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. Check out the listings of the options available in the areas you chose to stay. Discuss your preferred options with your Tour Planner and they will make the bookings for you. If riding the trail independently, you can make your own bookings to meet your requirements. We recommend that you book your evening meals in advance and enquire if they offer courtesy pick up and drop offs from your accommodation, as many offer this service.
97 Motel Moray
97 Motel Moray is the closest motel complex to the Octagon, the centre of Dunedin City.
Waipiata Motel
In the tiny Central Otago trailside historic settlement of Waipiata, sitting right on the Otago Central R…
Stanleys Hotel
Built in 1882, Stanleys Hotel is not only a fabulous country pub it is also a unique historic hotel.
Hyde Lodge
Perfectly located at Hyde, situated on the Central Otago Rail Trail and only one hour by vehicle from Dun…
Komako Peonies & Cottage Garden Accommodation
For your one night of difference on the Trail stay with us in rooms amongst the garden.
Leviathan Heritage Hotel
Central to Dunedin, the Leviathan Hotel offers traveler and tourist, convenient, comfortable accommodatio…
Big Sky Cottage
Gorgeous, self-contained character deco-style mud brick house right in Lauder village, 100m from Rail Tra…
Old Post Office Backpackers (self-contained)
You'll be writing home about this bright, cheerful and clean budget and backpacker accommodation.
Woodlands Motels & Apartments
Woodlands Village Motels & Apartments Dunedin offer a range of units to suit your needs. Relax in spaciou…
97 Motel Moray
97 Motel Moray is the closest motel complex to the Octagon, the centre of Dunedin City.
Waipiata Motel
In the tiny Central Otago trailside historic settlement of Waipiata, sitting right on the Otago Central R…
Stanleys Hotel
Built in 1882, Stanleys Hotel is not only a fabulous country pub it is also a unique historic hotel.
Hyde Lodge
Perfectly located at Hyde, situated on the Central Otago Rail Trail and only one hour by vehicle from Dun…
Komako Peonies & Cottage Garden Accommodation
For your one night of difference on the Trail stay with us in rooms amongst the garden.
Leviathan Heritage Hotel
Central to Dunedin, the Leviathan Hotel offers traveler and tourist, convenient, comfortable accommodatio…
Big Sky Cottage
Gorgeous, self-contained character deco-style mud brick house right in Lauder village, 100m from Rail Tra…
Old Post Office Backpackers (self-contained)
You'll be writing home about this bright, cheerful and clean budget and backpacker accommodation.
Woodlands Motels & Apartments
Woodlands Village Motels & Apartments Dunedin offer a range of units to suit your needs. Relax in spaciou…
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.