Clyde middlemarch 15 days, 152km steeped in history, this pioneering cycle trail offers a 152km scenic journey into the central otago heartland. Enjoy central otagos big skies, distinctive landscape and. Central otago, new zealand the official website for the. Otago and central otago enjoy a vibrant history, with evidence of its cultural past everywhere you look. Make it easy let the professionals at cycle surgery do the work so all you need to do is turn up and enjoy the ride. It extends 150 kilometres between middlemarch and clyde, across unrivalled landscapes. The central otago arts trail is a unique and insightful day trip from queenstown and could be combined with cycling the central otago rail trail or visiting worldclass wineries in stunning settings. The otago central rail trail is a 150kilometre walking, cycling and horse riding track in the. Book today and you can simply turn up and enjoy the ride of a lifetime. There is a mix of wide and narrow trails with a few undulating hills. Central otago nz the official website for the central otago region discover a world of difference. The otago rail trail is a timeless trail that allows you to experience a huge amount of history of one of nzs special places, and one that will exceed your expectations time and again.
Open all year round this cycleway takes you through 152kms of remarkable central otago landscape away from roads and vehicles, yet. The route roughly follows the old railway that was constructed on the back of the gold mining and freight industry that boomed here in the 19th century. The otago central rail trail is a 150kilometre walking, cycling and horse riding track in the south island of new zealand. Enjoy central otago s big skies, distinctive landscape and famous southern hospitality. The otago central rail trail cycle surgery rail trail. The rail trail makes a large arc through the otago central valley along the foothills of the south islands east and west coastal mountain ranges, running slightly uphill for first half, generally nw from clyde to its halfway highpoint 618 metersjust over 2,000 ft elevation near wedderburn and then turns gently sw running slightly downhill to middlemarch for the full 150 km. Trains typically travel through hills, around hills but if it can be avoided not uphill the maximum gradient is 2%. History of the otago central rail trail the otago central rail trail is the result of the local communities collective vision and dedication. Making this trail a great cycling holiday for people of all ages and cycling abilities. The trail that inspired the creation of the new zealand cycle trail network, the otago central rail trail offers a classic blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, friendly towns, along with fantastic local food and wine.
A little history about the otago central rail trail. It boasts a truly memorable blend of natural beauty, fascinating history and a series of friendly towns. It was developed by the department of conservation in partnership with the otago central rail trail charitable trust. On 7 june 1879, the first sod was turned marking the start of construction of the otago central railway. History of the rail trail otago central rail trail. Historical places in central otago include st bathans, old cromwell town, the old bridge piers in alexandra, otago goldfiedls heritage trail and many more. Before i share my story, heres a little history on the trail. Rich in history, the otago central rail trail is a 150km journey through charming central otago country. Otago central rail trail south island nz history of the region off. Enjoy carefree exhileration on the otago central railway trail and let us handle the rest. It took 28 years to build and was finished in 1907, carrying freight as well as passengers. Sep 26, 20 the rail trail makes a large arc through the otago central valley along the foothills of the south islands east and west coastal mountain ranges, running slightly uphill for first half, generally nw from clyde to its halfway highpoint 618 metersjust over 2,000 ft elevation near wedderburn and then turns gently sw running slightly downhill to middlemarch for the full 150 km.
Otago central rail trail cycling tours with trail journeys. Whether you are travelling the otago central rail trail, roxburgh gorge trail or the clutha gold trail as a couple, as a group of friends, with your family or are organizing a corporate challenge, we will design the perfect itinerary to suit you and your budget. Our hosts will bring this history alive as we help you experience the otago central rail trail. Arranging a 5 day otago rail trail bike ride was a last minute addition to our trip last month. At the height of the season december to may upwards of 200 people start the trail every day. Wedderburn cottages have been operating since the inception of the rail trail, and are perfectly placed at the exact halfway point, with the actual rail trail going through the centre of. The otago rail trail passes through many small communities, some dating back to the 1860s, allowing you to experience a huge amount of history of one of nzs special places, and one. Rail trail map otago central rail trail cycle central. Otago central rail trail central otago, new zealand. The elevation map shows the distances between towns plus the climbs and.
Everything you need to plan a unique central otago rail trail experience. It is thought the mountains in the area reminded early pioneers of england where dunstan means a stone on a hill hence the name. The trail that inspired the creation of the new zealand cycle trail network, the otago central rail trail follows the old railway line between clyde and middlemarch. Find central otago accommodation, things to do in central otago, otago central rail trail, events, wine, vineyards, heritage, cycling, mountain biking, arts, culture, and heritage. The otago central rail trail is new zealands most popular multiday ride for casual recreational cyclists. The trust has been instrumental in the success of the rail trail, raising funds for. Several books on the trail and the surrounding area can be purchased at bookshops throughout new zealand. The otago central rail trail a great bike ride blog the globe. To find out more information about a particular section of the otago central rail trail click on your chosen town. Otago central rail trail official website of nzs original. Cycle 150km on the otago rail trail through beautiful big sky country, central otagos timeless land, on the iconic and original nz cycle trail.
The 152 km 95 mile trail crosses the stark, expansive, rugged, arid and majestic landscapes of central otago. Wedderburn cottages central otago rail trail accommodation. A pioneering project for new zealand, the successful rail trail joined the new zealand cycle trail umbrella organisation in 2012, having been one of the inspirations for it the trail runs in an arc between middlemarch and clyde, along the route of the former otago. An essential guide for those who wish to ride or walk this trail which featured recently on off the rails with marcus lush. Construction of the railway began in 1879 to provide transport from dunedin to the central otago towns. A fantastic cycling holiday for couples, families and large groups. We offer the most comprehensive information on accommodation, transport and bike. The otago central rail trail nzs orginal great ride. The otago central rail trail is 150km from middlemarch to clyde and takes in just about everything thats stunning about central otago. Its all offroad, no traffic, just central otago s big skies and distinctive landscape to enjoy and our famous southern hospitality. Otago rail trail guide book this is the single most important resource you can own if you plan to travel the central otago rail trail. When it first opened to the public in 2000, trail journeys were the first to offer bike rental on the trail and today are the leading cycle operator on the otago rail trail.
A little history about the otago central rail trail construction of the railway began in 1879 to provide transport from dunedin to the central otago towns. The roxburgh gorge trail and clutha gold trail also offer unique experiences deep in. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 2 hours of cycling per week for the three months leading up to your trip. New zealands original great ride is open all year round.
The 150 km otago central rail trail follows the route of the old railway. The otago central rail trail is a 152km cycle trail through the heart of central otago from clyde to middlemarch. There are many references in central otago to dunstan. Prekids, we had always talked about this holiday, and then we had three energetic kids eager for adventure.
Otago rail trail accommodation deluxe standard rooms. Rail trail map otago central rail trail cycle central otago. Cycling the otago rail trail if you want to experience a fun and exciting time with the family in central otago, why dont you consider cycling the central otago rail trail. Group size is limited to 12 wine lovers to ensure personal service as you sip your way through four central otago wineries, pausing for a gourmet lunch in a vineyard. Our trail bikes are ideal for the otago central rail trail and other similar gravel trails. The otago central railway ocr or in later years otago central branch railway, now often referred to as the taieri gorge railway, was a secondary railway line in central otago, in the south island of new zealand. History of the rail trail otago central rail trail cycle central otago. Explore 20 or more townships located near or on the trail and meet with pioneer spirited locals. The line was completed to middlemarch two years later. Find hotels in otago central rail trail, new zealand.
Way back in 1861, gold was discovered in central otago. Bike the otago central rail trail my moments and memories. The otago central rail trail offers a superb recreational walking, cycling, or riding experience for both holidaymakers and athletes. The classic experience is to ride it over several days, but the. With their australasiandesigned avanti frames and proven shimano and tektro componentry, these bikes ensure the best possible riding experience. Its all offroad, no traffic, just central otagos big skies and distinctive landscape to enjoy and our famous southern hospitality. The trail that inspired the creation of the new zealand cycle trail network, the otago central rail trail offers a classic blend of natural beauty, fascinating history. The trail is wide with a compacted gravel trail surface and a gentle 1 to 50 gradient. This was followed by the 16 km section from hyde to kokonga which opened in 1897. Central otago new zealand history information, historical. The 26 km section of line from middlemarch to hyde then opened in 1894. Doc has a strong partnership with the otago central rail trail trust. Steeped in history, the rail trail offers a 150 kilometre scenic and historic journey into the central otago heartland.
As far back as 1858 the name appears in the regions history and clyde itself was originally named upper dunstan. The otago central rail trail is ideal for cyclists who wish to see some spectacular central otago scenery, at an easy pace, on flat gravelled terrain. Experience the otago rail trail with puretrails nz youtube. The route roughly follows the old railway that was constructed on the back of the gold mining and freight industry that boomed here in the 19th. Otago central rail trail ebike adventure tours of new. Otago central rail trail accommodation, tour planning. Named after the old railway line, built between 1891 and 1907, the otago central rail trail is new zealands original great ride. Named after the original railway line, built between 1891 and 1907, the otago central rail trail, new zealands original great ride, was first opened to the public in 2000. The otago central rail trail is ideal for easy pace cyclists. A pioneering project for new zealand, the successful rail trail joined the new zealand cycle trail umbrella organisation in 2012, having been one of the inspirations for it.
Taste central otago wine and cuisine on a smallgroup tour of the regions boutique vineyards. The otago rail trail is a 152km cycle trail which runs through central otago from clyde to middlemarch. The otago central rail trail a great bike ride blog. Otago central rail trail ebike adventure tours of new zealand. Stunning scenery, amazing and important historical and current information. Central otago discovery cycling trip trail journeys. Explore old gold mining remains in central otago new zealand. Otago central rail trail mountain bike trail in clyde, new.
New zealands original great ride, open all year round. Otago central rail trail south island nz history of the. The otago central rail trail, is sometimes mistakenly called the central otago rail trail or even otago rail trail. The rail trail offers a superb recreational walkingcyclingriding experience for both holidaymakers and athletes. Otago central rail trail central otago tripadvisor. The otago rail trail classic is graded introductory.
The roxburgh gorge trail and clutha gold trail also offer unique experiences deep in the heart of central otago. The classic experience is to ride it over several days, but the trail can. Open all year round this cycleway takes you through 152kms of remarkable central otago. May 21, 2018 the otago rail trail is a timeless trail that allows you to experience a huge amount of history of one of nzs special places, and one that will exceed your expectations time and again. A beautifully crafted book with amazing photography by peter andrews showing central otago as it truly is, one of the most rugged, extreme and beautiful locations on the planet. The queenstown otago rail trail is graded introductory. Plan and book an organised cycling tour package for couples, friends, family or corporate. You cycle the trail over 4 days around 45 hours cycling a day for someone. Please provide valuable feedback about your trail experience, it only takes a. One of the regions most popular tourist attractions, the otago central rail trail is a 150kmlong network of cycle and walking tracks. Apr 17, 2020 the otago central rail trail new zealands original great ride. Otago central rail trail central otago 2020 all you need. There are over a hundred artists and art spaces on the central otago arts trail.
Response from otagocentrailtrail, facilitator at otago central rail trail responded 4 weeks ago thank you for providing your feedback about your rail trail holiday and pleased you were happy with cycle surgery and the hospitality along the trail. They feature an upright riding position, front suspension and a gel seat for maximum comfort. After sending out a few inquiries to the companies listed on the otago rail trail website i got a reply from only one. Construction of the ocr began in 1877 and the 27km section to hindon was opened in 1889. Otago rail trail nz cycle tours package with vehicle support. Built on the former otago central railway line, the rail trail offers every visitor a unique cycling experience. The area boomed, as people flocked to central otago to make their fortunes. The single most important resource when travelling the central otago rail trail. Tunnellers camp, the art deco town of ranfurly, the poolburn gorge, and the iconic wedderburn station made famous by graham sydney. Cycling the otago central rail trail is one of the classic active experiences in new zealand.
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