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Times change. The hand of time has dramatically changed the face of railroads all around the world. The advent of cars and trucks was the death knell for railroads the world over. That transformation has left many thousands of disused government railroads that could be repurposed for other uses. New Zealand is no different, and it has transformed a scenic old railroad in the center of the South Island into one of the best cycling trails in the nation.
The Otago Central Rail Trail runs through some of the most spectacular of New Zealand's Middle Earth landscapes. With rail trails like this, one needn't go on a Lord of the Rings tour in New Zealand. One of the best railroad trails in Pennsylvania is the Ghost Town Trail, where people can see the long abandoned coal towns that once thrived along the abandoned railroad.
Why The Otago Central Rail Trail Is Worth Exploring
The Otago Central Rail Trail is used for cycling as well as walking and horse riding. The trail passes through mountainous terrain and numerous old train tunnels (like the two Poolburn Gorge Tunnels and the Prices Creek Tunnel). There are also several large viaducts. It starts at 201 meters or 660 feet above sea level and climbs up to a peak of 618 meters or 2,028 feet.
The trail combines the colonial history of New Zealand with its natural beauty as well as New Zealand's southern hospitality. See historic buildings, abandoned gold diggings, old rail bridges, and eerie tunnels.
There have been an increasing number of pubs along the trail, and it has earned the nickname the 'Ale Trail.'
The trail is managed by the Otago Central Rail Trail Charitable Trust.
Otago Central Rail Trail Length And Route
The Otago Central Rail Trail extends 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Middlemarch to Clyde in Central Otago. Like most trails in New Zealand, it is well-maintained and signposted. There are also toilets at several points along the trail.
- Length: 150 kilometers (93 miles)
- Beginning/End: Middlemarch to Clyde
- Visitor Information Centers: Alexandra, Cromwell, Roxburgh, Ranfurly, Dunedin
Cyclists can start the trail at the beginning of Middlemarch, or they can start at the main southern city of Dunedin and cycle over the historic Old Dunstan Road (it was used by early gold miners during the colonial period).
How To Plan A Cycling Tour Of The Otago Central Rail Trail
The Otago Central Rail Trail is open year-round and is one of the most scenic options for cyclists in New Zealand. It is possible to cycle it in a day or two, but take time and discover some of the most breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand. The trail can be completed in four days with around a leisurely four-ish hours of cycling a day.
Duration:
- Walking: Allow 5 to 7 Days
- Cycling: Allow 3 to 5 Days
It is quite easy to cycle as it was a railroad that was built to allow the old steam trains to climb gentle inclines (even during the winter with frost).
New Zealand's climate is dominated by the sea as it is islands. The winters and summers in New Zealand are mild, being moderated by the sea. The Otago Central Rail Trail passes through one of the few parts of the country that has more of a continental climate because the mountain ranges shelter it from the sea. That means that the summers and winters are relatively extreme by New Zealand standards.
Bike Rentals, Guided Tours, & Accommodation On The Otago Central Rail Trail
Mountain bikes are available for rent at outlets in the small towns of Middlemarch, Ranfurly, Alexandra, and Clyde. There are plenty of companies on the trail offering bike hires and guided tours. Some include Altitude Bikes, Bike It Now, Cycle Surgery, Big Sky Bike Adventures, and Off the Rails.
Bike It Now Guided Boutique Rail Trail Tour:
- Duration: 4-6 Days
- Cost: From $1,400 NZD ($830 USD) Per Person
- Accommodation: Boutique / Luxury accommodation in King size beds
There are a few small towns along the way where cyclists can stop for the night and refresh. Note that accommodation is limited, and the trail can be busy during the summer. Accommodation should be booked well in advance (especially on weekends and holidays). Peruse the accommodation options along the trail on the trail's official website.