Now lets plan your own self guided or a fully guided cycle tour on the Otago Central Rail Trail which is suitable for people of all ages. We recommend that you consider engaging the expertise of a Tour Planner (Cycle Operator) who will attend to your bike hire, accommodation bookings, dinner bookings, luggage transfers and return shuttle.
Please ask them to include your Rail Trail Passports ($15.00 each) as your interactive informative souvenir to help support further projects. A well organised relaxed time in a very unique and special part of NZ with stunning scenery awaits.
If you want to have a guide pedal the trail with you as part of a fully guided informative cycle tour experience, this is also available.
Alternatively, you can plan your own cycle tour booking your own accommodation, meals and shuttles etc. as required.
Lets start by making your booking now, so come an enjoy an iconic part of New Zealand.and create some life time memories!
Planning Tools
Use the links below to start planning your amazing cycle trail experience. Guided 4WD trips, exploring the Clyde Dam, curling at Naseby and a ride on the famous Taieri Gorge Train, plus much more awaits. Your journey starts here.
Tour Planner (Cycle Operators)
Click on Tour Planner in the category below, read about these companies and then select the one that you wish to engage for your own Self-Guided Cycle Tour. Make the…
Accommodation Options
There is a very good selection of accommodation types along the trail from Camping Grounds, Farm Stays, Country Hotels, Cottages, Motels through to the higher end. C…
Bike Hire
Bike hire is available in Clyde, Alexandra, Omakau, Middlemarch and Cromwell from the listed Cycle Tour Planners and Bike Hire Operators. They offer a great selectio…
Riding Independently
If you prefer to ride the trail arranging your own accommodation bookings and bike hire if required,
you can using the links on our Plan page. Please make sure you…
Walking the Trail
If you just enjoy walking and are reasonably fit, you may want to consider walking the Trail, or a part of it – you could also organise a walk on the Trail as an int…
Accessible Ride Guide
Our trail is Grade 1 which is the easiest of rides and is suitable for adaptive bikes. If you have any queries, please send us an email [email protected]…
Things You May Need To Know
Like anything, to ensure you have a great experience, get the best information and there is all the information you should need within our website. It is a very relaxing experience, take your time to enjoy the scenery, the people and the history, not to mention the fabulous food and Central Otago wines. If you need any more information, please email us.
Trail Map
The Trail traverses the region’s isolated unique heartland and takes people to places preserved by the dry climate and distinct seasons, not easily accessible by any…
Rail Trail Passport
The perfect interactive souvenir booklet that tells the history of each former Railway Station Site. The proceeds of the Otago Central Rail Trail Official Passport i…
Fitness and Gear
The Rail Trail is ideal for people who are not highly skilled cyclists as there are no challenging areas to ride on the wide trail. As with any activity, the fitter …
Popular Itineraries
The advantage of riding the Otago Central Rail Trail is that there are so many places to get on and off the trail unlike the other 22 Great Rides. It is also unique …
Holiday Types
Riding the Otago Central Rail Trail is free, so you can ride the entire 152 km in sections at your own pace. Our website lists the Cycle Operators that can organise …
Frequently Asked Questions
Be Prepared - Check out the questions that we are most often asked...
How much does it cost to ride the Trail?
There is no cost to you to ride the actual trail as it is free. The trail surface and the major infrastructure is managed by the Department of Conservation. All of the information signage, seating, gangers sheds, native plantings, shelters, picnic areas and other projects are the on going work of the Rail Trail Trust. If you would like to contribute, please purchase a Rail Trail Passport or make a donation which would be greatly received and invested back into the trail.
Can I use an E-bike on the Trail?
Yes, power-assisted cycles (not exceeding 300watts) are permitted on the trail. Some of the more mature riders enjoy these as it makes the experience a lot easier.
Is there water available along the Trail?
Take plenty of water with you, and purchase more along the way. Be sure to fill your water bottle at your place of accommodation before you start your trip each day. There are some towns along the way where water can be restricted in the summer months.
There is a tap at the Ranfurly and Oturehua Station sites. There is also a tap at Hyde close to the picnic table.
Is there parking at the start of the Trail in Clyde?
There is a large car-parking area at the start of the Trail which is the Clyde Railhead site on Springvale Road.
Parking here is at your own risk.
Is the Trail open all year round?
The Trail is open all year round and a great experience in all seasons. Most ride the trail during the months September to May as Winters can be cold in Central Otago and there are a number of businesses along the trail that take a break in the winter months. If your ride in Winter dress for the occasion and check availability of accommodation and food providers before you start your journey.