Central Otago’s Latest & Greatest
Grade 1-3 (Easy to Intermediate)
195km
As the name suggests Kiwi Journeys have combined the Latest (Lake Dunstan Trail) with the Greatest (Otago Central Rail Trail). This 5-day ultimate adventure takes you from Cromwell to Middlemarch cycling 193km over 5 days on the stunning Lake Dunstan Trail and one of New Zealand’s great rides Otago Central Rail Trail.
You cycle from Cromwell to Clyde through unique and fascinating landscapes following Lake Dunstan to Clyde with a night’s accommodation here prior to starting the Otago Central Rail Trail the following morning. The Otago Central Rail Trail has you cycling through historic tunnels and over viaducts whilst enjoying the amazing landscapes and great southern hospitality each day.
Over 5 days you will be cycling between 3 – 4 hours each day. We will transfer your luggage daily to your accommodation.
Itinerary
Cromwell – Bannockburn 9.5km (grade 2)
Your adventure starts at our Cromwell depot arriving 8.30am for your bike fitting and briefing prior to starting your adventure. (Transport can be arranged from Queenstown or pickup from your Cromwell accommodation)
First stop this morning being Cromwell Heritage Precinct 2.5km down the trail, be sure to stop here and explore the boutique galleries, retail stores and cafes for your first coffee of the morning. Following the Kawarau Arm of Lake Dunstan to Bannockburn bridge you will have amazing vistas across the lake to Bannockburn vineyards. After crossing under the bridge, you loop around the inlet towards Cornish Point.
Bannockburn Inlet to Cairnmuir Gully 11.3km (grade 2-3)
As you continue towards Cornish Point you pass by vineyards and olive groves with views back across to Cromwell and the Heritage Precinct. This section includes the first of the bluff bridges and you will cycle at the base of the stonework faces of the Cairnmuir slide, a unique feature high on the slopes above the lake. Be sure to make a stop at Carrick Winery & Restaurant in this section to enjoy a glass of wine while relaxing on the outdoor bean bags.
Cairnsmuir Gully to Halfway Hut 8.4km (grade 2-3)
This section requires more attention and skill as there are narrow sections and more gradient. It’s also the section with the highest point of the trail, so make the most of the magnificent views. The Hugo Suspension bridge is in the middle of this section. “Coffee Afloat” awaits you here also, this is the last of the food/drinks options available until you reach Clyde.
Halfway Hut to Dunstan Arm Rowing Club 10.7km (grade 2-3)
Close to Halfway Hut you will find a short switch back section with tight corners and a good climb/descent. A dominant feature at this end of the trail is New Zealand’s third largest hydro-dam – the Clyde Dam which first power was generated in 1992.
Dunstan Arms Rowing Club to Clyde Heritage Precinct 3.5km (grade 1)
This section follows the sealed road in places and shares the Clyde bridge with other traffic before climbing up towards the Clyde Heritage Precinct. Be sure to take the time to explore the precinct, then head to your accommodation for the night.
A dominant feature at the Clyde end of the trail is New Zealand’s third largest hydro-dam – the Clyde Dam. First power was generated in 1992.
NOTE – food and water are readily available prior to departing Cromwell. Coffee Afloat is based midway point on the trail. Long stretches without food and water available means that riders should be self sufficient and carry more than enough for the journey Note that the summer heat makes ample water essential.
Day 2 has you starting the Otago Central Rail Trail cycling from Clyde to Omakau (37km). Your first stop on day 1 is Alexandra where you can stop for a coffee at one of the various cafes prior to heading onwards to Chatto Creek Hotel for lunch/drink at a genuine old country hotel. Whilst there, take the time to visit New Zealand’s smallest Post Office in the front yard of the Hotel. After lunch you head onwards to Omakau taking on the Tigerhill challenge which is an uphill ride for a short time prior to heading back downhill for your night’s accommodation in Omakau.
If time allows, we highly recommend a side trip to Ophir which is like walking down the street back in time. Visit the restored Post & Telegraph office, the 1895 Courthouse and 1870’s Police Station. A round trip taking in the awesome Daniel O’Connell suspension bridge is 5km
OPTIONAL EXTRA – you can cycle from Clyde to Alexandra via the River Track, this trail takes you along the true right bank of the powerful Clutha Mata-au River (12km)
Today’s adventure has you cycling Omakau to Wedderburn 41.5km, cycling through the stunning Poolburn Gorge & Ida Valley.
Lauder is your first stop for coffee & treat this morning prior to heading into the Poolburn Gorge which has been cut through schist rock bluffs with historic tunnels and viaducts. From Lauder you head to Ida Valley/Oturehua. Just prior to Oturehua township is the famous Hayes Engineering works, this historic site is still in the original condition and definitely worth exploring while here for lunch and or tour.
From here you have another 12km to cycle to your nights’ accommodation in Wedderburn, passing the highest point on the trail.
From Wedderburn you cycle downhill to Ranfurly(13.5km) the famous Art Deco Town of Maniototo, so a great excuse to stop and stretch your legs here for coffee and walk around taking in the extensive views of Kakanui Mountains. Ranfurly is the second biggest town on the trail so great place to top up essential supplies also.
Back on your bike to Waipiata (7.5km) a quiet wee countryside town well known for their enormous pies at the local Hotel, great lunch stop.
Last section for the day is Waipiata to Hyde (25km), this includes Prices Creek viaduct and tunnel before the trail opens out onto the Strath Taieri plains in Hyde where your accommodation is for the night.
Final day on the trail with first stop being Hyde Station just 2km south of the village, this offers you a glimpse into the past.
Cycling on you will come to the stone cairn, a sobering memorial of the tragic Hyde train crash in 1943.
Continue downhill through the Strath Taieri Valley taking in the Rock & Pillar ranges to the end of the trail at Middlemarch township.
Transport can be arranged from here back to Clyde/Cromwell/Queenstown or onwards to Dunedin.
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NZD$1299pp twin share
NZD$630 Single supplement
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Bike hire – standard bike, helmet, pannier bags, repair kit and pump
Detailed Kiwi Journeys wallet with map and information
Accommodation – 4 nights twin share ensuite room
Breakfast each morning
All bike relocation and transport
Daily luggage transfers (1 bag per person – limit 15kgs per bag. Surplus luggage can be stored at our Cromwell depot) or relocated to Middlemarch
Shuttle Middlemarch back to Cromwell departing 1.30pm
Kiwi Journeys Central Otago Tee Shirt & water bottle
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15th September - 15th May
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E-Bike upgrade $300pp
Accommodation upgrade
Transfers to/from Queenstown
Shuttle Middlemarch to Dunedin
Sidetrips – Naseby curling, St Bathans tour, 4WD trip, Hayes Engineering Workshop tour
Pre and post trail accommodation
