Plan your self‑guided or fully guided cycle tour on the gentle, family‑friendly gradient of the Otago Central Rail Trail.
Most riders choose to work with one of our experienced Cycle Operators, who can organise your bike hire, accommodation, dinner bookings, luggage transfers, and return shuttle — at no extra cost to you.
Their local knowledge ensures a relaxed, well‑planned journey through one of New Zealand’s most unique landscapes.
If you’re riding over multiple days, ask your operator to include a Rail Trail Passport ($15.00). It’s your interactive keepsake and helps support ongoing trail enhancement projects.
You’re also welcome to plan your own adventure by booking your accommodation, meals, and transport directly or enjoy a fully guided cycle experience.
Start planning your Rail Trail experience today and enjoy an iconic part of New Zealand — where stunning scenery and lifelong memories await.
Planning Tools
Use the links below to start planning your amazing cycle trail experience. Consider including a guided 4WD trip, exploring the Clyde Dam, curling at Naseby or a ride on the famous Taieri Gorge Train, plus much more awaits. Your journey starts here!!
Tour Planner (Cycle Operators)
Click on Tour Planner in the category below, read about these companies and then select the one that you wish to engage for your own Self-Guided or Fully Guided Cycl…
Trail Map
The most popular starting point is at Clyde which is a 60 minute drive from Queenstown Airport and Dunedin Airport is 50 minutes from Middlemarch.
The trail traver…
Accommodation Options
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. C…
Bike Hire
Bike hire is available in Clyde, Alexandra, Omakau, Middlemarch and Cromwell from the listed Cycle Tour Planners and Bike Hire Operators. They offer a great selectio…
Restaurants, Cafes and Wine in Central Otago
Enhance your Trail experience. Central Otago has fantastic wineries, restaurants and cafes so check out the listings below and make your dinner reservation to avoid…
Riding Independently
If you wish to to ride the trail arranging your own accommodation bookings and bike hire as required,
you can using the links on our Plan page. Please make sure yo…
Things to Do in Central Otago
The trail is a gateway to enjoy the small local communities, take time for fun activities like curling, riding the luge or exploring the history of Central Otago or …
Walking the Trail
If you just enjoy walking and are reasonably fit, you may want to consider walking the Trail, or a part of it – you could also organise a walk on the Trail as an int…
Accessible Ride Guide
Experience our Otago Central Rail Trail which is ranked as the best accessible cycle trail in the Southern Hemisphere and in the top 4 worldwide. Enjoy the wide surf…
Things You May Need To Know
Like anything, to ensure you have a great experience, get the best information and there is all the information you should need within our website. It is a very relaxing experience, take your time to enjoy the scenery, the people and the history, not to mention the fabulous food and Central Otago wines. If you need any more information, please email us.
Rail Trail Passport
The perfect interactive souvenir booklet that tells the history of each former Railway Station Site that are available for purchase from our supporting leading local…
Fitness and Gear
The Rail Trail is perfect for riders of all experience levels. Its wide, well‑maintained gravel surface and gentle gradient mean there are no technical or challengin…
Popular Itineraries
The Otago Central Rail Trail offers a unique advantage over other Great Rides as you can start or finish almost anywhere along its 152 km, making it easy to tailor t…
Holiday Types
Riding the Otago Central Rail Trail is free, so you can ride the entire 152 km in sections at your own pace. Our website lists the Cycle Operators that can organise …
Frequently Asked Questions
Be Prepared - Check out the questions that we are most often asked...
How much does it cost to ride the Trail?
There is no cost to you to ride the actual trail as it is free. The trail surface and the major infrastructure is managed by the Department of Conservation. All of the information signage, seating, gangers sheds, native plantings, shelters, picnic areas and other projects are the on going work of the Rail Trail Trust. If you would like to contribute, please purchase a Rail Trail Passport or make a donation which would be greatly received and invested back into the trail.
Can I use an E-bike on the Trail?
Yes, power-assisted cycles (not exceeding 300watts) are permitted on the trail. Some of the more mature riders enjoy these as it makes the experience a lot easier.
Is there water available along the Trail?
Take plenty of water with you, and purchase more along the way. Be sure to fill your water bottle at your place of accommodation before you start your trip each day. There are some towns along the way where water can be restricted in the summer months.
There is a tap at the Ranfurly and Oturehua Station sites. There is also a tap at Hyde close to the picnic table.
Is there parking at the start of the Trail in Clyde?
There is a large car-parking area at the start of the Trail which is the Clyde Railhead site on Springvale Road.
Parking here is at your own risk.
Is the Trail open all year round?
The Trail is open all year round and a great experience in all seasons. Most ride the trail during the months September to May as Winters can be cold in Central Otago and there are a number of businesses along the trail that take a break in the winter months. If your ride in Winter dress for the occasion and check availability of accommodation and food providers before you start your journey.
Can I connect to other Great Rides from the Otago Central Rail Trail
Yes. The Rail Trail connects to the Lake Dunstan Trail in Clyde and the Roxburgh Gorge Trail in Alexandra. For more information on Otago’s 5 Great Rides, including itinerary ideas and trail guides, check out www.trailhub.co.nz