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.
Hawkdun Lodge
Hawkdun Lodge is quality accommodation beside the Otago Central Rail Trail in Ranfurly.
Stanleys Hotel
Built in 1882, Stanleys Hotel is not only a fabulous country pub it is also a unique historic hotel.
Burn Cottage Retreat
A beautiful property with a series of private self-contained cottages set amongst the rolling hills of Cr…
Waipiata Motel
In the tiny Central Otago trailside historic settlement of Waipiata, sitting right on the Otago Central R…
Leviathan Heritage Hotel
Central to Dunedin, the Leviathan Hotel offers traveler and tourist, convenient, comfortable accommodatio…
Annandale Bed & Breakfast
Annandale Bed and Breakfast is located at the centre of sunny Middlemarch - 400m from the start/finish of…
Big Sky Cottage
Gorgeous, self-contained character deco-style mud brick house right in Lauder village, 100m from Rail Tra…
Hawkdun Lodge
Hawkdun Lodge is quality accommodation beside the Otago Central Rail Trail in Ranfurly.
Stanleys Hotel
Built in 1882, Stanleys Hotel is not only a fabulous country pub it is also a unique historic hotel.
Burn Cottage Retreat
A beautiful property with a series of private self-contained cottages set amongst the rolling hills of Cr…
Waipiata Motel
In the tiny Central Otago trailside historic settlement of Waipiata, sitting right on the Otago Central R…
Leviathan Heritage Hotel
Central to Dunedin, the Leviathan Hotel offers traveler and tourist, convenient, comfortable accommodatio…
Annandale Bed & Breakfast
Annandale Bed and Breakfast is located at the centre of sunny Middlemarch - 400m from the start/finish of…
Big Sky Cottage
Gorgeous, self-contained character deco-style mud brick house right in Lauder village, 100m from Rail Tra…
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, but please make sure you plan your trip using our map and the Plan page on our webpage. Please also read the Trail Conditions page. 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?
This is a Grade 1 Cycle Trail, which is the easiest level cycling experience, with no tight bends or steep inclines. 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. The more accustomed you are to a bike seat the more you will enjoy the trip. :-)
There are plenty of places to stop and read about the history along the trail and take your photographs. 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 and there is no congestion at all as you enjoy a wonderful experience amongst spectacular scenery.
There are e-bikes , kid tows and adaptive bikes available for hire from the Cycle Operators.