Stunning scenery, amazing and important historical and current information. We offer the most comprehensive information on accommodation, transport and bike. Travelling the otago central rail trail new zealand. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 2 hours of cycling per week for the three months leading up to your trip. The otago central rail trail is the result of the local communities collective vision and dedication. Be prepared for your special adventure on the otago central rail trail buy this compact pocketsized little easy guide book before you leave. You can enjoy the rail trail on your own or with a group of friends.
The trains chugged their way up and then down and so. Otago central rail trail easy guide packed with useful information about the rail trail, with crosssections and maps providing visual guide to the trail. Built on the former otago central railway line, the rail trail offers every visitor a unique cycling experience. An overview of natural history explains why central otago is so different and special geology.
Code of conduct otago central rail trail cycle central. Bike touring with kids the otago rail trail planning. Otago central rail trail ebike adventure tours of new zealand. Phillip and wendy at appellation wine tours have been in the game a long time and know how to show you winos a good time. Best section is auripo to omakau otago central rail trail. Central otago nz the official website for the central otago region discover a world of difference. Its all offroad, no traffic, just central otagos big skies and distinctive landscape to enjoy and our famous southern hospitality. The otago central rail trail is a local economic success story and provided, in part, the inspiration for developing a national network of cycle trails, prime minister john key stated in a press release earlier this year. The survey was an initiative by the otago central rail trail trust to quantify and map economic and other impacts of the ocrt on businesses primarily within the rail trails middlemarch clyde corridor including the greater maniototo and strath taieri areas. This report was commissioned by otago conservancy issn 11719834 1996 department of conservation, p.
Feb 10, 2016 new zealands original great ride, the trail follows an old railway line through beautiful, bigsky country with the bonus of legendary hospitality. Plan your trip now and book a day at naseby indoor curling rink. Otago central rail trail central otago 2020 all you need. Prepare accordingly and to book your tour, call us on 0800 292 534 or book online through our website. The otago central rail trail is a 150kilometre walking, cycling and horse riding track in the south island of new zealand. Prekids, we had always talked about this holiday, and then we had three energetic kids eager for adventure. Tunnellers camp, the art deco town of ranfurly, the poolburn gorge, and the iconic wedderburn station made famous by graham sydney. Doc has a strong partnership with the otago central rail trail trust. Cycle the otago central rail trail, new zealand, starting from queenstown, and finishing in dunedin. Brief history of the trail the rail trail opened in february 2000 and is a result of work from the department of conservation doc and the otago rail trail trust. This month, fans of the popular lord of the rings movies are eagerly anticipating the latest installment of the acclaimed series, the hobbit. We chose 151km of the otago rail trail there are 2 different websites to check out the otago rail trail and the otago central rail trail a gentle incline up, then a gentle incline down. Open all year round this cycleway takes you through 152kms of remarkable central otago landscape away from roads and vehicles, yet.
Its almost become a rite of passage for many people, sitting in the top 10 of the aas 101 things to do in new zealand and top 10 item on just about everyones bucket list. Goods shed at wedderburn, photographed in 2004 after the lines conversion to a rail trail. Solar system to scale on rail trail otago daily times. The otago central rail trail is a unique recreational facility, following the former otago central branch railway for 150 km from middlemarch to clyde. A beautifully crafted book with amazing photography by peter andrews showing central otago as it truly is, one of the most rugged, extreme and beautiful locations on the planet.
The otago central rail trail, new zealands original great ride, the trail that started them all. Otago central rail trail operator graeme duncan, of wedderburn, casts his eye over a miniature jupiter while flanked by cyclists on the rail trail between ranfurly and wedderburn. A pioneering project for new zealand, the successful rail trail joined the new zealand cycle trail umbrella organisation in 2012, having been one of the inspirations for it. On 7 june 1879, the first sod was turned marking the start of construction of the otago central railway. Find hotels in otago central rail trail, new zealand. Book your tickets online for otago central rail trail, central otago. To find out more information about a particular section of the otago central rail trail click on your chosen town. New zealands original great ride is open all year round.
Soon after the 90 miles of rail line north and west from middlemarch to clyde in the central otago district of new zealands south island was declared a conservancy to be operated by the new zealand department of conservation nzdoc in 1993. Response from otagocentrailtrail, facilitator at otago central rail trail responded apr 4, 2020 thank you for providing your feedback about your rail trail holiday and pleased you were happy with cycle surgery and the hospitality along the trail. Archaeological assessment of the otago central rail trail. The trust has been instrumental in the success of the rail trail, raising funds for. Sections of the rail trail otago central rail trail cycle. We had an amazing time riding the otago central rail trail using shebikeshebikes as our charter operator.
The otago central rail trail, is sometimes mistakenly called the central otago rail trail or even otago rail trail. Nz south island cycle trail bike hire including ebike hire. Please provide valuable feedback about your trail experience, it only takes a. Rail trail map otago central rail trail cycle central. Otago rail trail otago central rail trail, central otago. Otago rail trail guide book this is the single most important resource you can own if you plan to travel the central otago rail trail. While in 2010 only three rail trails were open to the public and only one allowed for longer travel opportunities, the success of the otago central rail trail prompted the creation of a federal governmentfunded program, the new zealand cycle trail nzct. Built to connect dunedin with central otago, a thriving goldmining area, the track took 16 years to complete and was. Nov 12, 2015 the otago central rail trail is one part of the incredible cycling options on offer in central otago. Otago central rail trail immerse yourself in the history and romance of the otago railway and gold rush. Cycle surgery wants to ensure you get the most out of your time on the trail.
Summer december, january, february temperatures can reach 35 degrees celsius or above and go down to freezing in winter. Nov 21, 2014 buy a rail trail passport and have it stamped at towns along the way as a souvenir. Otago central rail trail easy guide lifelogs new zealand. New zealand has a recent but burgeoning and incredibly successful history of rail trail development. Travelling the otago central rail trail new zealand is ideal for the autumn months aprilmay. The otago central rail trail nzs orginal great ride. For an experience in middle earth, adventurers both tall and small can take their own journey along the otago. The planet is one of nine in a scale model solar system on the rail trail, with earths moon and the sun also part of the project. Its all offroad, no traffic, just central otago s big skies and distinctive landscape to enjoy and our famous southern hospitality. Finish your rail trail holiday with a tour of some central otago s premier vineyards from clyde to queenstown. If time permits and you are still feeling fit you can ride up to clyde on the rail trail and back to alexandra on the river trail, 25km extra. Construction of the ocr began in 1877 and the 27km section to hindon was opened in 1889.
She is passionate about the beauty and history of the land and never gets tired talking about it. Clyde middlemarch 15 days, 152km steeped in history, this pioneering cycle trail offers a 152km scenic journey into the central otago heartland. May 02, 2014 our trip down the rail trail in april 2014 with friends from gcc. The otago central railway ocr or in later years otago central branch railway.
A fantastic cycling holiday for couples, families and large groups. Cycle across old bridges, see historical buildings, including olivers at clyde. It is packed with the most useful information about this part of central otago, and crosssections. Otago rail trail nz cycle tours package with vehicle support. This independent selfguided cycle tour takes you back in time to new zealands rural past as you follow the old maniototo rail line from clyde in central otago to middlemarch. Box 10420, wellington, new zealand reference to material in this report should be cited thus. Its a great trail and unlike most kiwi tamps is a comfortable walk rather then a stiff and often wet hike through mountainous passes not that theres anything. If you are interested in pure trails cycling adventure tours and you would like to talk to us in person, you can reach us on the phone weekdays from 9am 5. Otago central rail trail central otago tripadvisor. Cycling the otago rail trail if you want to experience a fun and exciting time with the family in central otago, why dont you consider cycling the central otago rail trail. Hi everyone i am just back from riding the central otago rail trail and are making this post to help others travelling the trail.
Open all year round this cycleway takes you through 152kms of remarkable central otago. The remainder of the line was lifted and the trackbed developed into the otago central rail trail. It extends 150 kilometres between middlemarch and clyde, across unrivalled landscapes. Code of conduct otago central rail trail cycle central otago. The otago rail trail rates as among the easiest of all the cycle trails in new zealand, and is a good trail to start with if you are new to cycling. Ebikes are a great option for those with limited mobility or health to get out and experience the exhilaration of cycling with partners, family and friends around the south islands beautiful cycle trails.
The otago central rail trail is a 150kilometre walking, cycling and horse riding track in the. Riding through history the otago central railway was once an economic lifeline for the central otago region. The otago central rail trail is a 152km cycle trail through the heart of central otago from clyde to middlemarch. It was developed by the department of conservation in partnership with the otago central rail trail charitable trust. Be prepared for your special adventure on the otago central rail trail buy this compact pocketsized little easy guide book before you leave and use it as you travel. The otago central rail trail walkers musthave book. Otago central rail trail central otago, new zealand. Be prepared to stop vehicles have the right of way. Bike touring with kids attached the otago rail trail middlemarch to clyde. Enroute you will pass through mountain, high country, river gorges and high country, and cross tunnels and viaducts all under the big otago sky.
The otago central rail trail maniototo activities and accomodation. The otago rail trail is a 152km cycle trail which runs through central otago from clyde to middlemarch. History of the rail trail otago central rail trail cycle central otago. Otago rail trail self guided cycling trips, nz trail journeys. The otago central rail trail is a grade 1 easiest gravel trail that is well sign posted. Once back on the trail you ride to chatto creek for some lunch before completing your ride, arriving back into alexandra, 36 km. Otago central rail trail, central otago, new zealand youtube. Central otago, new zealand the official website for the. Otago central rail trail south island nz history of the. A little planning will go a long way to ensuring you have an enjoyable and comfortable trip on the otago central rail trail. The otago central rail trail offers a superb recreational walking, cycling, or riding experience for both holidaymakers and athletes. The otago central railway ocr or in later years otago central branch railway, now often referred to as the taieri gorge railway, was a secondary railway line in central otago, in the south island of new zealand.
Jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec 2010 2011 2012 20 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023. Nov 30, 2016 the otago central rail trail is an achievement, an acknowledgement that its not just hardy souls and fitness nuts who like to hike the landscape. Otago central rail trail ebike adventure tours of new. Amazing landscapes, fascinating history, delicious central otago wine and. The rail trail in central otago is one of the south islands biggest tourist attractions. Otago central rail trail central otago 2020 all you. Puretrails new zealands office is located in christchurch, new zealand. Response from otagocentrailtrail, facilitator at otago central rail trail responded 4 apr 2020 thank you for providing your feedback about your rail trail holiday and pleased you were happy with cycle surgery and the hospitality along the trail.
Discover the beautiful unique central otago region by bike. Buy the book and help the ongoing enhancement of the. To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience on the otago central rail trail it is important to act responsibly and to be considerate towards other visitors, local people, the farmers and communities along the way. The 150km cycle trail is a disused railway corridor originally built for steam trains so the gradient is a very gentle incline and as such the otago bike trail is rated easy to negotiate with no. History of the rail trail otago central rail trail. To convert the abandoned or unused rail corridorswhich were closing at an increasingly rapid pace across americainto public trails. The otago central rail trail can be travelled in either direction and access is available at various locations. Making this trail a great cycling holiday for people of all ages and cycling abilities. The otago central rail trail cycle surgery rail trail. A pioneering project for new zealand, the successful rail trail joined the new zealand cycle trail umbrella organisation in 2012, having been one of the inspirations for it the trail runs in an arc between middlemarch and clyde, along the route of the former otago.
The otago rail trail is open all year round, it is an offroad cycle and walking trail so theres no traffic just yourself and the amazing scenery. Several books on the trail and the surrounding area can be purchased at bookshops throughout new zealand. The trail is wide with a compacted gravel trail surface and a gentle 1 to 50 gradient. Its a great trail and unlike most kiwi tamps is a comfortable walk rather then a stiff and often. The otago rail trail classic is graded introductory. The otago central rail trail is an achievement, an acknowledgement that its not just hardy souls and fitness nuts who like to hike the landscape. Named after the old railway line, built between 1891 and 1907, the otago central rail trail is new zealands original great ride. The trail that inspired the creation of the new zealand cycle trail network, the otago central rail trail offers a classic blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, friendly towns, along with fantastic local food and wine. Otago central rail trail, new zealand railstotrails. It is packed with the most useful information about this part of central otago, and crosssections and maps provide a visual guide to each part of the trail. The otago central rail trail is one of the major attractions in the maniototo area and is a. Apr 17, 2020 the otago central rail trail new zealands original great ride.
The estimated economic impact of the otago central rail trail on the otago and central otago economy is presented below. We chose shebikeshebikes for the quality of their mountain bikes because, as avid cyclists, we could not bear the thought of doing a long ride or multiday tour on a comfort bike and shebikeshebikes set us up with specialized hardrock 29ers which were in great shape and well tuned up. Everything you need to plan a unique central otago rail trail experience. Find central otago accommodation, things to do in central otago, otago central rail trail, events, wine, vineyards, heritage, cycling, mountain biking, arts, culture, and heritage. The rail trail is very popular and used annually by thousands of cyclists and walkers from around the world. The rail trail offers a superb recreational walkingcyclingriding experience for both holidaymakers and athletes. Contact us today to book your next cycling holiday. Millions of products all with free shipping new zealand wide. Its 150km from middlemarch to clyde and takes in just about everything thats stunning about central otago. History of railtrails it began in the mid1960s as a quiet midwest phenomenon barely noticed in the major metropolitan areas of america. Our trip down the rail trail in april 2014 with friends from gcc. New zealands original great ride, the trail follows an old railway line through beautiful, bigsky country with the bonus of legendary hospitality.
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