Otago Central Rail Trail

The Hawkduns are the iconic mountains that frame the skyline in the Maniototo. So you’ll see them alot mostly cycling near Ida Valley & Ranfurly/Waipiata. Lovely recent capture by local photog....

Check out the Mindfood article celebrating cycle trails in Central Otago, including the Otago Central Rail Trail as well as the newly opened Lake Dunstan Trail. We are proud to start the craze! Come & enjoy a ride or all 4 in our region... #OtagoCentralRailTrail #nzoriginalgreatride https://www.mindfood.com/article/discover-the-joys-of-cycling-in-central-otago/

TRAIL UPDATE: Please note that works at CLYDE RAILHEAD have commenced by Benchmark Construction. They are undertaking specific works for the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust at the Clyde Rail head Site. The work is designed to give the start/end of the trail more presence and in line with the agreed Landscape Plan for the site (attached). The work includes: -Asphalt 52 metre section at the start of the trail with imbedded railway sleepers designed to give a train track effect. -Installation of a second speed hump -Relocation of the shunting post Benchmark will be undertaking traffic control on site and a detour around the work site will be in place for cyclists and walkers. The diagram below shows the upgrade plans. An advice notice will be placed on the official trail website: www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz

Please help with completing a confidential survey about your views of the Otago Central Rail Trail... Otago Central Rail Trail is one of the 22 Great Rides around New Zealand that make up Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails. Angus & Associates has been commissioned to undertake an independent evaluation of the Cycle Trails, assessing the economic, social, cultural and environmental contribution that the Trails make to the country as a whole and to the communities in which the 22 Great Rides are based. The evaluation findings will be used to support decisions on funding and other support by central and local government agencies, and for advocacy and trail development purposes by trail managers. If you, or a group/organisation that you represent, have an interest in Otago Central Rail Trail, we would very much appreciate your views on how this trail has contributed to the local community/region and to the organisation or group you represent. Participation in the survey is CONFIDENTIAL and no organisation involved will have an opportunity to view the response of any individual; nor will results be presented in a way that any individual can be identified. Please provide the following details so that we can email you an invitation to complete the survey. Thank you in advance for your contribution. (click on the link below www.getsmartglobal.com/stakeholderOCRT #otagocentralrailtrail #nzoriginalgreatride Credit: Tim Hawkins

Our trail is open 24/7 all year round. We highly recommend, particularly in winter booking the things you need to avoid disaapointment. See also our previous winter tips post... #otagocentralrailtrail #nzoriginalgreatride

For those that didn't see it, there was an article on seven sharp about the writers in the town of Oturehua near the trail. More about Oturehua here: https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/explore/trail-places/oturehua/ #otagocentralrailtrail #nzoriginalgreatride https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/small-central-otago-community-becomes-enclave-writers

TIPS: Winter on the trail offers some spectacular riding - with big blue skies and crisp Southern air & lots to see & do along the way... Our top tips for winter riding on the trail... - Make sure you book everything you need ahead - accommodation, transport, meals. (Some operators offer limited services during winter) - Wear layers lots of layers - ideally natural fibres such as merino, waterproof jacket & pants that you can later remove, gloves & woollen hat - Carry plenty of high energy snacks & water - Make sure your itinerary is known by local Operators - Plan to finish your ride at the latest before late afternoon (before sunset which is currently 5pm) - Add to your adventure with some winter activities such as ice skating, curling, in Alexandra or Naseby. (Naseby has an ice luge & snow park worth exploring with the family ) There are other tips for riding the trail here: https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/ride/what-youll-need-to-know-on-trail/ #otagocentralrailtrail #nzoriginalgreatride 📸 Clare Toia-Bailey

📸 Clare Toia-Bailey

Do you enjoy wine? Double the enjoyment and cycle the trail. We have amazing local wines available the length of the trail. You can enjoy tastings at the cellar door from Queenstown through to Alexandra. You may need too book ahead... https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/experiences/cycling-holidays/300326676/new-zealands-best-cycle-trails-for-wine-lovers

Great opportunity for Central Otago locals...

Some pics via instagram of the 40th & final Brass Monkey Rally function at Oturehua, close to the rail trail, this weekend. If you are/were in the area you probably would have seen some of the attendees. The iconic hills in the background are the majestic Hawkduns which also frame the trail & are visible throughout the Maniototo. 📸 1 Tourism Property Brokers Ltd 2 & 3 Andy Woods Photography

Talofa lava (hello to you in Samoan), happy riding this long weekend, keep warm and please share your pics with us! Fa (good bye) for now.... #OtagoCentralRailTrail #nzoriginalgreatride More about: https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/