The Classic
Grade 1-3 (Easy to Intermediate)
152km
This 4-day Otago Central Rail Trail adventure takes you from Clyde to Middlemarch cycling 152km over 4 days on one of the most popular great New Zealand rides, which was an old railway line. You cycle through some outstanding tunnels and viaducts in Ida Valley with amazing landscapes whilst enjoying great southern hospitality each day.
Over 4 days you will be cycling between 3 – 4 hours each day. We will transfer your luggage daily to your accommodation.
Itinerary
Your adventure starts at our Cromwell depot arriving 8.30am for your bike fitting and briefing prior to begin shuttled to Clyde for your adventure to begin. (Transport can be arranged from Queenstown or pickup from your Cromwell accommodation).
NB: A great option this morning is taking the Lake Dunstan Explorer (speed boat) from Cromwell to Clyde! You follow the Lake Dunstan Trail whilst receiving some informative information regarding the history of the region.
Day 1 has you 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 first 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. Here you can 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 will be arranged from here back to Cromwell, departing 1.30pm
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NZD$1099pp twin share
NZD$500pp 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 – 3 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 $240pp
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
Boat transfer on Lake Dunstan Explorer from Cromwell to Clyde departing 9.30am. This trip will immerse you in the absolute scenic beauty of the lake and surrounding, with the thrill of fast boat ride coupled with expert commentary. $75.00pp
Check out our Latest & Greatest package should you want to add the Lake Dunstan Trail and a night in Clyde to your tour.
