Ride the iconic Otago Rail Trail on the South Island of NZ
At the end of the tour, journey to Dunedin on this spectacular journey
Discover the historic rail trail by bike
Enjoy making new friends or perhaps touring with old ones
Journey along a wonderful rail trail and experience exceptional rural sights

Otago Rail Trail Classic

Duration
5 days
Site savings
$16
From
$1,550 USD

Cycle the dedicated cycle trails of NZ's original great ride with a 5 day bicycle tour on the Otago Rail Trail. Experience the full breadth and depth of New Zealand’s iconic rail trail on this fully guided and supported trip. You’ll enjoy easy riding on this trail created especially for cyclists, walkers and horses. Go deep into history through tunnels, over bridges, along railways & riverside paths. Savour delicious local wine & food, and stay in great accommodation. Journey back in time on the Taieri Gorge Railway and experience the local 'southern hospitality' of Central Otago.

  • Category
    Solo
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    5 days
  • Culture Level
    Familiar
  • Skill Level
    2 - Novice
  • Activity Level
    2 - Moderate
  • Elevation
    2 - Moderate
  • Terrain
    Mixed
  • Distance
    131.7 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    26.1 miles
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Following the old branch line from Clyde to Middlemarch, the ride takes in grand landscapes, railway heritage and charming country towns. Admire architectural gems in Clyde, Ophir, Ranfurly & beyond, explore Oamaru’s atmospheric Victorian precinct and the spectacular Pacific Coast.

The expert guides will show you the trail’s best sights such as gold rush relics, architectural gems and amazing natural wonders. There’s even a chance to try the ancient art of curling at the Southern Hemisphere’s only indoor rink.

Start the trip in either Christchurch or Clyde, and finish in Christchurch or Dunedin.

The Otago Rail Trail Classic is graded introductory. The trail is wide with a compacted gravel trail surface and a gentle 1 to 50 gradient. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and the tour operator suggests 2 hours of cycling per week for the three months leading up to your trip. They recommend training on compacted gravel trails, and completing a multi-day ride prior to your trip to get used to being in the saddle for long periods of time. The more training you have done on hills and on compacted gravel, the more enjoyable your trip will be.

Tour inclusions and exclusions at a glance:

What's included?
Items included in the cost of the tour

  • Accommodation
  • Transport to/from central Christchurch
  • Otago Rail Trail passport
  • Wine tasting at a Central Otago vineyard and curling at Naseby
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • Pre-departure Information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats
  • Marine wildllife cruise in the Otago Harbour on the Sootychaser
  • Visit to St Bathans to see the incredible Blue Lake
  • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x4), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x4), two course restaurant dinners (x4) catered to all dietary requirements
  • Rider fees paid to the Department of Conservation and Trail Trusts for ongoing maintenance and improvements
What's not included?
Items not included in the cost of the tour

  • International / Domestic flights
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Meals where not specified in the itinerary
  • All beverages, other than breakfast
  • Water bottle (help save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visas
  • Free bike rental is not included. Please see the available rental options below.

Tour options and upgrades:

3 equipment options available
1 tour add-on available