Otago Rail Trail Classic

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Queenstown Trails: Queenstown to Kawarau Bridge

   After an early morning briefing in Queenstown, saddle up for the  first ride on arguably the best of the Queenstown Trails. You'll set off riding from the hotel and quickly join the Frankton Trail, a well formed shingle track along the shore of Lake Wakatipu with stunning mountain and lake views. On reaching the old Kawarau Bridge at Frankton, join the Twin Rivers Trail and then the Countryside Trail through to Arrowtown, a delightful old gold mining town, in time for lunch.

   You'll then continue onto the Arrow River Bridges Trail which includes 2 spectacular suspension bridges and is a delightful ride through to the historic Kawarau Bridge where you can witness bungy jumpers and zipliners getting their adrenaline fix! Loading up the bikes here, enjoy a scenic drive through the Kawarau Gorge past the historic Roaring Meg and Kawarau gold diggings to the historic gold-mining town of Clyde, your home for tonight. 

   • 26.1 miles
   • 1,417.3 ft
     1,417.3 ft
   • Dunstan House, Clyde
   • Lunch and Dinner

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     Dunstan House, Clyde

     Charming lodgings await on this superb tour of the rail trail

2. Day 2Clyde to Lauder

   Leaving Clyde via the historic railway line, you’ll track across rural plains encircled by dramatic mountain ranges. Beyond the tiny settlement of Chatto Creek, the trail climbs gently before levelling off to reach the lunch stop, Omakau.

   You’ll then hop on the bus for the short detour to must-see Ophir township and the Raggedy Range lookout for a bird’s eye view of the region. Back on the bikes, it’s another 9km (6mi) of easy riding to reach Lauder.

   Late afternoon you’ll drive to St Bathans for a walk around the surreal Blue Lake formed during the 1800s gold days. Enjoy a game of pool or banter at the Lauder pub before tucking into a well-earned dinner.
   

   • 27.3 miles
   • Lauder School B&B
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Lauder School B&B

     Experience atmospheric heritage accommodation along the route

3. Day 3Lauder to Ranfurly

   Today’s ride features the trip’s first tunnels and bridges as you trace the pretty Poolburn Gorge and head into the Idaburn Valley. You’ll stop at Hayes Engineering Works, a delightfully rustic heritage site, and Oturehua’s old-fashioned grocery store.

   After lunch, it’s a gentle climb to the rail trail’s highpoint, then a downhill roll to Ranfurly with its striking art deco architecture. Late afternoon, you’ll take the short drive to Naseby, a cute forestry town famous for its indoor curling rink. Here’s your chance to try ‘bowls on ice’ – it’s very addictive! Naseby is also terrific for a stroll or a sup at the old pub, both nice ways to wind down before you return to Ranfurly for dinner.
   

   • 29.2 miles
   • Hawkdun Lodge, Ranfurly
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
4. Day 4Otago Rail Trail: Ranfurly to Middlemarch; Transfer to Dunedin

   Today combines the trip’s biggest daily distance with some of its most fun riding. The trail tracks towards Waipiata then follows the edge of an old lake before entering the Taieri Gorge with yet more bridges and tunnels. It’s a flowing downhill run to the historic Hotel Hyde, a picturesque spot for a breather.

   From here, the final 27km takes in the poignant 1943 Hyde rail disaster memorial, then wends across rolling plains towards the trail’s end at Middlemarch. After a well-earned café lunch, you’ll board the support vehicle to follow the rest of the still existing railway line through to Dunedin.

   Tonight, you'll be staying in New Zealand’s only historic Castle, built in 1871 by William Larnach, merchant baron and politician, for his beloved first wife Eliza. It took more than 200 workmen three years to build the Castle shell and master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior. The final group dinner will be in one of the Castle dining rooms. In keeping with the historic setting, the group will enjoy a four course 'Trust the Chef ' menu.

   • 20.5 miles
   • Larnach Castle
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Ride the Taieri Gorge Train

     At the end of the tour, journey to Dunedin on this spectacular journey

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     Lanarch Castle

     Spend the night in elegant luxury, surrounded by rich history and acres of breathtaking gardens

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     Larnach Castle

     Spend the night in elegant luxury, surrounded by rich history and acres of breathtaking gardens

   • 

     Larnach Castle

     Spend the night in elegant luxury, surrounded by rich history and acres of breathtaking gardens

5. Day 5Otago Peninsula - Dunedin

   After breakfast, you’ll set out by bike to explore the spectacular Otago Peninsula. Pedal along routes overlooking Otago harbor, framed by volcanic hills and home to nesting albatross, penguins, seals, and the stories of historic shipwrecks. Your ride ends in the small settlement of Portobello, where you’ll change out of your cycling gear and collect lunch to enjoy on the water.
   
   Next, board the vessel Sootychaser for a mini wildlife cruise. As you travel across the harbor, you’ll learn about the area's history, spot local birdlife, view boats moored in the harbor, and admire distant views of Larnach Castle. The vessel is named after the Sooty Shearwater, New Zealand’s famous muttonbird.
   
   Your cycling adventure concludes with a drop-off near the train station in central Dunedin. If you’re catching an evening flight, you can easily transfer to the airport by taxi or rideshare. Alternatively, extend your stay and discover more of this fascinating city, renowned for its Scottish and Māori heritage, as well as its impressive Victorian and Edwardian architecture. A wide range of accommodation options is available in the city center.

   • 20.5 - 12.4 miles
   • Breakfast and Lunch