fbpx

Queenstown Otago Rail Cycling Trail

Ride through an array of spectacular southern landscapes on a fully guided and supported trip!

Ride through an array of spectacular southern landscapes on our fully guided and supported trip taking in both the Queenstown Trails and Otago Central Rail Trail.

The adventure begins with a warm up on Queenstown’s spectacular Arrow River Bridges Ride taking in the famous Kawarau ‘Bungy’ Bridge and vine-lined Gibbston Valley.

Then you’re off on New Zealand’s first and most famous Great Ride. Following the old Otago Central railway line from Clyde to Middlemarch, this iconic, multi-day ride takes in grand landscapes, charming towns, country hospitality and rich history.

Our expert guides will show you the best trailside highlights such as heritage sites, architectural gems, and vineyards.

You’ll also enjoy delicious local food and drink, and friendly welcomes in accommodation full of character.

INCLUDED

• Tasty breakfasts (x4), lunch (x1), dinners (x4) catered to all dietary requirements
• 4 nights comfortable motel/hotel accommodation on a twin share basis
• Curling at Naseby
• Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories
• Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats
• Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
• Transport from Queenstown to Christchurch
• Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
• Otago Rail Trail passport
• Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

PRICE

From $1,899 per person

SALE PERIOD

Valid Until Further Notice

TRAVEL PERIOD

New tours every few weeks

OTHER INFORMATION

If this is not quite what you’re looking for, contact an advisor today, to discuss other available options for your trip. See itinerary tab for more details.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

*Prices are per adult in AUD, based on lead-in twin-share accommodation in each of the specified categories. Valid for a limited time only, is capacity controlled, subject to change/availability and can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Does not include any additional accommodation made necessary by flight schedules. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in charges, taxes and currency even after the deposit is paid. Service fees/or fees for credit card payments may apply. Subject to cancellation penalties, terms and conditions and blackout dates.

Day 1 Queenstown Trail & Lake Dunstan Trail warm up

We’ll meet in downtown Queenstown early morning to introduce ourselves, get our bikes sorted, and talk through the adventure to come. Then we’re off to Arrowtown to warm up on the Arrow River Bridges Ride – arguably the best of the Queenstown Trails. As we head into the vine-lined Gibbston Valley, we’ll pass historic Kawarau Bridge, home to the world’s original bungy jump. A drive through the picturesque Kawarau Gorge takes us to Cromwell where we stop for lunch. If the group feels up to more cycling, we’ll ride a section of the new Lake Dunstan Trail from Cromwell to Cornish point, offering stunning views of the Bannockburn vineyards and Kawarau River. We then take another scenic drive to Clyde where there’s time to explore the village before our first group dinner! Cycling distance: up to 30km Meals: D

Day 2 Clyde to Lauder – 44km Cycle

Leaving Clyde via the historic railway line, we’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 our lunch stop, Omakau. We’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 region. Back on the bikes, it’s another 9km of easy riding to reach Lauder. Late afternoon we’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 we tuck into a well-earned dinner. Cycling distance: 44km/27miles Meals: B,D

Day 3 Lauder to Ranfurly – 47km Cycle

Today’s ride features the trip’s first tunnels and bridges as we trace the pretty Poolburn Gorge and head into the Idaburn Valley. We’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, we’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 we return to Ranfurly for dinner. Cycling distance 47km/29 miles Meals: B,D

Day 4 Ranfurly to Dunedin – 59km Cycle

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, we’ll board the support vehicle for the drive to Dunedin where we‘ll celebrate our trip with a final group dinner. Cycling distance: 59km/37 miles Meals: B,L,D

Day 5 Dunedin to Christchurch – 24km Cycle

After breakfast, it’s a fond farewell to fellow riders leaving us in Dunedin. For the rest of us, it’s off to Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest street. After a short but sharp walk up and down again, we’ll continue driving north to admire the Moeraki Boulders. Further north, we’ll get back in the saddle for a final ride along the coast, through rural countryside to reach Oamaru. There, wander around the portside park and historic Victorian Precinct to enjoy boutique shopping, dining, and photo ops galore. After lunch we continue driving northwards across the Canterbury Plains, and on to Christchurch for a central city drop-off around 6pm. Cycling distance: 24km/15 miles Meals: B
 Call Us: 1800 249 804
Total: $1,889 From $1,889 /person