Otago Central Rail Trail

Just getting to the Otago Central Rail Trail can provide an amazing scenic experience. Winter views of the Kakanui's via the touring route, not far from Kokonga & Tirioiti along the rail tail. Options for getting to the Rail Trail: https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/plan/getting-here/ Credit: Clare Toia-Bailey

Have you ridden through Daphne Hull Lane and seen the murals painted by the local artist Bruce Potter? It's just over 6 years since it was officially opened and it connects Clyde Township to Clyde Rail Head so walkers & rail trailers can go underneath the busy state highway. The build was driven by a joint effort from the local community - including Clyde Primary School & residents, Otago Central Rail Trail Trust Otago Motor Club, and jointly funded by CODC Council, NZTA, and MBIE.

If you've cycled on NZ's original Great Ride, the Otago Central Rail Trail recently, including this winter - let us know your feedback: https://survey.getsmartglobal.com/survey/?source=1082&key=7cb9f1333c2ff4ffc79f7a2c0e3b5c2a&type=Online We'd really appreciate it & it helps us fulfil our funding requirements :)

Christchurch friends showing 26th of August is the Rail:LInes (in Christchurch). We are curious and keen to see the film too from Liz Breslin, Annabel Wilson and Laura Williamson's about their trip along the trail last year. They embarked on a ‘spoke’n’word tour’ of the Otago Central Rail Trail. The three poets packed amps, mics and notebooks into trailers and e-biked the length of the Rail Trail, performing in the historic halls along the way. It was a poetry tour like no other: emission-free, muddy and rowdy, against a backdrop of otherworldly landscapes. Join Annabel, Laura and Liz for live poetry followed by the Aotearoa premiere of Rail:lines: The film, a documentary about the tour. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the film. We are sure it will be a goodie knowing the calibre of the authors behind it... #otagocentralrailtrail #nzorigionalgreatride

Don’t forget to checkout the Winterstellar exhibition on at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery in Alexandra. Some amazing photography & videography of our night skies by local artists including this image by Michael Cookson. More info: winterstellar.com

Lovely story by Sarah Kate-Lynch enjoying a trip on the Otago Central Rail Trail (named after the Otago Central Railway). Sarah who originally comes from Clyde, returns from Aussie and shares her ebike experience with her friends and their adventures along the rail trail. She loses her ring, and of course the honest folk down here find it later and posts it back.... #otagocentralrailtrail #nzoriginalgreatride

Some popular winter activities to accompany your winter ride. #otagocentralrailtrail #nzoriginalgreatride

Looking for some winter holiday activities to entertain everyone? Naseby Ice Rink, Luge & Snow Park offers something for everyone! Located an easy drive from the trail eg approx 10 minutes from Ranfurly https://nasebyicerink.com/

Brrr - it's been a bit snowy down here this week... what's it like at your place? Images captured by some of our pro photographers & locals... #otagocentralrailtrail #nzoriginalgreatride

There are a range of accommodation providers for all budgets along the trail. In this months Kia Ora, it's great to see one of our trail partners featured - The Lord Clyde in Clyde (the start or finish of the trail). Our official, bike friendly, accommodation partners along the trail are listed here: https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/plan/accommodation/

EVENT: The Winterstellar Exhibition starts this Friday 2nd July to 5th September 2021 There are several events including an exhibition of astrophotography and videography. The exhibtion celebrates Matariki – the Maori new year, a time to reflect on what has passed and rejoice in new beginnings. Winterstellar shares photographic works by both experienced photographers and those just starting out at Central Stories in Alexandra. There is more information about the events on the official https://winterstellar.com/ To help inspire you or if you can't attend here is some work by one exhibitor: John Ecksmann. It's WOW! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDBGC06cvtk

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....