The Rail Trail is ideal for people who are not highly skilled cyclists as there are no challenging areas to ride on the wide trail. As with any activity, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the Trail but you can always hire an e-bike.
Fitness and Skill Level
It is a good idea to take a few weeks to get bike fit before you complete the trail. There a lots of opportunities to stop along the way to enjoy what the Trail has to offer.
The Trail is rated Grade 1 (Easy) unlike other trails, so it is a great ride to get more confidence.
The Cycle Operators / Bike Hire will custom fit the bike to you and give you a safety briefing before you start your ride.
As the Trail is a former train track there are no steep hills, but some of the long gentle climbs will require some energy, also if you encounter a head-on wind.
E-Bikes have are very popular which will avoid the need to hop off your bike and push it up some slopes (e.g. Tiger Hill).
There is no need to rush along the trail, so take your time by walking through the tunnels and over the viaducts to soak up the history.
Many people allow themselves 3 – 5 days to cover the whole 152 km. Enjoy a slower pace, relax and go exploring off trail.
The choice is yours.
Gear
What gear do you really need? Everyone you meet will be on an outdoor holiday – in the south that means casual! But bring some “après biking” clothes if you really want to but don't forget the gear that is really important;
- Plenty of water, especially in hot weather, there is not a lot of shade in some places.
- Take your own trail-food/energy snacks – there are not a lot of shops along the Trail especially between Waipiata and Middlemarch (51 km).
- Clothing needs to be comfortable and loose – layers of light clothing that you can add or take off are versatile. Throw in a warm top and hat, gloves in cooler seasons, and a light wind-proof jacket could be useful at any time.
- Padded bike shorts are a godsend and gel seats are popular
- Trail users must wear bike helmets (included in bike hire) – also useful in spring nesting time, when you pass Magpies guarding their trees. Just move along quickly.
- You will need need sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat for when you stop.
- Take a torch for the darker tunnels, a small first-aid kit, and toilet paper as it is not provided in the Trail toilets.
- Always handy to have puncture repair capability or a spare tube.