Otago Central Rail Trail

Making the most of the last of the Autumn rays near the trail. A beautiful capture of St Bathans Lake by @jamessyoung via instagram. A must do stop along the trail. More about St Bathans https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/explore/trail-places/st-bathans/ #otagocentralrailtrail #nzoriginalgreatride

On Saturday, our Chairwoman Kate Wilson of Middlemarch had the pleasure of joining hundreds of others cycling in the official opening of the Lake Dunstan Cycle & Walking Trail. It's the 4th major cycle & walking trail in the region. The trail is grade 2, with some jaw dropping scenery along the 41 km ride between Clyde and Cromwell. Kate spoke briefly at the opening acknowledging the wonderful work of those that had created the trail. She mentioned like any mother with so many trails and riding choices it was important not to compare the "mokopuna" but to love/enjoy each ride for what it is.... And like hundreds of others cycling it on the day she had a great time! To find more about the Lake Dunstan Cycling & Walking Trail https://centralotagonz.com/tracks-and-trails/lake-dunstan-trail/. image credit: Janet Purdey & Kate Wilson

Huge congrats to all those involved in establishing the Lake Dunstan Cycle & Walking Trail which will enable you to ride from Cromwell to Clyde (41 km) the official start/finish of the Otago Central Rail Trail. Details of its official opening are below. Now there’s even more reason to visit the Rail Trail, stay even longer and experience the magic of other trails in the region too ☺ #otagocentralrailtrail #nzoriginalgreatride #centralotagocycletrails

We love bucking the trend with visitation to the trail up 67%. We also appreciate your feedback about your experience so we can look at how we can continue to provide an amazing holiday experience: https://survey.getsmartglobal.com/survey/?source=1082&key=7cb9f1333c2ff4ffc79f7a2c0e3b5c2a&type=Online #otagocentralrailtrail #nzoriginalgreatride

Wonderful to see the support of locals visiting & enjoying the trail despite the challenging times of COVID-19. We are grateful :)

The Rock & Pillar ranges are striking hills near Middlemarch. You may wish to add to your rail trail adventure by exploring this area too. The ranges offers walking and mountain biking opportunities and in winter there's back country skiing too. There is a historic lodge located in the Ranges run by the the Leaning Lodge Trust. Currently the Trust is raising funds to upgrade and reopen the Lodge. At an altitude of 1,220m, the hut offers wonderful views of the nearby township, Middlemarch and provides a peaceful retreat whilst exploring the high hills. Check out the Leaning Lodge Trust page to learn more about the wonderful outdoor opportunities - biking, walking that the area offers.

TRUST UPDATE: The Otago Central Rail Trail Trust has recently engaged a maintenance person on a casual basis over the next few months and it is great to see that this is already having an impact. Railway gates at Waipiata and Ngapuna have already been water blasted and painted and that’s just the start. The maintenance program supports the great work that DOC already does and ensures our trail continues to impress. To donate to Trail Development: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/OCRTTrust More about the Trust here: https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/about/trail-trust/ image credit: Tania Murphy

Happy Anzac weekend. We enjoyed this picture on instagram by @aslackwanderer. It's taken on the trail near Waipiata. Don't forget if you are looking to attend an ANZAC service details are in the post below: For service details in Alexandra, Clyde, Omakau, Ranfurly & Naseby click on this link: https://www.codc.govt.nz/your-council/alerts... For service details in Dunedin, Mosgiel & Outram click on this link https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/.../anzac-day-service-and...#! Middlemarch service details - 11am at the War Memorial #otagocentralrailtraill #nzoriginalgreatride

#leastweforget #otagocentralrailtraill

Hayes Engineering is a must do stop along the Otago Central Rail Trail near Oturehua...