A range of accommodation types are available along and close to the Trail. From budget accommodation and holiday parks to luxury lodges and cottages or something in between.
Dunedin Palms Motel
Luxury at Affordable Prices. Dunedin Palms Motel welcomes you the moment you step in the door.
Monte Christo Winery Guest Cottages
Be Our Guest! Stay at the historic Monte Christo Winery in Central Otago.
Hyde School Accommodation & Eatery
Hyde School Accommodation & Eatery is a modern complex made up of a beautiful restored 1869 School House …
Lauder School B & B
Lauder School Bed and Breakfast is just 200m off the Otago Central Rail Trail and offers modernized herit…
Tussock Lodge
FAMILY ADVENTURE DEAL: Subject to availability, for October through to December 2023 and May though to Ju…
Lavender Row
Lavender Row Farm offers B & B accommodation on State Highway 87, with views across the Taieri Plain and …
Dunstan House
Built from 1898 and opened in 1900, Dunstan House is an iconic local historic building situated in the he…
Ranfurly Holiday Park & Motels
A range of accommodation including motels, cabins, powered sites and tent sites.
Blacks Hotel
Come and discover a quirky new country pub on the block. Blacks is a 1920’s Art Deco Hotel with a unique …
Wedderburn Tavern
Built in 1885, the historic Wedderburn Tavern is situated in the heart of the Maniototo Plain on the Cent…
Ranfurly Hotel
One of Ranfurly's most photographed art deco buildings, the Ranfurly Hotel accommodates up to 30 in king,…
Ranfurly Motels (self contained)
When it comes to colour, motel interior décor tends towards neutral. But there are exceptions.
Dunedin Palms Motel
Luxury at Affordable Prices. Dunedin Palms Motel welcomes you the moment you step in the door.
Monte Christo Winery Guest Cottages
Be Our Guest! Stay at the historic Monte Christo Winery in Central Otago.
Hyde School Accommodation & Eatery
Hyde School Accommodation & Eatery is a modern complex made up of a beautiful restored 1869 School House …
Lauder School B & B
Lauder School Bed and Breakfast is just 200m off the Otago Central Rail Trail and offers modernized herit…
Tussock Lodge
FAMILY ADVENTURE DEAL: Subject to availability, for October through to December 2023 and May though to Ju…
Lavender Row
Lavender Row Farm offers B & B accommodation on State Highway 87, with views across the Taieri Plain and …
Dunstan House
Built from 1898 and opened in 1900, Dunstan House is an iconic local historic building situated in the he…
Ranfurly Holiday Park & Motels
A range of accommodation including motels, cabins, powered sites and tent sites.
Blacks Hotel
Come and discover a quirky new country pub on the block. Blacks is a 1920’s Art Deco Hotel with a unique …
Wedderburn Tavern
Built in 1885, the historic Wedderburn Tavern is situated in the heart of the Maniototo Plain on the Cent…
Ranfurly Hotel
One of Ranfurly's most photographed art deco buildings, the Ranfurly Hotel accommodates up to 30 in king,…
Ranfurly Motels (self contained)
When it comes to colour, motel interior décor tends towards neutral. But there are exceptions.
How long does it take?
The Trail is 152km long. How far you travel in one day will depend on your level of fitness. When cycling the average speed for most of us is 10km per hour, many people allow 3 - 5 days. The average walking pace is 4 - 6km per hour, allow at least 6 days.
Can I ride the Trail as an independent traveller?
Yes, you and/or your family can be independent travellers. This is where you plan the trip for you and your family yourself. You will need to arrange bike hire, if required, through bike hire operators on the Trail and book the accommodation yourself. My advice would be to start planning as soon as you can and get your accommodation booked early. Start by deciding how far you want to cycle each day so that you can then focus on a place where you need to book accommodation. Our website has a 'Plan your Trip Guide' and some suggested itineraries you may wish to consider.
What level of fitness is required to complete the Trail?
The Trail is described as Grade 1 Novice cyclists, families and others seeking an easy cycling experience. If you or some of your group have not been on a bike for some time it would be a good idea to take a few weeks to get bike fit before you complete the Trail. The more accustomed you are to a bike seat the more you will enjoy the trip.
Where there are slopes on the trail they are gradual and there are no sudden dips or tight bends. The Trail is a compacted gravel pathway although in some short sections you may experience some loose stones. The Trail is wide enough for cyclists to ride side by side if they wish or to pass each other comfortably. People of all ages have completed and enjoyed this Trail.