Otago Central Rail Trail
Otago Central Rail Trail
Otago Central Rail Trail
5
6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The Otago Central Rail Trail - New Zealand's Original Great Ride. Open all year round this cycleway takes you through 152kms of remarkable Central Otago landscape away from roads and vehicles, yet never far from the next town. Whether you start from Clyde or Middlemarch, the wide easy gradient is suitable for riders, walkers and cyclists of all ages. You may choose to go solo, or share the experience with friends, either way it's a trail of discovery best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Discover historic villages, enjoy local food and drink and the famous southern hospitality. As you travel through this untamed natural environment there is plenty to explore on and off the trail. Don't miss this 'must do' experience.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
1,256 reviews
Excellent
1,151
Very good
87
Average
14
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Global44520698628
9 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
Right from the very start with a very detailed itinerary, our cycling journey was a runaway success. We were picked up in Queenstown, shuttled to Clyde, outfitted then shuttled to Cromwell to begin The Dunstan. The weather couldn't have been worse. However we completed it in a character building fashion. Back in Clyde we were directed to our luxury accommodation (seriously) for the night. Plenty of facilities to dry out our soaking apparel. Dinner at the Post Office. The following 4 days the weather improved markedly. The organisation behind Shebikeshebikes is military precision. Our bags were transported to the next accommodation with us just following the itinerary never once seeing who did the transporting. Our whole Otago Rail Trail ride went without a hitch. Since returning home and relaying to friends and acquaintances, our successful cycling trip, I and my two cycling buddies have recommended Shebikeshebikes for the complete package. Organisation, friendliness of staff, professionalism, safety and equipment. They have the complete setup from start to finish. We will be booking again with them
Written 17 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roving04850117393
2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
This was an unplanned mother and daughter memorial ride. I tried to work out all the complexities of the trip in a small window of opportunity. Shebikeshebikes came highly recommended. So while we drove South they compiled our itinerary based on our needs. First time on e-bikes for both of us. Very grateful. Removed ALL the stress including best place to leave kuri companion. Love that they are local, know the area intimately and all those community connections are evident when creating a package. We plan to do it again. Optimistically on manual bikes. Not sure even shebikeshebikes can remove that stress lol. Thank you
Written 24 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RocheMaree
Hawera, New Zealand545 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
What a breathtakingly beautiful autumn ride. The rolling landscape, the exceptional vistas, bridges, viaducts, tunnels, history, heritage...and rabbits, soooo many rabbits. Couple that with outstanding South Island hospitality from every restaurant, bar, cafe and museum we ventured into all made for a cracking 4 day ride.
I haven't ridden a bike in decades, got a new e bike for Christmas and boom, three months later I am an 'athlete' doing something I never thought I would ever do.
Suitable for all fitness levels, its not a race. Track is easy to ride and (pro tip) - hire an ebike and get a padded gel seat cover to go with it - life saver.
Used Shebikeshebikes to organise trip 5/5
I haven't ridden a bike in decades, got a new e bike for Christmas and boom, three months later I am an 'athlete' doing something I never thought I would ever do.
Suitable for all fitness levels, its not a race. Track is easy to ride and (pro tip) - hire an ebike and get a padded gel seat cover to go with it - life saver.
Used Shebikeshebikes to organise trip 5/5
Written 29 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andrew_kneebone
Sydney, Australia10 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We were 4 couples having our first cycling holiday on the Otago Rail Trail. It was all organised through ShebikesHebikes who were magnificent and we couldn't recommend them more highly. 2 couples were bike novices and made the right call to have ebikes. We had nice weather, great food and all but one place (Blacks hotel Orphir) had excellent accommodation. Great holiday.
Written 5 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
happytraveller525
Auckland Central, New Zealand2 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
I went with Off The Rails and had an amazing time even as a solo traveller.
The accomodation was amazing, especially if you get to stay in the house in Ranfurly.
They gave us delicious home baked biscuits and cakes. Tony met us for morning tea and we got taken to the best places for lunch and dinner.
Tony also took great photos of us riding along the trial.
In addition, we got shown around the small towns including Bathans and Nesby.
The scenery was amazingly beautiful. Bikes were comfortable.
The accomodation was amazing, especially if you get to stay in the house in Ranfurly.
They gave us delicious home baked biscuits and cakes. Tony met us for morning tea and we got taken to the best places for lunch and dinner.
Tony also took great photos of us riding along the trial.
In addition, we got shown around the small towns including Bathans and Nesby.
The scenery was amazingly beautiful. Bikes were comfortable.
Written 20 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alicia H
2 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
The rail trail was absolutely brilliant. Went in May due to work but have no regrets, frosty starts but glorious sunny days. Stunning views all the way and really nice easy cycling throughout. Little bit tricker to find food and accomodation winter but every where we went people were friendly and had some excellent food.
Written 15 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louiseos555
Whanganui, New Zealand8 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
One of those great rides. We loved the ease of getting organised for this trip. Shebikeshebikes made it all seamless. Fantastic accommodation plenty of good food, all round a great break away. The trail is easy riding the scenery is breath taking.
Written 18 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle
20 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
We completed this in April school holidays and booked via ShebikesHeBikes who booked accommodation and rented us gear along with in depth itinerary of what we could do in the area.
I had an electric bike being the unfit member of the family and hubby and daughters were on mountain bikes. Youngest (9) found some hill climbs tough but she made it and gained confidence in doing so. Was great quality family time.
Weather was just right and hubby loved the country pubs along the trail so it really had something for everyone!!!
Would definitely recommend.
Electric bike will assist if you’re not as fit as you’d like.
I had an electric bike being the unfit member of the family and hubby and daughters were on mountain bikes. Youngest (9) found some hill climbs tough but she made it and gained confidence in doing so. Was great quality family time.
Weather was just right and hubby loved the country pubs along the trail so it really had something for everyone!!!
Would definitely recommend.
Electric bike will assist if you’re not as fit as you’d like.
Written 15 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback we are delighted you had great family time
We hope you are inspired to return :).
Should you wish to sign up for our bi-annual newsletter please see the official trail website. We would also love to have you as a friend on facebook or follower on instagram. Alternatively, you may wish to share your pics via these platforms or email to: facilitator@otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz
Ngā mihi
The Otago Central Rail Trail Team
Written 13 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kiwiboy
Wellington, New Zealand78 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
I thought the trail would be about the biking and scenery but it doesn’t take long to realise it’s more about the people you meet, sitting in the sun at a local pub with fellow trail riders solving the problems of the world and your hosts each night who go out of their way to make you feel welcome. We did the trail as a 5 day trip which proved very leisurely and in hindsight 4 days would probably have been better and would be my recommendation to anyone with a modicum of fitness. We booked our trip through Central Cycle Trail and they were just spectacular from the first contact to fitting us out on the bikes and moving our bags between our overnight stops they didn’t miss a beat. Their app which brings everything together including the ability to navigate along the trail was a real bonus and we used it constantly. The standard of accomodation and dinner was highest at the start and on the last night with days 3 & 4 a bit more basic but again that kind of didn’t matter when the locals in the pub were so entertaining. The scenery was similar with some jaw dropping views but also a few hours of very straight track through farm land which made for those rare moments in life when you stop for a break and all you can hear is the sound of the birds and the wind , no cars, no other people just nature. Would I bike it again, probably not as there are other rides on my list but I would definitely recommend it and I think you’ll find like we did that it’s more than just biking and scenery and the other riders, hosts and team at Central Cycle Trail are what I’ll remember. Some facts: I’m 57 and reasonably fit and did the trip on a mountain bike. My wife is 54 and a social walker so went for an e-bike which spent most of its time in eco. Weather changes are common and it was sunburn one day and thermals and raincoat the next. The bikes all have gel seats. The first day is the most challenging and the last day is the easiest. The tunnels are dark so don’t forget a bike light (the e bike had o light built in) as your phone light isn’t a good option unless you walk the bike. There are parts of the ride with no cell phone reception and depending on where you stay not all overnight stops have wifi (but they do all have alcohol!). Enjoy.
Written 5 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks you for your thorough review! Appreciate your thoughts.
Despite that there are other trails on your list we do hope return!
Should you wish to sign up for our bi-annual newsletter please see the official trail website. We would also love to have you as a friend on facebook or follower on instagram. Alternatively, you may wish to share your pics via these platforms or email to: facilitator@otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz
Ngā mihi
The Otago Central Rail Trail Team
Written 6 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
e l
Wellington, New Zealand33 contributions
May 2022
We had an incredible trip with the wider family at the very end of the season in May. I had considered doing the rail trial many times before, but always got stumped by the choices and how to do it. Enter: shebikeshebikes - what a team, they patiently put together an itinerary and then made modifications for various people, all we had to do was enjoy the ride and follow the instructions (right down to where to get lunch). Everything they organised was fabulous and we had a memorable trip, never having to organise anything. Heavenly and highly recommended.
Written 5 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback we are really delighted you had a great time -we are pleased you got great help in planning your trip to make it easier for you.
We hope you are inspired to return and hopefully spend even longer on & around the trail :).
We'd love to see your pics or have you as a friend on the Otago Central Rail Trail facebook or follower on instagram. Alternatively, you may wish to share your pics via these platforms and tag us or email to: facilitator@otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz
Ngā mihi
The Otago Central Rail Trail Team
Written 24 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I am doing the trail the second week of November, any ideas on clothing. The weather in mid November..? Night time clothing. ? One pair of jeans for after cycling ok for 4 days. Don’t want to take too much.
Written 16 October 2018
Spring weather can be quite unpredictable. Nights could be cool but one pair of jeans would be fine. We washed out cycle pants and tops each night and they were always dry by morning. A lot of accommodation has drying facilities. Wear layers as it’s easy to peel off what you don’t need and bike paniers can hold quite a bit.
Written 17 October 2018
Hi there,
Just wondering how you all went about booking everything to do the trail via bike?
Will need transport to/from Queenstown before and after the track, accomodation, bike hire etc.
also any tips?
Written 10 July 2018
Bike it now arranged transfers, accommodation, bikes (including e-bikes if you wanted) etc. They gave us options for start and end location, level of accommodation etc and it all went like clockwork. They were great
Written 1 September 2018
briemil
Nilma North, Australia
Hi, we are doing the Otago Rail Trail in March. Are there good spots to have a fish along the way? (legally of course!)
Written 18 January 2018
I’m so sorry I didn’t see this and you have no doubt done it by now! Yes you can fish on one of the days. !
Written 14 August 2018
Hi there,
We are interested in taking our kids 7 and 9 on a 5 day trip. Was thinking late January 2018 and adding another week do some campervan style touring. Is there any recommendations on a company that can help coordinate a trip/suggestions/how to make it happen etc for us. We would be flying in from Sydney and don't need guided tours as such. Many thanks
Written 5 April 2017
We booked the bike tour through Shebikeshebikes. We organised the car hire and the rest of the trip on-line. It was quite easy because there is so much information available.
Written 6 May 2017
what is the weather like in November
Written 4 February 2017
November is Spring. It's very variable then, we found late summer or autumn is most settled we have found. But we have done it in October and we had great weather so it's bit of luck what weather you get. Rainfall tends to be low in Central Otago which is why it's a great wine country. I suggest you check out Metservice which is NZ weather website, it gives historic weather information. Hope this helps.
Written 26 February 2017
Hello
We have booked to do this end of April. Any suggestions on what to wear and what makes a comfortable (haha!) ride. I was thinking of getting a sheepskin seat cover but then I've heard that the bigger the seat the more likelihood of a sore bottom! Thanks in advance!
Written 5 December 2016
Otago Central Rail Trail
Clyde, New Zealand
Hi Casuarina Thanks for your query. End of April is Autumn, and should be cooler than the summer months of Jan/Feb/March. However, because of the Alpine climate you need to be prepared for all types of weather. Cycle shorts (that have padding) plus singlet/t-shirt if its hot, and a long sleeve warmer layer - NZ merino is good (:) gives warmth but doesn't stink!) if its cooler. You will certainly use the latter in the evening if not during in the day. Although unlikely at that time of year, you should take wet weather options too and a light jacket if its windy. If its rains I personally would cycle with t-shirt and thermal, if its rainy and windy then I would also wear a light jacket on top. More than likely anticipate warm weather. Dont forget sunscreen, and water (you may find camel pack more convenient). Depending which cycle company you are travelling with - their cycles usually have well padded seats, carriers for water bottles and panniers or bags for carrying stuff during the day. I hope this helps check out the official trauk website for more info.
Written 5 December 2016
Hi
We are trying to decide between a one day ride from Auripo to Chatto Creek or from Oturehua and Omakau.
Does anyone have any advice on which one might be better/more scenic? We are in our 60's of average fitness.
Many thanks
Written 30 October 2016
We rode from Auripo to Clyde which took in the Auripo to Chatto section. This gets most of the tunnels and bridges and the Poolburn Gorge. All VERY scenic and mostly downhill. The detour into Ophir is nice also and we wish we had stopped for a drink at the pub. Lunch was also nice at Chatto Creek.
Written 3 November 2016
I and 11 others are doing the rail trail in Nov, 16 starting from Clyde. We are all of reasonable fitness. Can I please have some feedback on the difficulty or otherwise of the 150th Anniversary Track riding from Clyde to Alexandra (12.5 k's). We are catching the jet boat and a shuttle bus out the gorge and riding on to Omakau from Chatto Creek. I hear mixed reports about the anniversary track, i.e hilly, tight corners, hard going etc.
Written 2 October 2016
Otago Central Rail Trail
Clyde, New Zealand
Hi Greg Thanks for the query, the Anniversary track is certainly not as flat or as wide as the rail trail. If you haven't ridden a bike for sometime or not confident then it maybe better to take the Otago Central Rail Tail. In saying that, if your group is of reasonable fitness and bike confident I wouldn't imagine its a problem. There are a couple of rises but they are not long and you can always get off your bike and walk it up these short hills. The track itself is considered to be very picturesque as it runs alongside the Clutha River, and Council has worked on it to widen it where possible. I think the main thing you need to be aware of is whoever is riding in the front they look out for other cyclists coming in the opposite direction. It is wide enough on most of the track to pass whilst still cycling. I hope this helps Cheers the Otago Central Rail Trail Team
Written 4 October 2016
Kia ora!
Any tips for the direction to undertake this ride (i.e. Clyde to Middlemarch or Middlemarch to Clyde)?
We don't really mind about logistics, or hills, mainly concerned about the scenery - is it nicer biking east or west?
Cheers :)
Written 23 August 2016
We're on the trail at the moment and are doing it in sections. Camped at Omahau and rode up to the Poolburn Viaduct and back, then great downhill back to Omahau. Next day drove to Alexandra in the morning and got the shuttle back then biked back to Alex, the huge downhill ride into Chatto Creek was fantastic, great views and very little peddling. I'm glad we weren't coming up the hill, it a long way and we aren't on e bikes.
Next day moved camp to Oturehua and biked back to Auripo where we finished on the first day, then back to camp. Plan to bike to Wedderburn and back today then moved camp again. We're pensioners and have the time to take it slowly.
Written 26 January 2024
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