It’s been 25 years since the official opening of the Otago Central Rail Trail — New Zealand’s Original Great Ride! To mark our silver jubilee, we’re celebrating the stories, the people, the photos, and the magic moments that have made the Trail what it is today.
Whether you rode the Otago Central Rail Trail in the early days (when booking meant a landline, a fax, or maybe a zip-zap machine!) or you’ve enjoyed it more recently, we’d love to see your memories.
Share your favourite Rail Trail memory & be in to win a trip for two worth over $2,500
The Prize – An Otago Central Rail Trail Trip for Two
Redeemable anytime between 16 February 2026 and 16 February 2027 subject to availability. and excluding Easter
Your prize package includes:
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Bike hire, shuttles and luggage transfers with Trail Journeys for two people
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Lunch for two at Chatto Creek Tavern
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1 night at Schist Rock Lodge, Omakau (twin or double room)
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Dinner for two at Pitches Store, Ophir
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1 night at Wedderburn Cottages (twin or double room)
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Dinner for two at Wedderburn Tavern
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A Curling and transport package (Wedderburn)
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1 night at Hyde School (twin or double room)
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Dinner for two at Central Hydeaway / Old Hyde Hotel (depending on final operator confirmation)
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Lunch for two and museum entry at Kissing Gate Café, Middlemarch
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2 Tickets on the Taieri Gorge Railway courtesy of Dunedin Railways
Total prize value: Over $2,500 (NZD)
How to Enter:
Share your favourite story or photo from your time on the Otago Central Rail Trail . Complete the form and upload your story or photo's here or email your photos and/or story too: hello@otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz.
Every valid entry goes into the draw to win an unforgettable trip for two, revisiting some of the Trail’s most iconic accommodation, eateries, and experiences.
Terms & Conditions Apply
- Who can enter: Anyone aged 18 or over (or under 18 with a parent/guardian’s permission).
- Staff and immediate family of the OCRT Trust cannot enter. Open to residents of New Zealand, Australia, or visitors to New Zealand.
- How to enter: Submit your photos 1-3MB or story via or hello@otagocentralrailtrail. Multiple entries allowed.
- Competition period: 1 December 2025 – 31 January 2026 (entries close at 11:59pm NZT).
Prizes: Prize package subject to availability, valid for 12 months from the date of winning. - No cash alternatives and non-transferable. Winners are responsible for their own travel and related expenses to get to the start of the Otago Central Rail Trail (Clyde?)
- Winner selection: Winner drawn at random on Monday 16 February 2026. Winner must accept the prize within 7 days or a redraw will occur.
- Use of photos: By entering, you agree your photos or stories may be published by the OCRT Trust on its website, social media channels, or other media as deemed appropriate.
- Copyright remains with the entrant.
- Other: All entries must follow our photo and story content guidelines (see how to enter). The OCRT Trust reserves the right to disqualify any inappropriate entries.