MORE THAN A BIKE RIDE

Experience one of the world’s great rail trails — and the warm Central Otago welcome that makes it unforgettable.

Discover 152 km of big skies, open landscapes, and the charm of the Original Great Ride — still the best in New Zealand.

Ride through peaceful valleys, dramatic schist gorges, historic tunnels and viaducts, and townships where genuine hospitality is part of the journey. The Rail Trail is accessible, vehicle‑free, and rich with stories — perfect for families, friends, first‑time riders, and seasoned adventurers alike.

TASTE CENTRAL OTAGO - From hearty pub meals in 19th‑century taverns to modern restaurants, artisan coffee cafe stops, and cellar‑door wine tastings, every town along the trail offers a flavour of local heritage. Pair your ride with visits to village art galleries, craft stores, and unique local experiences.

REST & EXPLORE - Choose from a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget, a choice of campgrounds, country pubs, farm cottage to boutique lodges and more. OFF TRAIL abound, so keep your camera ready for heritage sites, scenic lookouts, and charming rural communities.

A JOURNEY THROUGH SPACE - Turn your ride into an Interplanetary Adventure. Follow the scale model of our solar system stretching across the trail and experience the planets as you cycle. After dinner, step outside and immerse yourself in Central Otago’s spectacular world‑class DARK SKIES.

BRING THE TRAIL TO LIFE WITH RAIL TALES as our initiative transforms the Rail Trail into an interactive outdoor classroom. Explore stories, history, and science as you ride and and schools can access a free, accredited curriculum digital learning resource to enrich their students’ experience.

RIDE & REPLENISH - Purchase a Rail Trail Passport ($15.00) from one of our supporting Cycle Operator shops as your interactive souvenir and a way to help maintain and enhance the trail. Or make a donation to offset your adventure and leave a green footprint for future riders.

HELP US IMPROVE YOUR JOURNEY as we’d love to hear about your experience. Take five minutes to complete our rider survey and help us maintain the trail environment, upgrade facilities, protect Central Otago’s unique heritage and go into the draw to WIN ONE OF THREE transferable $200 VOUCHERS.

LOCK IN YOUR ADVENTURE and let one of our official Cycle Operators take care of the details with tailored stress free SELF‑GUIDED packages at no booking cost, or choose a FULLY GUIDED tour for a seamless, supported experience. Prefer to plan your own trip - you can book independently too.

And don’t miss the iconic TAIERI GORGE TRAIN — an unforgettable way to start or finish your Rail Trail journey.
"COME FOR THE JOURNEY, STAY FOR THE MEMORIES"

View our trail video

Explore Our Trail

Explore our trail map

Ride the Trail

Set your own pace on a well designed, easy riding trail that makes planning simple on this easy gradient wide trail, where you can pedal alongside your fellow cyclist.   

Break your journey into manageable sections and complete the entire journey over 3 - 5 days. The townships are spaced at comfortable distances to stop for lunch before reaching your destination for the night. 

The trail is straightforward to organise whether riding totally independently or as a self guided ride as arranged with one the experienced local Cycle Operators. The small fully guided experiences are also very popular which create opportunities to share the experience with others in your group.  

There are also half day and full days rides that you can ride if you are short on time, so check out our Trail Map and make it happen. 

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