If you would prefer to ride the Trail and make your own accommodation bookings you can. Make sure you read Trail Conditions to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable ride. The other option is to use the expertise of a of a local Tour Planner to assist you with this. You will still be riding independently but on a very well organised trip with support if needed. There are also guided tours available, although this is not independent, it is another option. We do recommend that you book early to avoid any disappointment. Thanks for choosing to ride the Otago Central Rail Trail and we trust that you have a great experience. Please let us know by completing a survey on our website as we appreciate your comments to make it an even better Great Ride.
Where to Start
This where you plan the whole trip yourself with the expertise of a Tour Planner as outlined below, or making all the arrangements for a great ride yourself.
There are small communities along the trail where you can enjoy the local hospitality, take in our big sky landscapes, and enjoy the stunning dark skies at night. There is a lot of history along the trail so you may wish to read railtales on our website, plus there are side trips with having fun curling at Naseby, visiting historic Hayes Engineering at Oturehua, explore off-trail with a 4WD trip or even a guided tour through the impressive Clyde Dam as possible options to consider.
The majority of riders pedal from Clyde to Middlemarch and if the timing works, a train trip through the spectacular Taieri Gorge to Dunedin is very popular.
You can embark on your Otago Central Rail Trail adventure in Clyde or Middlemarch. If arriving by car, there is parking at both locations. If you need transport to the start or return, check out transport operators on our website.
Independent Travel
Now start by deciding how far you want to cycle each day so that you can then decide on the places where you need accommodation. Use our website to choose your accommodation, the dining options and print a map.
If you are travelling light as a few do, all your gear may fit into your panniers, otherwise you will need to arrange luggage transfers unless you have a supporting vehicle. Then there may be a return shuttle so check out transport operators who are also Tour Planners.
Make sure you have allowed extra time if you can, to experience some of the off-trail activities and interesting things to explore.
The Trail is 152km long and how far you travel in one day will depend on your level of fitness or why not enjoy the added power of an e-bike hire. The average safe speed for most of us is 10km per hour so many people allow 3 - 5 days to enjoy the vistas, the history and everything else on offer along the trail. The average walking pace is 4 - 6km per hour, allow at least 6 days.
For a leisurely trip with the opportunity to discover some of the sites and rural towns on the way then allow 4-5 days.
Rail Trail Passport
Please consider purchasing a Passport for $15.00 at the start of your journey and stamp your way along the Trail at each former Station to record your progress. The Passport is a great informative souvenir.
All the proceeds are used to enhance the trail with more information signs, shelters, seating and restoration projects which we need to compliment all our volunteer labour.
Riding the trail is free, so this is a way of giving back to the trail. Passports can be purchased from Cycle Tour & Cycle Hire Operators. Otherwise please send an email to admin@otagocentrailrailtrail.co.nz. and we will arrange delivery to you.
Using a Tour Planner (Cycle Operators)
This is the most popular option by engaging the expertise of a local Cycle Operator who are specialists and will ensure you have a great enjoyable experience. They will put a recommended package together for you to meet your individual requirements.
This will include making all the accommodation and dining bookings for you, at no additional cost. There is a great variety of accommodation along the trail to suit all budgets, so if you have already found the places to stay along the trail, you can discuss this with them.
Also tell them of any dietary requirements and discuss bike hire, daily luggage transfers, shuttles as required along with any Off-Trail activities.
If this sounds like you, please check out Tour Planners on our website and let the fun times begin.
What Level of Fitness Do You Need
The Trail is described as Grade 1 - suited to Novice cyclists, families and others seeking an easy cycling experience. As the Trail was originally a train track, there are no steep hills, but some of the long gentle climbs will require some energy but there are no sudden dips that need quick gear changes. If you are not a strong cyclist you may need to hop off your bike and push it up some slopes. Lots of older people have done the Trail, as well as younger children.
Photo by Clare Toia Bailey, Image Central
Camping along the Trail
There is free camping between Tiroiti and Daisybank and a site near Waipiata as outlined on our brochure map. There are Holiday Parks and/or Domains in Middlemarch, Oturehua, Ranfurly, Omakau, Alexandra and Clyde where you can book a site or a cabin. Our website can help with contact details for these places.
Interplanetary Cycle Trail
The Otago Central Rail Trail has become the first "Interplanetary Cycle Trail". We have shrunk our Solar System by a factor of one hundred million to one and mapped it onto the trail.
Pick up a brochure or download a pdf from our website and explore the vastness of our Solar System as you journey through time and space.
Share Your Experience
Once you have finished your trip we would love to get your feedback about your experience exploring Central Otago via the Otago Central Rail Trail. Tell us what you think. Completing our survey enables our Trust to continue enhancement projects along the Trail and to remain eligible for "Great Rides Funding". We need your support!
Like us on Facebook. Make us a friend and share your pictures!.
You can also send feedback direct to the Trust.
How do I get back to my vehicle once I have completed the Trail?
There are a number of options for transporting you and/or your luggage along the trail or back to your car. Most of our Tour Planners will provide this services and they are listed under the transport section on our website. Please use the link below for their contact details.
Do I have to wear a cycle helmet on the Trail?
Yes, you need to wear a helmet. It is compulsory for all cyclists on New Zealand roads to wear cycle helmets. In legal terms the definition of a road includes a street, a motorway, a beach and a place to which the public have access whether as of right or not.
Can I use a Drone on/along the Trail?
The Otago Central Rail Trail is not open to the use of drones due to the potential risk to users which is consistent with restrictions on most public conservation land. There is an ability for a permit to be granted for promotional /commercial purposes – Contact DOC - 03 440 2040
All commercial use of unmanned aircraft including Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or drones over conservation lands and waters requires a concession from DOC. Recreational use requires either a concession or authorisation from DOC. You can check with the local DOC office to see which applies to you, Alexandra 03 4402040
The concession/authorisation process enables DOC to monitor and manage the effects of activities on public conservation lands and waters. It is important you follow the rules and guidelines set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for operating aircraft safely – see the CAA website for more information.