Accommodation

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.

Hyde School Accommodation & Eatery

Hyde School Accommodation & Eatery is a modern complex made up of a beautiful restored 1869 School House …

Pitches Store

FAMILY ADVENTURE DEAL: 15% off accommodation and meals. Terms & Conditions: -Subject to availability, Dis…

Crow's Nest Accommodation

Stunning Maniototo scenery by day, and by night beautiful starry skies.

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.

Wedderburn Farm Stay

FAMILY ADVENTURE DEAL: $20 Off for kids from 20th December 2023 to 29th January 2023.  Terms & Condition …

Nicky's Place

Nicky's Place, a family business, provides the ideal place to stay when cycling or walking the Otago Cent…

Jailhouse Cottage

Stay in this unique two-bedroom self-contained cottage offering spectacular open views of the Rock and Pi…

Lauder School B & B

Lauder School Bed and Breakfast is just 200m off the Otago Central Rail Trail and offers modernized herit…

Olivers Central Otago

The historic 'Olivers' complex was originally built in 1869 as The Victoria Store, to service the early g…

Ranfurly Hotel

One of Ranfurly's most photographed art deco buildings, the Ranfurly Hotel accommodates up to 30 in king,…

Alexandra Heights Motel

Spacious, modern accommodation on Alexandra's main street.

Hyde School Accommodation & Eatery

Hyde School Accommodation & Eatery is a modern complex made up of a beautiful restored 1869 School House …

Pitches Store

FAMILY ADVENTURE DEAL: 15% off accommodation and meals. Terms & Conditions: -Subject to availability, Dis…

Crow's Nest Accommodation

Stunning Maniototo scenery by day, and by night beautiful starry skies.

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.

Wedderburn Farm Stay

FAMILY ADVENTURE DEAL: $20 Off for kids from 20th December 2023 to 29th January 2023.  Terms & Condition …

Nicky's Place

Nicky's Place, a family business, provides the ideal place to stay when cycling or walking the Otago Cent…

Jailhouse Cottage

Stay in this unique two-bedroom self-contained cottage offering spectacular open views of the Rock and Pi…

Lauder School B & B

Lauder School Bed and Breakfast is just 200m off the Otago Central Rail Trail and offers modernized herit…

Olivers Central Otago

The historic 'Olivers' complex was originally built in 1869 as The Victoria Store, to service the early g…

Ranfurly Hotel

One of Ranfurly's most photographed art deco buildings, the Ranfurly Hotel accommodates up to 30 in king,…

Alexandra Heights Motel

Spacious, modern accommodation on Alexandra's main street.

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.