Bike It Now!

Our “One Day Wonder” begins at our Clyde Shop on Holloway Street – with your bike fitting and tour briefing at 9.30am. We then transfer you to Old Cromwell Town (Bannockburn or Smiths Way) to begin your ride. You have all day to enjoy this amazing ride. The trail offers cyclists and walkers a 58km ride (Grade 1-2) through unique and fascinating landscapes so characteristic of Central Otago as it journeys along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au. The ride has two very different sections Old Cromwell (Smiths Way) to Cornish Point – great Grade 1 riding along Lake Dunstan and the Kawarau River. Visit the Vineyards, cafes and Hotels along the way. Once you pass Cornish Point the trail, changes to Grade 2 even 2+. This section is highlighted by the stunning engineering associated with the cantilevers. You need to be prepared for climbing switchbacks (Cairnmuir Ladder has 9 of them), steep drop offs, narrowing of the trail so you need to be competent cyclists. Coffee Afloat beckons at the base of the Cairnmuir Ladder – allowing for a recharge before those switchbacks. We are happy for you to go in the other direction Clyde to Cromwell – our shuttle leaves Cromwell at approximately 4.15pm to return to Clyde.

The Poolburn Gorge Section is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Otago Central Rail Trail as it cuts through the Raggedy Range that separates the Manukerikia and Ida Valleys. Highlights of this section of the trail include the 37m high Poolburn Viaduct, two tunnels, the trails longest bridge and Central Otago stunning landscapes. You also have the option to take a side trip to historic Ophir before cycling down Tiger Hill to the Chatto Creek Tavern. Relax and refresh yourself at the Tavern and we collect you from here. You can also choose to ride all the way back to Clyde via the Rail Trail or the very scenic Alexandra to Clyde River Trail.

Follow the route of the former Otago Central branch railway line through heartland Central Otago.  With no steep hills, most people complete their ride over 4- 5 days.

This package is great for those that are regular cyclists and are short on time.  You need to be able to cycle up to 60km a day on the gravel Otago Central Rail Trail.  

New Zealands’s first Rail Trail and Original Great Ride opened in 2000, the 152km long trail follows the former route of the Otago Central Railway. The former railway line was ideal for New Zealand’s first off-road cycle-way.

This tour is our recommendation if you want to experience the trail at a leisurely pace.  It is also the perfect option for those that are just getting back on a bike or you are relatively new to cycling.   
You cycle the trail over 5 days (around 2.5 -3 hours cycling a day for someone with average fitness) and Bike It Now! take care of everything else!

Follow the route of the former Otago Central branch railway line through heartland Central Otago.  There are no steep hills.

New Zealands’s first Rail Trail and Original Great Ride opened in 2000, the 152km long trail follows the former route of the Otago Central Railway. The former railway line was ideal for New Zealand’s first off-road cycle-way.

The Poolburn Gorge Section will be one the highlights for your “Family One Day Wonder”. The Otago Central Rail Trail as it cuts through the Raggedy Range that separates the Manukerikia and Ida Valleys. Highlights of this section of the trail include the 37m high Poolburn Viaduct, two tunnels, the trails longest bridge (curved) and Central Otago stunning landscapes.

Optional ride is; to take a side trip to historic Ophir 

Leaving the Poolburn Gorge you head through the little towns of Lauder and Omakau, great cafes at both locations. Continue on cycling down Tiger Hill to the Chatto Creek Tavern a great place to relax and refresh yourselves. Your “Family” One Day Wonder can finish here with us collecting you.  Choosing to ride all the way back to Clyde via the Otago Central rail Trail or the very scenic Alexandra to Clyde River Trail is a popular finishing option.

This trip encompasses; the “Original” Otago Central Rail Trail, the spectacular Roxburgh Gorge and the riverside Clutha Gold.

This itinerary can be tailor-made to suit your group. 

Departing from Queenstown, this 4 day all inclusive tour offers cycling on Otago’s newest cycle trails, a jet boat ride, superior accommodation, and all meals while on the trail as you follow the Clutha river from Clyde to Lawrence. We’re talking serious scenery, great bikes, awesome places to stay along the way with great hosts and wonderful Central Otago food.

The Roxburgh Gorge Traill follows the Clutha Mata-au River through the Roxburgh Gorge to the Roxburgh Dam. The trail is in three parts, first 10km is from Alexandra to Doctors Point, you then get on a boat and travel 12kms down the lake to Shingle Creek where you disembark. You will then ride 12 kms to the Roxburgh Dam. On crossing the dam you join the Clutha Gold Trail at Commissioners Flat The Roxburgh Gorge has bluffs rising almost 350 metres on both sides of the river and has been described as New Zealand’s ‘Grand Canyon’ and there are numerous relics of Chinese miner huts and two mining settlements.

Bike It Now! has been operating on this trail since its opening.  Our recommendation is be that cyclists start their ride at Clyde and follow the Clutha River via the 150th Anniversary Trail to Alexandra.  At Alexandra you will join the Roxburgh Gorge Trail and then continue on the Clutha Gold Trail through to Lawrence.

The Clutha Gold Trail offers 73km of cycling from the Lake Roxburgh Dam to the historic gold mining town of Lawrence. Cyclists follow the route of the Clutha River through the fruit growing Teviot Valley – famous for it’s summer and autumn fruits to Millers Flat before joining the existing Millenium track through the stunning Beaumont Gorge. At Beaumont you will say goodbye to the river as you head inland to Lawrence, a town rich in character and history.

The trail is well graded and suitable for everybody. There are a number of off-trail excursions available. From Millers Flat whilst riding the trail, you can access Horseshoe Bend Bridge via a short walk and the Lonely Graves. The highlight of the section from Beaumont is Big Hill Tunnel. You then ride into Lawrence and are immersed in the Gold mining history of the area – do not miss the museum at the back of the Information Centre.

Your itinerary can be tailor-made to suit your group.  Additional days and activities are easily added. 

This is the ultimate one day trip, it has everything you would want in a cycle journey and all in one single day.

A little heads up; the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, is not like the Rail Trail you do need to have experience and for some sections you will need to be careful when riding them. However in saying that it is truly spectacular and a must for every-ones “Bucket List”.

It is this easy; arrive in Clyde and then approximately 7 hours later you are returned to Clyde having had a fantastic experience.

This is the answer for those on a short time frame but would like to experience a night on the Otago Central Rail Trail and some spectacular scenery.

Your Wedderburn to Clyde Fantastic Ride starts at 9.15 am at our shop in Clyde. On arrival we will fit your bikes and go through a trail briefing.

Enjoy an informative 1 hour drive via historic Ophir to Wedderburn.