Ladies E-Bike Tour – Otago Rail Trail

This ladies-only e-bike tour follows the Otago Central Rail Trail, one of New Zealand's earliest and most iconic cycle trails, running through Central Otago's high-country scenery on flat, gravelled former railway line. With a maximum gradient of 2%, it's pitched as an entry-level multi-day ride suited to novice cyclists.

Over four riding days the route passes through Clyde, Alexandra, Chatto Creek, Omakau, Lauder, Oturehua, Ranfurly, Waipiata and Hyde, finishing at Middlemarch. Side trips include Ophir village, St Bathan's Blue Lake, curling at Naseby, and Hayes Engineering Works. The final day adds a ride alongside the Arrow River near Arrowtown before returning to Queenstown.

Highlights:

• Ride the iconic Otago Central Rail Trail on flat gravel with e-bike assistance
• Side trip to St Bathan's Blue Lake and a game of curling at Naseby
• Cross the Muttontown, Poolburn Gorge and Price's Creek viaducts and multiple tunnels
• Visit Hayes Engineering Works and the historic townships of Ophir and Wedderburn
• Finish with a ride alongside the Arrow River near Arrowtown before returning to Queenstown

Surface and terrain:

Flat, gravelled former railway trail with a maximum gradient of 2%. No traffic, as motorised vehicles are banned on the trail. Described as an easy-paced, entry-level multi-day ride.

Weather:

Central Otago typically has a dry, continental climate; check seasonal conditions for the chosen departure.

Suitable for:

Novice or entry-level multi-day cyclists, women travelling as friends or groups, seeking easy-paced scenery and history over athletic challenge.