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.
Centennial Court Hotel
Centennial Court Hotel offers great Southern Hospitality to those travelling in the Central Otago area.
Stanleys Hotel
Built in 1882, Stanleys Hotel is not only a fabulous country pub it is also a unique historic hotel.
Hartley Homestead
Hartley Homestead Bed and Breakfast Welcomes You. We hope your stay is memorable and you are able to enj…
Schist Rock Lodge
Offers luxury King Ensuite Studios, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, perfect location…
Waipiata Motel
In the tiny Central Otago trailside historic settlement of Waipiata, sitting right on the Otago Central R…
Inverlair Lodge
At the halfway point along the Otago Central Rail Trail, our lodge is the perfect stop to enjoy the regio…
Marchburn Luxury High Country Lodge
MARCHBURN Lodge offers the highest quality accommodation (3 ensuited double rooms) in the High Country of…
Leviathan Heritage Hotel
Central to Dunedin, the Leviathan Hotel offers traveler and tourist, convenient, comfortable accommodatio…
Lauderburn House
A unique rural setting in Central Otago. Situated right next to the Otago Central Rail Trail.
Centennial Court Hotel
Centennial Court Hotel offers great Southern Hospitality to those travelling in the Central Otago area.
Stanleys Hotel
Built in 1882, Stanleys Hotel is not only a fabulous country pub it is also a unique historic hotel.
Hartley Homestead
Hartley Homestead Bed and Breakfast Welcomes You. We hope your stay is memorable and you are able to enj…
Schist Rock Lodge
Offers luxury King Ensuite Studios, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, perfect location…
Waipiata Motel
In the tiny Central Otago trailside historic settlement of Waipiata, sitting right on the Otago Central R…
Inverlair Lodge
At the halfway point along the Otago Central Rail Trail, our lodge is the perfect stop to enjoy the regio…
Marchburn Luxury High Country Lodge
MARCHBURN Lodge offers the highest quality accommodation (3 ensuited double rooms) in the High Country of…
Leviathan Heritage Hotel
Central to Dunedin, the Leviathan Hotel offers traveler and tourist, convenient, comfortable accommodatio…
Lauderburn House
A unique rural setting in Central Otago. Situated right next to the Otago Central Rail Trail.
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.