Otago Central Rail Trail

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....

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