Otago Central Rail Trail

A good portion of the trail stretches through Central Otago & this time of year offers stunning colours & busy locals, especially wine makers who are harvesting...

An extension of the trail towards Dunedin... https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/cycling-use-taieri-gorge-suggested

TRAIL STATUS UPDATE: DOC has advised that due to bridge repairs there will be detours around three small bridges between Middlemarch & Rock and Pillar station. Detours will be in place between 3 May and 10 June & will be marked with signs at the relevant sites. Apologies for any inconvenience. Trail conditions are updated on the official website: https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/ride/what-youll-need-to-know-on-trail/weather-and-trail-conditions/

Need some school holiday inspiration? Here are 5️⃣ ideas for getting the kids out and about on or near on the trail ... 🚴

Adventure through 152km of stunning landscapes - who would you share it with....? Credit: Tim Hawkins Trip planning starts here: https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/

Just after sunrise this morning along the rail trail near Omakau. Autumn weather usually brings settled weather with pockets of mist in some areas along the trail. We suggest wearing layers you can easily remove as the day warms up. More planning tips & tools: https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/plan/ Credit: Clare Toia-Bailey

Happy Easter! We loved the spirit of this group from Northland cycling the trail last month with their specially printed singlets for their holiday. In fact, we've noticed a few parties in interesting attire cycling the trail - feel free to share your images with us! #otagoccentralrailtrail #nzoriginalgreatride #DoSomethingNewNZ Credit: Clare Toia-Bailey

EVENTS: What are your plans this Easter? If you are lucky enough to be exploring the trail then you may want to consider enjoying the Clyde Wine & Food Festival on Sunday, or the last operating day of the season at Hayes Engineering in Oturehua.

READ: Miss Tall walks the length of the rail trail, 152km raising awareness for mental health. #otagocentralrailtrail #nzoriginalgreatride

Leaning Rock in Autumn. Credit: Tim Hawkins

Historic: The wide gentle gradient of the 152km trail that makes it so doable is because it was the Otago Central Railway Line. The image below courtesy of Geoffrey White shows a train crossing the Manuherekia No 1 bridge in September 1989. Today thousands of riders, walkers & joggers enjoy the Otago Central Rail Trail, NZ's original Great Ride. The wide trail makes it easy to enjoy a conversation, great for groups & the gentle trail away from roads accommodates most abilities. #otagocentralrailtrail #nzoriginalgreatride More about NZ's original Great Ride: https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/about/nzs-original-great-ride/