Accommodation

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.

Big Sky Cottage

Gorgeous, self-contained character deco-style mud brick house right in Lauder village, 100m from Rail Tra…

Hartley Homestead

Hartley Homestead Bed and Breakfast Welcomes You. We hope your stay is memorable and you are able to enj…

Hawkdun Lodge

Hawkdun Lodge is quality accommodation beside the Otago Central Rail Trail in Ranfurly.

Hartley Arms Accommodation

Historic stacked stone accommodation in a peaceful garden setting in Clyde's historic heart.

Leviathan Heritage Hotel

Central to Dunedin, the Leviathan Hotel offers traveler and tourist, convenient, comfortable accommodatio…

Naseby Holiday Park

Naseby lies just 1.5 hours from Dunedin, 15 km from Ranfurly and just 10 km from the Otago Central Rail T…

Bluestone on George

Bluestone on George offers the latest in architectural design and ambience with patios or balconies off e…

Clyde Holiday Park

Enormously popular with family groups, this campground is the social and sporting centre of Clyde over su…

Stanleys Hotel

Built in 1882, Stanleys Hotel is not only a fabulous country pub it is also a unique historic hotel.  

Inverlair Lodge

At the halfway point along the Otago Central Rail Trail, our lodge is the perfect stop to enjoy the regio…

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…

Big Sky Cottage

Gorgeous, self-contained character deco-style mud brick house right in Lauder village, 100m from Rail Tra…

Hartley Homestead

Hartley Homestead Bed and Breakfast Welcomes You. We hope your stay is memorable and you are able to enj…

Hawkdun Lodge

Hawkdun Lodge is quality accommodation beside the Otago Central Rail Trail in Ranfurly.

Hartley Arms Accommodation

Historic stacked stone accommodation in a peaceful garden setting in Clyde's historic heart.

Leviathan Heritage Hotel

Central to Dunedin, the Leviathan Hotel offers traveler and tourist, convenient, comfortable accommodatio…

Naseby Holiday Park

Naseby lies just 1.5 hours from Dunedin, 15 km from Ranfurly and just 10 km from the Otago Central Rail T…

Bluestone on George

Bluestone on George offers the latest in architectural design and ambience with patios or balconies off e…

Clyde Holiday Park

Enormously popular with family groups, this campground is the social and sporting centre of Clyde over su…

Stanleys Hotel

Built in 1882, Stanleys Hotel is not only a fabulous country pub it is also a unique historic hotel.  

Inverlair Lodge

At the halfway point along the Otago Central Rail Trail, our lodge is the perfect stop to enjoy the regio…

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…

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.