Central Otago’s Latest & Greatest - The luxury option
Grade 1-3 (Easy to Intermediate) 195km
Cost: NZD$1799 per person
This 5-day ultimate luxury adventure takes you from Cromwell to Middlemarch. Cycling 193km over five days, starting on the stunning Lake Dunstan Trail and on to one of New Zealand’s original Great Rides - the 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 luxury 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.
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, noting summer months the heat makes ample water essential.
Today has you cycling from Clyde to Ophir for 39km on the Otago Central Rail Trail. You may like to take the scenic option - the Clutha River Track adds 4km of riverside beauty from Clyde to Alexandra.
Your first stop will be Alexandra where you can have a coffee at one of the various cafes prior to heading onwards to Chatto Creek Hotel for lunch a 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 Ophir. You come off the Otago Central Rail Trail in Omakau, turn into Harvey Street which is adjacent to the Omakau School then cycle down past Omakau Commercial Hotel, across the main road and onto the single lane bridge. Cycle a further 2km in the cycle lane provided to Ophir township.
Today’s adventure has you cycling through the stunning Poolburn Gorge and Ida Valley.
Lauder is your first stop for coffee and a 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 a tour. From here you have another 12km to cycle to Wedderburn, passing the highest point on the trail.
A shuttle transfer is provided from Wedderburn Red Barn into Naseby for your night’s luxury accommodation, please ensure that you are ready by 3.30pm.
After your transfer from Naseby back to Wedderburn this morning you cycle 13.5km downhill to Ranfurly - the famous Art Deco Town of Maniototo. 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 for the 7.5km to Waipiata - a quiet countryside town well known for their enormous pies at the local Hotel - a great lunch stop. Last section for the day is 10.5km from Waipiata to your accommodation for the night in Kokonga.
Your final day on the trail, with the first section begin Kokonga to Hyde (14.5km), this includes Prices Creek viaduct and tunnel before the trail opens out onto the Strath Taieri plains in Hyde.
Hyde Station, just 2km south of the village 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.
Shuttle transfer to Cromwell or Dunedin can be arranged.
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NZD$1799pp twin share
NZD$1015pp single supplement
Rates are valid until May 31, 2025.
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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 luxury twin share ensuite room
Breakfast each morning
Evening meal at Kokonga Lodge
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 (Subject to availability)
Start dates are flexible - our Reservations staff will work with you to create an itinerary for your preferred dates (dependent on accommodation availability)
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E-Bike upgrade $300pp
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
