Take your time to experience our unique offerings off trail but easily accessible by foot, bike, vehicle or local guided trip with a memorable commentary with local yarns and history
We have provided some ideas for you to immerse yourself in some local attractions, so seek these out:
- Visit historic Naseby, an accredited Dark Sky town with curling, luge, forestry mountain bike tracks, cafes, then travel out to the historic mud brick Danseys Pass Hotel and more.
- Visit the off trail scenic Falls Dam, famous St Bathans township including the Vulcan hotel (home of a ghost) and the quaint former goldmining town of Cambrian with pick ups available with a local identity as your guide.
- Visit the historic Hayes Engineering workshop, home of the farming wire fence strainer and more, adjacent to Hannahs Cafe and the original homestead which you can visit at Oturehua.
- Explore the only Hydro Dam that is open to the public with fully guided tour when in Clyde.
- Taste the famous Central Otago wines at the variety of wineries in the Alexandra and Clyde areas, some are right next to the trail, some have accommodation available. There are also local craft beer breweries for your enjoyment.
- Take a four wheel drive tour to Mt Buster and elsewhere with pickups available, again with an experienced well known local.
- Visit the award winning galleries and boutique stores in Ranfurly and more.
- Ride the world famous Taieri Gorge Train with Dunedin Railways - Dunedin to Pukerangi (transport available to and from Middlemarch) also awaits.
- Don't forget to seek out all the great cafes, restaurants and hotels that are along the way at perfect locations along the trail. This includes in Ophir, take the short road detour from Omakau, ride over well photographed suspension bridge to arrive at this former goldmining town, where the historic post office still operates.
- This is the ideal cycle trail where you can slow down, experience what is on offer in a very relaxed environment. We know that you will enjoy tour time in our very special part of the world.
Our Region
Central Otago has the most distinctive climate in New Zealand. Mountain ranges surround the Region on all sides, sheltering it from rain in every direction; this has…
Things to Do in Central Otago
The trail is a gateway to enjoy the small local communities, take time for fun activities like curling, riding the luge or exploring the history of Central Otago or …
Trail Places
Central Otago has one of the most distinctive climates in New Zealand. Summer temperatures are among the hottest, while winters are definitely the coldest.
NZ's Original Great Ride
New Zealand’s first Rail Trail and Original Great Ride opened in 2000. The Otago Central Rail Trail is a 152-kilometre, recreational trail that follows the former O…
Trail Trust
The Otago Central Rail Trail Trust was originally established in 1994 by the Department of Conservation to help it raise funds to convert a disused railway line into…
Stakeholders and Friends
The unique Rail Trail experience is created by the blend of physical and social components. Each Stakeholder, every Trail Community, all Service Providers and each T…
Can I use a Drone on/along the Trail?
The Otago Central Rail Trail is not open to the use of drones due to the potential risk to users which is consistent with restrictions on most public conservation land. There is an ability for a permit to be granted for promotional /commercial purposes – Contact DOC - 03 440 2040
All commercial use of unmanned aircraft including Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or drones over conservation lands and waters requires a concession from DOC. Recreational use requires either a concession or authorisation from DOC. You can check with the local DOC office to see which applies to you, Alexandra 03 4402040
The concession/authorisation process enables DOC to monitor and manage the effects of activities on public conservation lands and waters. It is important you follow the rules and guidelines set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for operating aircraft safely – see the CAA website for more information.
If I only have a day what section should I ride?
We suggest a section that would include viaducts and tunnels. So a section that would include Prices Creek or the Poolburn Gorge. But do check out the popular itineraries section of our website for more information on one day trips.