There is a very good selection of accommodation types along the trail from Camping Grounds, Farm Stays, Country Hotels, Cottages, Motels through to the higher end. Check out the listings of the options available in the areas you chose to stay.
Discuss your preferred options with your Tour Planner and they will make the bookings for you. If riding the trail independently, you can make your own bookings to meet your requirements.
We recommend that you book your evening meals in advance and enquire if they offer courtesy pick up and drop offs from your accommodation, as many offer this service.
Monte Christo Winery Guest Cottages
Be Our Guest! Stay at the historic Monte Christo Winery in Central Otago.
Ranfurly Holiday Park & Motels
A range of accommodation including motels, cabins, powered sites and tent sites.
Lauder School B & B
Lauder School Bed and Breakfast is just 200m off the Otago Central Rail Trail and offers modernized herit…
Pitches Store
FAMILY ADVENTURE DEAL: 15% off accommodation and meals. Terms & Conditions: -Subject to availability, Dis…
Crow's Nest Accommodation
Stunning Maniototo scenery by day, and by night beautiful starry skies.
Ranfurly Hotel
One of Ranfurly's most photographed art deco buildings, the Ranfurly Hotel accommodates up to 30 in king,…
Wedderburn Tavern
Built in 1885, the historic Wedderburn Tavern is situated in the heart of the Maniototo Plain on the Cent…
74 on Lockhart
74 on Lockhart is a beautiful B&B property in rural Oturehua surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich i…
Hyde School Accommodation & Eatery
Hyde School Accommodation & Eatery is a modern complex made up of a beautiful restored 1869 School House …
Dunstan House
Built from 1898 and opened in 1900, Dunstan House is an iconic local historic building situated in the he…
Waipiata Country Hotel
FAMILY ADVENTURE DEAL: For October through to December 2023 and May though to June 2024 kids under 15 wil…
Blacks Hotel
Come and discover a quirky new country pub on the block. Blacks is a 1920’s Art Deco Hotel with a unique …
Monte Christo Winery Guest Cottages
Be Our Guest! Stay at the historic Monte Christo Winery in Central Otago.
Ranfurly Holiday Park & Motels
A range of accommodation including motels, cabins, powered sites and tent sites.
Lauder School B & B
Lauder School Bed and Breakfast is just 200m off the Otago Central Rail Trail and offers modernized herit…
Pitches Store
FAMILY ADVENTURE DEAL: 15% off accommodation and meals. Terms & Conditions: -Subject to availability, Dis…
Crow's Nest Accommodation
Stunning Maniototo scenery by day, and by night beautiful starry skies.
Ranfurly Hotel
One of Ranfurly's most photographed art deco buildings, the Ranfurly Hotel accommodates up to 30 in king,…
Wedderburn Tavern
Built in 1885, the historic Wedderburn Tavern is situated in the heart of the Maniototo Plain on the Cent…
74 on Lockhart
74 on Lockhart is a beautiful B&B property in rural Oturehua surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich i…
Hyde School Accommodation & Eatery
Hyde School Accommodation & Eatery is a modern complex made up of a beautiful restored 1869 School House …
Dunstan House
Built from 1898 and opened in 1900, Dunstan House is an iconic local historic building situated in the he…
Waipiata Country Hotel
FAMILY ADVENTURE DEAL: For October through to December 2023 and May though to June 2024 kids under 15 wil…
Blacks Hotel
Come and discover a quirky new country pub on the block. Blacks is a 1920’s Art Deco Hotel with a unique …
How long does it take?
The Trail is 152km long. How far you travel in one day will depend on your level of fitness. When cycling the average speed for most of us is 10km per hour, many people allow 3 - 5 days. The average walking pace is 4 - 6km per hour, allow at least 6 days.
Can I ride the Trail as an independent traveller?
Yes, but please make sure you plan your trip using our map and the Plan page on our webpage. Please also read the Trail Conditions page. Our website has a 'Plan your Trip Guide' and some suggested itineraries you may wish to consider.
What level of fitness is required to complete the Trail?
This is a Grade 1 Cycle Trail, which is the easiest level cycling experience, with no tight bends or steep inclines. If you or some of your group have not been on a bike for some time it would be a good idea to take a few weeks to get bike fit. The more accustomed you are to a bike seat the more you will enjoy the trip. :-)
There are plenty of places to stop and read about the history along the trail and take your photographs. The trail is a compacted gravel pathway although in some short sections you may experience some loose stones.
The trail is wide enough for cyclists to ride side by side if they wish and there is no congestion at all as you enjoy a wonderful experience amongst spectacular scenery.
There are e-bikes , kid tows and adaptive bikes available for hire from the Cycle Operators.