Otago Central Rail Trail

Oturehua - (Pronounced: Or-to-ree-who-a)) meaning "Place where the summer stands still" and boasting a great old country pub – lots of communities still do. But no other place in New Zealand has a museum quite like Hayes Engineering Works and Homestead, as well as an old store like Gilchrists. https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/explore/trail-places/oturehua/

Waipiata pronounced (why-pee-ahh-ta) meaning clear water” owes its beginings to the railway - then rabbits & tuberculosis... https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/explore/trail-places/waipiata/

To celebrate Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, we share the meaning and pronunciation of some of the places along the trail. Kokonga - (kow-kow-nah) meaning 'bend' or 'corner'. From volcano to vanished lake, its now farmland and a peaceful riverside that is just right for a rest. About Kokonga https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/explore/trail-places/kokonga/ image: Rail Trailers cycle near Kokonga between Daisybank & Hyde Credit: Clare Toia-Bailey

The Kārearea (NZ Falcon) often sighted along the trail, is beautifully captured here by Don Lousley. #ConservationWeek #OtagoCentralRailTrail #nzorigionalgreatride

Donny Maclean's Omakau farm adjoins the Otago Central Rail Trail. In this video we chat to him about his work on the farm and what trail users can expect to see as they ride the trail in early spring... 🚴🐑🚜 Credit: Image central

This week is Conservation week & whether you live near the trail or not, what a great opportunity to celebrate and enjoy nature... #ConservationWeek #OtagoCentralRailTrail #nzoriginalgreatride

Friday fun quizz...

Spring cycling along the Otago Central Rail Trail image: Rail Trailers cycling along the rail trail in Spring in the Ida Valley credit: Clare Toia-Bailey

Fingers & toes crossed you'll be able to enhance your trail experience and enjoy some of the exciting events, next month, in Central... The Alexandra Blossom Festival NZ’s longest running festival, celebrates the arrival of spring with a range of fun events. The 65th festival will be held 24-26 Sept 2021* with the Grand Parade and Party in the Park on Saturday 25 Sept, and http://www.blossom.co.nz/ Eat.Taste.Central The annual celebration of food, wine and beverages in Central Otago is stepping up an extra gear for 2021. The month-long celebration, from 24 September to 25 October, is a chance to taste, see and learn the stories of the region’s food, wine and beverage pioneers, both past and present. https://centralotagonz.com/eat-taste-central/ *subject to COVID restrictions - the committee is monitoring the situation carefully!

Our trail remains open during lockdown for local users & we can’t wait to share our backyard again with everyone! Remember no matter where you are, it’s important to stay active in lockdown. Exercise is important to both physical and mental wellbeing. You can go for a walk, run or bike ride in your local area. You can train, with those in your bubble, at your home, or outdoor places that can be readily accessed from home. You do not need to wear a face covering when exercising but make sure you keep 2 metres distance from others. Adapted from Sport New Zealand image: Rail Trailers cycle between Daisybank & Hyde image credit: Clare Toia-Bailey

Here's what a very small section of the trail looked like today between Clyde & Alexandra (11 km). Our social media manager got some exercise along the trail today & grabbed some pics to share. There were a number of other locals out (not pictured) enjoying the trail too including families, individuals, couples and a few signs of spring enroute... (We'd love to see & receive photos from other locals & non locals enjoying the trail too..) #otagocentralrailtrail #nzorigionalgreatride iphone: Clare Toia-Bailey

We love this photo, it’s a bit crazy at the moment with L4 COVID restrictions. The trail is accessible by locals, and we are looking forward to welcoming back non locals as restrictions allow. You can still contact our Operators to assist with queries in the meantime, or check out the official website to plan your trip www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz. We hope to see everyone back sometime soon :) 📸 World Expeditions via instagram