Central Otago Rail Trail Experience

Following the former railway line from Middlemarch to Clyde, the Otago Central Rail Trail traverses 152 kilometres of spectacular Central Otago countryside, through an area steeped in rich history. The popular Otago cycle trail will see you venturing over viaducts and through tunnels, as you explore the big skies of Central Otago and experience all that the area has to offer – and there’s a lot!

Dotted along the Otago Central Rail Trail you’ll find charming little towns full of history and character to explore, with wonderful places to rest your legs after a days cycling, and fantastic restaurants, pubs and cafes to refuel. With a range of off-Trail activities, including whisky distillery tours, night sky stargazing, four-wheel driving, and curling - this will be a New Zealand cycling holiday to remember.

A five-day adventure will have you cycling around two and half to three and a half hours each day. Perfect for people looking for leisurely starts, relaxed rides and long lunches; and is recommended for families travelling with younger riders, and anyone re-introducing their rear to a bike seat after a long time apart.

The clear, day-by-day itinerary includes maps, all of your accommodation bookings, dinner reservations and a foraging guide, daily bag transfers, transport to and from the trail and off-trail experience bookings. It’ll even show you how far you'll cycle each day plus any highlights along the Trail to keep an eye out for.