Accommodation

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. Enjoy the peace and quiet while taking in the Dark Skies at night.

Kokonga Lodge

With panoramic views of the Kakanui Mountains, Kokonga Lodge provides luxury bed and breakfast accommodat…

Blacks Hotel

Come and discover a quirky new country pub on the block. Blacks is a 1920’s Art Deco Hotel with a unique …

Olivers Central Otago

The historic 'Olivers' complex was originally built in 1869 as The Victoria Store, to service the early g…

Crow's Nest Accommodation

Stunning Maniototo scenery by day, and by night beautiful starry skies.

Waipiata Country Hotel

FAMILY ADVENTURE DEAL: For October through to December 2023 and May though to June 2024 kids under 15 wil…

Nicky's Place

Nicky's Place, a family business, provides the ideal place to stay when cycling or walking the Otago Cent…

Wedderburn Farm Stay

FAMILY ADVENTURE DEAL: $20 Off for kids from 20th December 2023 to 29th January 2023.  Terms & Condition …

Wedderburn Tavern

Built in 1885, the historic Wedderburn Tavern is situated in the heart of the Maniototo Plain on the Cent…

Lauder School B & B

Lauder School Bed and Breakfast is just 200m off the Otago Central Rail Trail and offers modernized herit…

Taieri Bank Cottage

FAMILY ADVENTURE DEAL: $50 OFF off for all bookings between 01 Sept – 31 January for all booking with 4 o…

Hartley Homestead

Hartley Homestead Bed and Breakfast Welcomes You. We hope your stay is memorable and you are able to enj…

Lauderburn House

A unique rural setting in Central Otago. Situated right next to the Otago Central Rail Trail.

Kokonga Lodge

With panoramic views of the Kakanui Mountains, Kokonga Lodge provides luxury bed and breakfast accommodat…

Blacks Hotel

Come and discover a quirky new country pub on the block. Blacks is a 1920’s Art Deco Hotel with a unique …

Olivers Central Otago

The historic 'Olivers' complex was originally built in 1869 as The Victoria Store, to service the early g…

Crow's Nest Accommodation

Stunning Maniototo scenery by day, and by night beautiful starry skies.

Waipiata Country Hotel

FAMILY ADVENTURE DEAL: For October through to December 2023 and May though to June 2024 kids under 15 wil…

Nicky's Place

Nicky's Place, a family business, provides the ideal place to stay when cycling or walking the Otago Cent…

Wedderburn Farm Stay

FAMILY ADVENTURE DEAL: $20 Off for kids from 20th December 2023 to 29th January 2023.  Terms & Condition …

Wedderburn Tavern

Built in 1885, the historic Wedderburn Tavern is situated in the heart of the Maniototo Plain on the Cent…

Lauder School B & B

Lauder School Bed and Breakfast is just 200m off the Otago Central Rail Trail and offers modernized herit…

Taieri Bank Cottage

FAMILY ADVENTURE DEAL: $50 OFF off for all bookings between 01 Sept – 31 January for all booking with 4 o…

Hartley Homestead

Hartley Homestead Bed and Breakfast Welcomes You. We hope your stay is memorable and you are able to enj…

Lauderburn House

A unique rural setting in Central Otago. Situated right next to the Otago Central Rail Trail.

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, you and/or your family can be independent travellers. This is where you plan the trip for you and your family yourself. You will need to arrange bike hire, if required, through bike hire operators on the Trail and book the accommodation yourself. My advice would be to start planning as soon as you can and get your accommodation booked early. Start by deciding how far you want to cycle each day so that you can then focus on a place where you need to book accommodation. 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?

The Trail is described as Grade 1 Novice cyclists, families and others seeking an easy cycling experience.  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 before you complete the Trail. The more accustomed you are to a bike seat the more you will enjoy the trip.

Where there are slopes on the trail they are gradual and there are no sudden dips or tight bends. 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 or to pass each other comfortably. People of all ages have completed and enjoyed this Trail.