Accommodation

A range of accommodation types are available along and close to the Trail. From budget accommodation and holiday parks to luxury lodges and cottages or something in between.

Behind the Bike Sheds

We offer two gorgeous cabins designed to provide a fantastic experience in a unique country setting.

97 Motel Moray

97 Motel Moray is the closest motel complex to the Octagon, the centre of Dunedin City.

Waipiata Motel

In the tiny Central Otago trailside historic settlement of Waipiata, sitting right on the Otago Central R…

Old Post Office Backpackers (self-contained)

You'll be writing home about this bright, cheerful and clean budget and backpacker accommodation.

Naseby Lodge

This Alpine Lodge and Restaurant is located on the grounds of the old Naseby School, soaked in history an…

Burn Cottage Retreat

A beautiful property with a series of private self-contained cottages set amongst the rolling hills of Cr…

Lauderburn House

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

Annandale Bed & Breakfast

Annandale Bed and Breakfast is located at the centre of sunny Middlemarch - 400m from the start/finish of…

Bluestone on George

Bluestone on George offers the latest in architectural design and ambience with patios or balconies off e…

Aurora on George

What Aurora on George has now is simply the best of the best - 4 Star Plus facilities, contemporary chic …

Taieri Bank Cottage

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

Omakau Bedpost (self contained)

Come stay in the converted Omakau Post Office and Postmasters House

Behind the Bike Sheds

We offer two gorgeous cabins designed to provide a fantastic experience in a unique country setting.

97 Motel Moray

97 Motel Moray is the closest motel complex to the Octagon, the centre of Dunedin City.

Waipiata Motel

In the tiny Central Otago trailside historic settlement of Waipiata, sitting right on the Otago Central R…

Old Post Office Backpackers (self-contained)

You'll be writing home about this bright, cheerful and clean budget and backpacker accommodation.

Naseby Lodge

This Alpine Lodge and Restaurant is located on the grounds of the old Naseby School, soaked in history an…

Burn Cottage Retreat

A beautiful property with a series of private self-contained cottages set amongst the rolling hills of Cr…

Lauderburn House

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

Annandale Bed & Breakfast

Annandale Bed and Breakfast is located at the centre of sunny Middlemarch - 400m from the start/finish of…

Bluestone on George

Bluestone on George offers the latest in architectural design and ambience with patios or balconies off e…

Aurora on George

What Aurora on George has now is simply the best of the best - 4 Star Plus facilities, contemporary chic …

Taieri Bank Cottage

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

Omakau Bedpost (self contained)

Come stay in the converted Omakau Post Office and Postmasters House

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.