Trail Conditions

 

The spring snow has left the trail much to the delight of the new born lambs in the neighbouring paddocks. Enjoy your experience on the OCRT and it is a good idea to keep a wind jacket with you. 

We have also received reports of magpies swooping in the Ngapuna area, please continue cycling as they are only protecting a small area where they are nesting. We are working to have them relocated.

The railway track irons are always extremely slippery when wet, so please keep off these - located off the trail.  

Please be careful if out for a walk or riding as there some minor areas of the trail surface that are uneven following some water table drainage work. DOC will announce a resurfacing programme soon. 

Ensure that you carry a wind jacket and gloves to make the ride more pleasant with any wind chill along with the water bottle plus sunscreen for the warmer days.

What to expect along the Trail

Central Otago is a semi desert area and can experience minus temperatures in the winter to above 25 degrees in the summer. In the winter, frosts can be expected creating icy conditions and snowfalls at times can create a brief winter wonderland on the actual trail.

Spring is a great time to ride the trail, pedalling past the paddocks of lambs, calves and fawns. The weather can be changeable at times but it is a great time to ride the trail.

Ensure that you are always well prepared with water, sunblock, warm clothing and a raincoat. Always check the weather forecast like any outdoor activity and talk with the locals to get their advice when required. 

Please note that there is limited or no cell phone coverage in the Poolburn Gorge or the section between Daisy Bank and Hyde. 

As always, please report any damage or hazards on the DOC HOTline 0800 362 468 and they will arrange for a DOC Ranger to attend.  Please take a photo and note the location to share with DOC and also inform your Cycle Tour Planner or the Trust Manager Colin Stevenson - admin@otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz.

Thanks and enjoy your experience on and off trail. 

 

 

 

Weather

Clyde

  • Sat 17.51 °C
  • Sun 22.14 °C
  • Mon 21.46 °C
  • Tue 23.37 °C
  • Wed 21.99 °C
  • Thu 21.18 °C
  • Fri 26.51 °C

Middlemarch

  • Sat 15.19 °C
  • Sun 20.69 °C
  • Mon 18.84 °C
  • Tue 21.46 °C
  • Wed 19.81 °C
  • Thu 16.3 °C
  • Fri 23.03 °C

Omakau

  • Sat 15.41 °C
  • Sun 20.22 °C
  • Mon 20.26 °C
  • Tue 21.62 °C
  • Wed 20 °C
  • Thu 20.03 °C
  • Fri 25.28 °C

Oturehua

  • Sat 13.42 °C
  • Sun 18.81 °C
  • Mon 18.42 °C
  • Tue 19.6 °C
  • Wed 18.07 °C
  • Thu 17.81 °C
  • Fri 23.1 °C

Ranfurly

  • Sat 14.05 °C
  • Sun 18.57 °C
  • Mon 18.42 °C
  • Tue 19.83 °C
  • Wed 18.08 °C
  • Thu 16.98 °C
  • Fri 22.99 °C