The Otago Central Rail Trail (AKA Otago bike trail) is an exceptional cycling route in New Zealand that’s perfect for cyclists looking for easy-going cycling in a beautiful location packed with history.
I spoke to Caroline Fyfe about her experience cycling the Otago Central Rail Trail in April 2025 with her husband and two 12-year-old kids.
My takeaway was that if you’re considering a New Zealand cycling tour then the Otago bike trail should be up at the top of your list thanks to the plentiful opportunities to meet locals, try great food, and delve into the scenery and history of this amazing country.
Here is what Caroline had to share about planning their New Zealand cycling holiday, the experience of riding the Otago bike trail and the bike tour operator they travelled with.
We hope it inspires your next adventure!
Caroline Fyfe is originally from the UK; she and her family relocated to Australia in 2019 in search of a sunnier climate and a more adventurous, outdoor-focused lifestyle. With a passion for endurance sports, she immersed herself in the Australian outdoor scene, completing ultra distance running events as well as multi-day cycling and hiking trips in Australia’s great outdoors.
Over the years, Caroline and her family have travelled extensively across Australia and New Zealand, exploring everything from the remote outback and coastal trails of Western Australia to the lush rainforests of Queensland and the dramatic alpine regions of New Zealand’s South Island.
The Otago Rail Trail is Caroline’s second multi-day bike holiday in New Zealand and it’s unlikely to be her last.
Part 1: Overview of the Otago Central Rail Trail
Central Otago Rail Trail, Otago Bike Trail (or something else)?!
First things first, what’s the correct name for the trail?!
The official name for the route is the Otago Central Rail Trail. However, you will find many different variations, including the Central Otago Rail Trail, the Otago Rail Trail, the Otago Cycle Trail, the Central Otago Bike Trail, the Central Otago Cycle Trail, the Otago Railway Cycle Trail – and likely more besides! These are all talking about the same thing.
In this article, we will try to stick to the official name of Otago Central Rail Trail and for ease, the shorter version, the Otago bike trail.
Where is the Central Otago Rail Trail?
New Zealand’s Otago bike trail is a multi-day cycling route through the Central Otago region, a dry and rugged region in the South Island of New Zealand. The area is known for its big skies, wide open spaces, and gold-mining history.
The trail runs from Clyde to Middlemarch, a small settlement on the edge of the StrathTaieri plain. Both towns are easily reached from Queenstown or Dunedin, making the trail accessible whether you’re travelling from the north or south.
Below is a map featuring some of the key places mentioned in this article and on the Otago rail trail. Hover over the map pins to see the names of places.
Terrain
The Otago Central Rail Trail is an easy, beginner-friendly ride on a well-formed gravel surface. It’s not sealed, but most of the track is firm and smooth, making it suitable for all types of riders – including families and less experienced cyclists.
The trail follows a former railway line, so the gradient is gentle throughout, with long, steady climbs rather than steep hills.
Paths are mostly wide enough to ride side-by-side, with a few narrow sections at gates, cattle-stops, or chicanes. These are easy to navigate but may require a bit of care if you’re towing a trailer or riding a hand-bike.
Some of the bridges are very uneven and you have to hold on when you are going over them. If you are nervous, you can just jump off and walk the bikes across – one of the bridges is too narrow to ride so you have to walk across. Safety barriers on the sides, though so never dangerous. Same with the tunnels.
How hilly is the route?
Because the Otago bike trail tour follows a train line, there aren’t any really steep sections. Part of the trail is a constant slow uphill gradient, but if you’re using e-bikes then you’ll barely notice.
Is it well signposted?
You don’t need to worry about navigation. The route’s really well signposted, and that’s saying something coming from me! It’s so well signposted we didn’t need to look at a map once.
You’ll have no trouble following the route throughout.
Trail sign, Middlemarch start (photo credit: Caroline Fyfe)
Part 2: Why cycle the Central Otago Rail Trail?
The Otago bike trail is New Zealand’s first rail trail. It opened in 2000 and inspired the creation of the Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand, which now number 23 New Zealand cycle trails.
The route follows the line of the former Otago Central Railway line, which ran from 1879 to 1990. It was considered one of the great train trips of the world due to its scenic splendour and the fact it provided the lifeblood that helped Central Otago prosper by helping farmers get their produce to market.
A ride for all
The Otago bike trail is a good choice for beginners or anyone after a relaxed cycling trip. It’s mostly flat, off-road, and easy to follow, so it works well for families or people who haven’t done much cycling before.
Iconic scenery, villages and history
Central Otago is known for its distinctive landscapes, historic sites, and welcoming local communities, making it a memorable place to ride.
The scenery changes as you ride – from wide open plains to tunnels, bridges, and old gold mining towns.
Along the 150-kilometre route, the trail passes through a series of small towns and rural landscapes, including Alexandra, Omakau, Oturehua, Ranfurly, and Hyde. It follows the path of a former railway line, weaving through tunnels, over viaducts, and across rolling plains, offering a relaxed and scenic way to experience the region.
Cyclist friendly
There’s good food and wine along the way, and the small towns are welcoming and well set up for riders
Weather
Central Otago’s weather is usually dry and settled, which makes it a pretty reliable place to plan a bike trip. Find out more about this below.
Riding toward snowy peaks (photo credit: Caroline Fyfe)
Part 3: What are the highlights of the Otago Central Rail Trail?
Here are some highlights that capture the experience of cycling the Otago bike trail:
Tunnels and railway bridges
- Riding through the dramatic Poolburn Gorge, with its hand-cut tunnels and soaring viaduct.
- Crossing the curved Manuherikia No.1 Bridge, the longest on the trail at 110 metres.
- Passing through the brick-lined Price’s Creek tunnel and over the high, concrete viaduct.
Scenery and wildlife
- Sweeping views across the wide Maniototo Plain, with big skies and a feeling of real space.
- Spotting native wildlife like the kārearea (New Zealand falcon) in quiet sections of the trail.
Villages and landmarks
- Stopping in small, historic towns like Ophir, Oturehua and Clyde, full of gold rush character.
- Visiting old landmarks like Hayes Engineering Works and Gilchrist’s general store.
- Seeing traces of Otago’s gold mining past, from old station sites to silted lakebeds.
Hospitality
- Enjoying great local wine and hearty meals in cafés and country pubs along the way.
- Experiencing the friendly welcome and relaxed pace of rural New Zealand.
Poolburn tunnel (photo credit: Caroline Fyfe)
Part 4: Our itinerary for the Otago Central Rail Trail
All metrics in this article are approximate.
[Do you happen to have a GPS file for the route?]
Day 1: Clyde to Ophir, 45km
Notes
The Clyde to Ophir leg of the Otago bike trail offers a scenic and varied ride, with a beautiful detour by the River Clyde with the trees changing colour during autumn (and a fun BMX track). It then passes through Alexandra and onto the open plains toward Ophir.
This section really shows off Central Otago’s arid beauty, with wide skies, rugged hills, and remnants of the gold rush era. You’ll be weaving your way through tunnels, so you definitely need lights on your bike!
It’s just a shame that this was the day we had atrocious weather. Small towns like Galloway are good for stops along the way.
Optional diversion: Just beyond Galloway near Alexandra, a short 1-kilometre return side trip leads to the Lower Manorburn Dam.
In summer, it’s a peaceful spot for a refreshing swim, surrounded by rugged Central Otago scenery. During winter, the dam often freezes over, attracting locals and visitors for a rare chance at outdoor ice skating.
Points of interest
You’re cycling through Lord of the Rings ‘Riders of Rohan’ country so the whole region is a point of interest. The kids kept yelling “what do your elven eyes see?” – if you know, you know
Where we stayed in Ophir
Pitches Store was amazing, with a place to charge the bikes outdoors but not undercover.
The food was onsite and delicious, and there was a lovely bar to relax at, along with a hot tub! Lovely and quiet.
Breakfast was continental but it was huge and fresh, and everything was super quality – hot cross buns as it was Easter – hot out of the oven!
Where we ate
There are some interesting small pubs. The pub which everyone stopped at was warm, we could dry all our gear out by the fire and the food was super filling (soup/chicken schnitzels/pies/chips).
In the evening, we ate onsite at Pitches Store, our accommodation.
Day 2: Ophir to Wedderburn, 41km
Notes
The Ophir to Wedderburn leg is one of the most fascinating and visually dramatic parts of the Otago Central Rail Trail.
Leaving the Manuherikia Valley, you’ll follow the route of the old railway through amazing terrain that once took 300 workers three years to conquer.
Further along, the views from Blackstone Hill are huge and unforgettable. The trail descends past former station sites like Auripo and Ida Valley, then heads toward Oturehua.
Here you can explore some notable local spots like the historic Gilchrist’s general store and the old Hayes Engineering Works – home of the still-used Kiwi fence strainer. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a karearea, New Zealand’s native falcon, along the way.
This was the highest section of the route and my husband – on the hardtail mountain bike – knew about it. It was uphill most of the day, but we just turned our e-bikes up and didn’t even notice.
There’s more expansive scenery here with snow-capped hills in the background – really keeping that Lord of the Rings vibe going.
Points of interest
The trail crosses the Manuherikia No.1 Bridge – the longest on the trail – before gradually climbing into the Poolburn Gorge.
Here, two hand-cut tunnels and the towering 108-metre-long Poolburn Viaduct (with its beautiful schist piers) steal the show. You’ll need to dismount through this section.
Where we stayed
Basic but warm, central and clean – a good place to get some rest. We were given a simple continental breakfast which we supplemented with eggs and bacon from the general store in the village. We stayed here for two nights.
Where we ate
We ate dinner at the Royal Hotel in Naseby on both nights of our stay here. You need to make sure you’re booked in as there is nowhere else to eat in Naseby if you’re choosing to stay here!
Lovely staff and good, albeit basic, pub food.
Day 3: Rest day
You don’t need to do a rest day if you don’t want to, but we opted for a second night at the Naseby Lodge.
We went curling (so much fun!), at New Zealand’s only international curling rink, and out in a 4-wheel-drive with a local to the backcountry for more local history, views and scenery – very, very interesting and fun going off road.
Our accommodation was pretty basic and the village is tiny so you would need to fill your day if you are planning on taking a rest day here. You can walk everywhere including to the curling rink.
Naseby Lodge unit (photo credit: Caroline Fyfe)
Day 4: Wedderburn to Hyde, 47km
Notes
The Wedderburn to Hyde section is a rewarding ride through expansive Central Otago landscapes.
The trail stretches across the vast Maniototo Plain, offering big-sky views and a sense of solitude, before descending into the dramatic scenery of the Taieri Gorge.
Along the way, the terrain shifts from open farmland to river-cut gorges, with plenty of reminders of the region’s rich gold mining and railway history.
The final stretch toward Hyde opens up again onto the striking Strath Taieri plain, with its distinctive volcanic cones and wide open spaces.
It’s easy cycling and again lovely countryside – mostly downhill. They have stopping areas along the route to sit and eat your picnics with beautiful views.
Optional diversion: From Hyde, a side trip to Macraes Flat offers a unique look at modern-day gold mining on a massive scale.
It’s home to OceanaGold’s Macraes Operation – New Zealand’s largest active gold mine. The area also features interesting heritage sites, walking tracks, and wide-ranging views over rugged Otago hill country.
Points of interest
The trail crosses the site of the now-vanished Taieri Lake, which gradually disappeared due to silt from historic gold mining.
A standout engineering highlight is Price’s Creek Viaduct and Tunnel. The viaduct spans 91 metres and rises 32 metres above the valley; just beyond it, the fully bricked Price’s Creek Tunnel (152 metres long) adds to the sense of adventure.
As the trail flattens onto the Strath Taieri plain, keep an eye out for distinctive, cone-shaped hills formed by long-extinct volcanoes.
Where we stayed
The Nenthorn Farmhouse – Havrincourt
Hyde is a tiny village, so there’s not much accommodation. We locked up the bikes, grabbed the keys to a car from a lock box and ended up at a farmhouse 20 mins away – amazing – so in the middle of nowhere.
The farmhouse was lovely but the fires were problematic and smoked really badly so we ended up with the fire alarm going off and eating with the windows wide open – a bit chilly.
They did have a great pre-made food menu and a whole pantry full of goodies which you just pay for on an app – very handy. Again, had to take the batteries and chargers with us to charge overnight after leaving the bikes back at the trail.
Day 5: Hyde to Middlemarch, 26km
Notes
It’s an easy straight track into Middlemarch, but still fun and the views are glorious. We took our time and read every info board. Even doing that, we still arrived at Middlemarch for midday ready for a 2.15 departure time to Dunedin.
In fact, the only tricky part of the day was dropping the bags off at the station before 9.30 – we had the leave the farmhouse to drive to Hyde and got stuck behind a load of sheep!
Points of interest
South of the Hyde Station site, the trail passes near the location of Otago’s most devastating rail accident. On June 4, 1943, a train travelling from Cromwell to Dunedin derailed, tragically claiming 21 lives. A memorial cairn beside State Highway 87 now marks the site and commemorates the event.
Further on the route, you can see the amazing 700-metre Taieri Ridge standing over the eastern horizon.
Where we ate
We went for an explore and lunch in Middlemarch (also tiny!) but very tasty – local delicacy is a cheese roll (one slice of bread with a ton of grated cheese which they put in the toasty machine – these are everywhere and super cheap).
Where we stayed
Terminus Building Airbnb. This was the perfect family stop with a double and twin room. It had a central location and was very cosy.
Part 5: Practicalities for cycling the Otago Central Rail Trail
What’s the best time of year to cycle the Otago trail?
The trail is open year-round, with high season typically running from the beginning of September to mid-May.
No matter the season, temperatures in Central Otago can swing quite a bit over the course of a day. It’s a good idea to pack layers so you’re ready for anything – from chilly mornings to warm afternoons.
Check the weather forecast before you head out, and chat with the locals about the wind. Knowing the prevailing wind direction can make a big difference to your day, especially in this wide, open landscape.
September to mid-May
Most people complete the Otago rail trail bike ride between September and May when the days are longer and the weather is milder. February to April is peak season.
We went in April and found some sections were busier than others. We never found it overcrowded though, just a few people on the same bit of track.
April is one of the busiest times of year as it has the best weather for cycling. Dry but cool. We only had one afternoon of rain with the rest a mixture of clouds and sunshine. We needed layers for the e-bikes and gloves on all the time.
Mid-May to August
Winter riding is definitely possible, but be aware that Central Otago can get very cold. If you’re planning a winter trip, make sure you dress for the conditions and check ahead to see which cafés, restaurants and accommodation providers are open as some run shorter opening hours or close during the quieter months.
Weather
Central Otago has a dry, inland climate with big temperature swings between seasons.
In summer, daytime highs often reach over 25°C, while winter mornings can drop well below freezing. Frosty mornings are common in the colder months, and light snow occasionally settles on the trail, turning it into a brief but beautiful winter scene.
Rain is generally rare, especially in the heart of the region. However, the eastern end near Middlemarch, closer to the coast, can see a bit more rainfall. Most accommodation along the trail is well-equipped with drying rooms and can give you up-to-date info on food stops and conditions ahead.
Spring is a popular time to ride, with fresh green landscapes and young animals in the paddocks. The weather can be a mix of warm and cool, so it’s smart to come prepared.
No matter the season, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, layers for warmth, and a decent rain jacket. Always check the local weather forecast before setting out, and chat with locals if you’re unsure.
Cycling past Wedderburn shed (photo credit: Caroline Fyfe)
Getting there and away
Arrival
We flew into Queenstown and then we were collected from our hotel by our cycling tour operator for an hour’s drive to their base in Clyde.
If you’re driving and starting in Clyde, it’s good to know that there is a large car-parking area at the start of the trail which is the Clyde Railhead site on Springvale Road. Of course, parking is at your own risk.
Departure
From Middlemarch, Dunedin Airport is around 50 minutes’ drive away. Our tour company drove us to our accommodation in Dunedin after the ride had finished – super easy and a lovely scenic drive.
Clyde rail trail station (photo credit: Caroline Fyfe)
Is it easy to find bike-friendly accommodation on this route?
Apparently, there are over 100 places to stay along or near the Otago trail, everything from hotels and motels to lodges, B&Bs and campgrounds. However, from what we saw, the number of guests each place can take is quite limited. Even the campsites seemed very small.
Make sure you book in advance or organise a tour with a company who can arrange it for you, especially in peak season. I would not just chance just turning up along this route as you may well end up with nowhere to stay!
What kind of bike do you recommend?
Hybrids, mountain bikes and e-bikes are all suitable options for this trail, which is mainly a gravel cycle path. The surface is mainly compacted gravel but some sections have loose stones. If you’re not a regular rider, an e-bike can make the journey much more comfortable – especially if the wind picks up. Just remember to recharge overnight!
Bike hire at Clyde Station (photo credit: Caroline Fyfe)
Part 5: What are your best tips for planning an Otago bike trail tour?
What kit should you bring for the Otago bike trail?
We took layers – thermals, fleece, waterproofs (top and bottom for the kids). There are plenty of places to dry kit out if it rains and we did some washing in Naseby Lodge and dried it on the line.
I’d totally recommend an additional gel saddle cover – the second day was a bit sore even with the saddle cover. I wished I had padded cycling shorts as well.
Note that it is compulsory for all cyclists on New Zealand roads to wear cycle helmets. Legally, the definition of a road includes a street, a motorway, a beach and a place to which the public have access whether as of right or not.
How long does it take to cycle the Otago trail?
Most people allow three to five days to cycle the Otago Rail Trail from Clyde to Middemarch, but you could do this in two days if you are a pro or you really like long days with some cycling in the dark. If you are short on time, four days is probably the best and you won’t really miss anything.
Also, be aware that it’s possible to just ride part of the trail as there are lots of places to get on and off the trail. It’s also possible to find bike hire by the day at some of these jumping-on and off points.
Is it suitable for riding with children?
Yes, the Otago bike trail is family-friendly. The only thing to consider is that some of the accommodation will be small-scale, so you may need to have a couple of your group sharing pull-out beds.
The route itself is gentle enough that kids should be fine handling it, especially if you hire e-bikes.
What’s the local food and drink like?
You don’t need to worry about food and drink on the Otago route because there are many places to stop along the way.
It’s mostly pubs, little cafes or local supermarkets – and Powerade is really popular here.
Apart from one day, we found there were plenty of places to grab lunch/water.
All the old rail stations have been beautifully preserved and provide mini-museums to stop and read all the information. You’ll find plenty of interesting snippets of local history.
As for your evening refreshments, the local red wine is amazing and I wouldn’t recommend drinking anything else!
Tell us about the Rail Trail passport
At the start of your journey, consider getting a Trail Passport for $15. As you make your way along the route, you can stamp it at each former station. This is a fun way to mark your progress and makes a great keepsake to take home. The operator provided us with the passport. There was a stamp to fill in the passport at each of the old station sheds along the route.
Proceeds support the Otago Centra Rail Trail Charitable Trust that works on improving the trail, helping to fund new info signs, shelters, seating and restoration projects.
Can you ride the Otago bike trail independently?
Yes, it’s totally possible to ride the trail as an independent ride, but it’s important to plan ahead. The official Otago Rail Trail website has an interactive trail map and other resources to help shape your route and plan your itinerary.
That said, going solo isn’t for everyone. You might prefer some extra support, whether that’s help with bicycle hire, luggage transfers, accommodation bookings or just having someone on hand if something goes wrong. Once you finish, they can also sort out a return shuttle service for you and your bike back to the start of the route or to the airport.
If that sounds more like your style, check out the cycle tour operators and Otago bike trail tours that can help you with logistics.
Is there phone reception and WiFi on the trail?
We found that a lot of the trail had no mobile phone reception (bonus for us!), but there was always WiFi in the accommodation.
Are there toilets along the route?
There are toilets along the route – sometimes hidden into the hillside, but always marked on the trail where they are – surprisingly clean for long drops! Just remember to bring your own toilet roll!
Do you need to speak English?
You will need to speak English or at least some English to say hi, order food, etc… but everyone will try and help you.
I totally recommend stopping and speaking to the locals – they were the friendliest, nicest bunch of people I have met. They all had a story to tell or had time to smile and speak to you.
Which company did you use for your Otago bike trail tour?
We chose to travel with She Bikes He Bikes, an Otto rail trail cycle tour operator based in New Zealand. We thought they were superb. We found them very responsive on e-mail, they gave us lots of options, and overall we thought they were good value for money given their itinerary and also all the tips they offered for the route.
Accommodation and logistics
They seemed extremely well connected with the local accommodation and restaurant providers. Logistics around getting to the trail and bag drops would be tricky to organise on your own, along with the fact you need to book a different accommodation for every night and the limited accommodation availability.
Side trips
Another consideration is that if you want to visit Naseby, which is in the middle of nowhere, it’s worth considering the logistics of how you’ll be picked up and taken to and from the town. With a tour operator, it was all done for us.
Bike hire
The bikes were all at Clyde waiting for us to start. They were fully set up, and we were given instructions. Each bike had a puncture repair kit on the bikes, bike locks, lights, helmets and e-bikes all had chargers in dry bags.
Bag drops
The logistics of bag drops was very easy (we mostly just left them in the accommodation before 9.30 am) and the bags were waiting for us when we got to the next stop.
Note that we were given a baggage limit of 15kg per person (which they weighed at check in); if you are on a multi-stop trip and have a lot of luggage this could potentially be problematic.
I suspect given they are so friendly they could arrange for you to have a separate bag taken straight to the Middlemarch office to be left there, but you would need to check with the company you are using if they can do this.
Part 6: Final thoughts on the Otago bike trail
An Otago cycling tour is a great way to experience a quieter, more rugged side of New Zealand. The ride is gentle and accessible but still feels like an adventure – especially with the mix of history, scenery, and local hospitality along the way.
You don’t need to be an experienced cyclist to enjoy it, and the typically dry Central Otago weather helps make it a reliable option.
It’s a route we’d happily recommend to anyone considering cycling New Zealand.
Winding trail through tussock hills (photo credit: Caroline Fyfe)
What’s next?
A big thank you to Caroline for sharing these fabulous insights into their experience on one of New Zealand’s finest cycle trails.
Want more inspiration? We’re still building our content about cycling in New Zealand (get in touch if you have experiences to share!) but these options might be of interest:
- Cycling in Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne and Victoria
- Cycling in Singapore
- Cycling in Borneo
- Cycling in Japan
- Cycling in Vietnam
New Zealand also features in the world’s safest countries for 2025/26. If safety is a priority for your cycling trips, you might enjoy this article!
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Got a question for Caroline?
Fill out this form and we will send it to Caroline. We aim to get you an answer within 24 hours where possible!Caroline Fyfe is originally from the UK; she and her family relocated to Australia in 2019 in search of a sunnier climate and a more adventurous, outdoor-focused lifestyle. With a passion for endurance sports, she immersed herself in the Australian outdoor scene, completing ultra distance running events as well as multi-day cycling and hiking trips in Australia’s great outdoors.
Over the years, Caroline and her family have travelled extensively across Australia and New Zealand, exploring everything from the remote outback and coastal trails of Western Australia to the lush rainforests of Queensland and the dramatic alpine regions of New Zealand’s South Island.
The Otago Rail Trail is Caroline’s second multi-day bike holiday in New Zealand and it’s unlikely to be her last.
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