a gel seat for maximum comfort. Voted new zealands best cycle trail, the otago central rail trail is the perfect. Our trail bikes are ideal for the otago central rail trail and other similar gravel trails. This season on the trail is gearing up to be our busiest season yet, make sure you book your accommodation.
The otago central rail trail is a recreation reserve managed by the department of conservation in partnership with the otago central rail trail charitable trust. Its all offroad, no traffic, just central otago s big skies and distinctive landscape to enjoy and our famous southern hospitality. The roxburgh gorge trail and clutha gold trail also offer unique experiences deep in. The central otago climate is characterised by hot summers, cold winters and low rainfall. We suggest you plan your trip and book accommodation. Gerald cunningham guide to the otago central rail trail, which is a hiking, biking and horseriding trail that follows the old railway line through central otago. Walk, cycle, or ride horseback along otago central rail trail to discover the spectacular landscape of the otago region. One of the regions most popular tourist attractions, the otago central rail trail is a 150kmlong network of cycle and walking tracks. The central otago trail cycling is all on purpose built cycle trails. The otago central rail trail finally reaches its end at middlemarch. Otago rail trail guide book this is the single most important resource you can own if you plan to travel the central otago rail trail. Our deluxe rooms will ensure you rest well for the following day.
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