Trail Places

The perfect start or finish to your cycle trip. Clyde, like many towns in Otago’s gold rush days, popped up almost overnight in the 1860s, and the town centre has re…

Fondly known as “Alex,” this is the biggest town along the Trail and your chance to do any serious shopping. First-time visitors to Central Otago can see right away …

One of the best things about exercise is stopping – especially when you can stop at a genuine old country hotel. Chatto Creek Tavern is a favourite stop on the Trail…

If you have just conquered the sweeping S-bends up Tiger Hill, you can look forward to a well-earned rest at this small country township in the Manuherikia Valley.

This small country community is innovative and ready to deal with change. The Lauder Hotel was turned around to face the road traffic when the number of rail passeng…

Oturehua - (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 i…

Cross Latitude 45° South (twice), reach the highest point, admire the great views of the Hawkdun and Ida Mountains, then it’s all downhill to the “Big Sky Country” o…

Farming centre of the Maniototo, Ranfurly is known as the Art Deco town. Having immersed yourself in the joys of the countryside, this is a place where you can disco…

A quiet country township with one pub, Waipiata - (why-pee-ahh-ta) meaning "clear water" owes its beginnings to the railway – then rabbits and tuberculosis.

Kokonga - (kow-kow-nah) meaning 'bend' or 'corner'. From volcano to vanished lake, now farmland and a peaceful riverside that is just right for a rest.

North side of Hyde you have the scenic Upper Taieri Gorge to look forward to, on the other side, it is a gentle downhill ride to Middlemarch.

The Trail ends (or starts) in Middlemarch beside the roadside gates, north of the railway station.