Otago Central Rail Trail

A classic, mostly easy-grade rail trail linking Central Otago townships, best ridden with a little planning for weather and services.

Time to Ride: Most cyclists allow 3-5 days for the full trail, depending on how long you want for side trips and pub stops.

Best Time to Go: Nov-Mar brings the warmest riding, while spring and autumn are often quieter but can be changeable. The trail sits in a continental climate with bigger temperature swings than many parts of New Zealand.

Getting there: The trail runs between Middlemarch and Clyde. Most visitors route via Dunedin for access to Middlemarch, and arrange a shuttle back from Clyde at the end.

Costs: Budget for bike hire or transport, accommodation in small towns, and optional luggage transfers. Costs vary widely by comfort level and season.

Difficulty: Easy overall - it follows a railway formation with gentle inclines, but wind and temperature extremes can make some days feel harder.

The Otago Central Rail Trail follows the formation of the former Otago Central Railway across South Island’s interior, running in an arc from Middlemarch through the Strath Taieri and the Maniototo to finish at Clyde on the Clutha River. It is well maintained and signposted, with toilets at several points, and the gradients reflect its rail origins.

The railway line was completed at the turn of the 20th century and linked Central Otago with Dunedin until its closure in April 1990. After rails and sleepers were salvaged, the New Zealand Department of Conservation purchased the remaining formation and developed it as a recreational track.

Highlights are the engineering works and the sense of traversing open country between small settlements: three tunnels including the Poolburn Gorge Tunnels and the Prices Creek Tunnel, plus several large viaducts. A torch (flashlight) is advised for the tunnels, and many riders also come for the trail’s social side - it has even earned the nickname the ‘Ale Trail’.

• Stage 1: Middlemarch to Ranfurly (approx. 60 km) A gentle introduction through the Strath Taieri on an easy-grade rail formation, with classic Central Otago openness and big skies.
• Stage 2: Ranfurly to Oturehua (approx. 25 km) The trail climbs to its high point between Ranfurly and Oturehua (618 m), still on steady railway gradients.
• Stage 3: Oturehua to Omakau (approx. 40 km) Long, rural kilometres across the Maniototo, typically the section where you feel the remoteness and should plan food and water for the day.
• Stage 4: Omakau to Clyde (approx. 25 km) A highlight stretch with major rail works including the two Poolburn Gorge Tunnels and big viaducts - bring a torch for the tunnel sections.
• Stage 5: Optional return route via Old Dunstan Road (variable distance) A historic alternative for riders returning towards Middlemarch or Dunedin, but it crosses open country with little accommodation or food between typical stops, so self-sufficiency matters.
• Stage 6: Short out-and-back sampling rides (variable distance) If you do not have time for the full 150 km, companies can help you stitch together popular parts, with the Poolburn Gorge section noted as the most-used.

The trail can be ridden in a wide range of months, but the most settled riding is generally in the warmer part of the year, when days are longer and services are in full swing. Peak periods such as long weekends and holidays can be busy.

Central Otago is one of the few parts of New Zealand with a continental climate, with temperature extremes common: midsummer days frequently exceed 28 C, while winter days can stay below freezing. Strong winds can develop from nearby mountain ranges and can slow riders dramatically when blowing against your direction of travel.

The most common access point is via Dunedin, then onward to Middlemarch for the start. The first 64 km from Wingatui to Middlemarch remains rail-operational, with the 60 km through the Taieri Gorge operated by Dunedin Railways as a tourist attraction.

Most people ride east to west from Middlemarch to Clyde and then arrange a shuttle back, especially if they have hired bikes or booked luggage transport. Bike outlets and services are noted in Middlemarch, Ranfurly, Alexandra and Clyde.

Check with the Otago Central Rail Trail Charitable Trust or the Department of Conservation for any access or permit requirements. The track is well maintained and signposted, with toilets at several points.

Bike hire is widely available, with mountain bikes rented from outlets in Middlemarch, Ranfurly, Alexandra and Clyde. Some cycle shops provide rider and bike transport and can move luggage between overnight stops; this is a popular way to keep daily riding simple. A torch (flashlight) is advised for the tunnels.

Small towns along the route have developed facilities for trail users, and it is common to break the ride into 3-5 days with overnight stops in trail towns and service centres such as Ranfurly, and at the end around Clyde and nearby Alexandra.

Because the trail is very popular, accommodation should be booked well in advance during busy periods such as long weekends and holidays. If you are riding the optional Old Dunstan Road return, plan carefully as it crosses open country with little accommodation or food between typical stops.