Short answer: The Otago Central Rail Trail is a 152 km off-road trail on an old railway line between Clyde and Middlemarch in Central Otago. The gradient is gentle and DOC grades it easy, so most fit adults can ride it in three to four days, often on e-bikes. It suits groups well from spring to autumn.
The trail was New Zealand's first rail trail. It opened in 2000, ten years after the railway closed, and is now one of the best-known rides in the country's network of Great Rides. For agents it is a different kind of product: a multi-day active holiday with small-town stays, rather than a sightseeing tour.
What the trail is
The Department of Conservation (DOC) developed the trail with the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust. It follows the old line through farmland and dry hill country, passing small towns such as Ranfurly, Lauder and Omakau. Along the way:
- The gradient rarely exceeds 1 in 50, because trains could not climb steep hills.
- More than 60 bridges have been redecked and given handrails, and the trail passes through tunnels and over a viaduct in the Poolburn Gorge.
- DOC grades it "Easy: Grade 2", but the distance still needs some fitness and time in the saddle before the trip.
Walkers can also use the trail, though a full walk can take up to a week.
How a group programme works
Most clients ride the trail in three to four days, staying in a different small town each night. Local operators provide the parts a group needs:
- Bikes and e-bikes. E-bikes widen the market to clients who would not ride 40 km a day on a standard bike.
- Luggage transfers between accommodation, so riders carry only a day pack.
- Support vehicles and shuttles at each end, and for clients who want to skip a section.
Accommodation along the trail is mostly small: country hotels, B&Bs and cottages. A large group may need to split between two properties in the same town, so we plan room counts town by town. We confirm all operators and terms at quotation.
Seasons and weather
Central Otago has a dry climate with hot summers and cold winters:
- Spring and autumn are the best times for most groups, with mild days and, in autumn, colour in the trees.
- Summer is hot and dry, and much of the trail has little shade. Early starts and plenty of water help.
- Winter brings frosty mornings and cold days. Confirm which operators and accommodation are open at quotation.
- Strong winds can happen at any time of year, DOC notes, so we plan the direction of travel and keep spare time in the day.
The wider seasons are covered in our month-by-month guide.
Fitting the trail into a route
The trail sits between Queenstown and Dunedin, which makes it easy to add to a South Island programme:
- From Queenstown or Wānaka, start at Clyde and ride east.
- From Dunedin, start at Middlemarch and ride west.
Between the two ends, the rest of a programme can include Central Otago wine, which our wine regions guide covers, and Queenstown across the seasons.
What to brief your client on
- Ride a bike regularly in the weeks before departure, even with an e-bike.
- Bring layers, sun protection and a windproof jacket in every season.
- Services between some towns are limited, so carry water and snacks.
- Helmets are required by law when cycling in New Zealand.
How Explera DMC New Zealand can help
We plan rail trail programmes for group tours, incentive groups and FIT clients, with adventure activities, hotels and coach and private transfers. See our Central Otago destination page.
FAQ
How long is the Otago Central Rail Trail? About 152 km, between Clyde and Middlemarch in Central Otago.
How many days does it take? Most cyclists ride it in three to four days. Walkers can take up to a week.
Is it suitable for clients who rarely cycle? The gradient rarely exceeds 1 in 50 and DOC grades it easy, but the distance needs some fitness. E-bikes make it possible for many more clients.
When is the best time to ride it? Spring and autumn suit most groups. Summer can be hot on exposed sections, and winter brings frosty mornings.
Talk to the trade desk
Explera DMC New Zealand trade desk — b2b@explera.co.nz, WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090, B2B portal b2b.expleradmc.com.
