The Otago Central Rail Trail

“ride it – walk it – experience it”

Whether you ride the trail from Clyde to Middlemarch or vice versa, it’s hard to believe that this trail was created by men wielding picks, shovels and hammers to the accompaniment of intermittent dynamite explosions. Masons, carpenters and blacksmiths were also employed to construct the bridges, viaducts and tunnels. Riding or walking the trail now is a great opportunity to experience the history and remoteness of Central Otago as well as the superb scenery that cannot be seen when travelling by road through the area.

Whether you decide to ride or walk the trail, the Central Otago landscape is stunning in a way that can only be described as ‘humbling’. From Clyde the trail follows the mighty Clutha River to Alexandra and runs through farmland, vineyards and orchards. The Dunstan Mountain Range overlooks the Manuherikia Valley to the west and the upper slopes are covered in superb golden tussock grasslands. The trail through the Poolburn Gorge is probably the most spectacular section as it passes over the Poolburn Viaduct and through two tunnels cut into the schist bluffs. It then opens onto the Ida Valley and to the north appears the flat-crested iconic Hawkdun Range with its scree and tussock grasslands, usually sprinkled or covered in the winter months with a coating of fresh snow. When it’s cold enough, the Ida Dam freezes over and becomes the magnificent setting for the Annual Bonspiel. As you continue on the trail you enter the Maniototo Basin where the big sky, ever-changing cloud formations and distant high mountains dominate the scene. This is the ‘real’ Central Otago and the home of Naseby, the ‘Jewel of the Maniototo’. The imposing rocks and tors of the Rock and Pillar Range to the west, again covered with tussock grasslands, further add to the uniqueness of the trail. We highly recommend that you complete the trail with a train ride from Middlemarch to Dunedin through the stunning Taieri Gorge. It’s one of the world’s great train trips.

We’re happy to advise you and help you plan every aspect of your bike ride and if it’s all too much trouble for you to organise, we can do it all for you. Don’t rush! You must give yourself plenty of time to see and experience all that Central Otago has to offer. You won’t regret it. Look at all the activities listed on our website. Fascinating visits to historic goldmines, pubs and towns. Exciting action on varied 4-wheel drive and mountain bike tracks. Relaxing times fishing the rivers and dams or playing golf. And of course the challenge of playing curling at the new i indoor curling rink in Naseby which is open all year around. Or you can just spend time chilling out in the luxurious comfort of The Old Doctor’s Residence.

For more information contact;
Otago Central Rail Trail
Email      tourism@codc.govt.nz
Website www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz

Trail Journeys
Email      info@trailjourneys.co.nz
Website www.trailjourneys.co.nz

Off The Rails
Email      info@trailjourneys.co.nz
Website www.offtherails.co.nz

Taieri Gorge Railway
Email      reserve@taieri.co.nz
Website www.taieri.co.nz

The Otago Rail Trail
Email      ort@ihug.co.nz
Website www.otagorailtrail.co.nz