About the Trail

New Zealand's Original Great Ride

New Zealands’s first Rail Trail and Original Great Ride opened in 2000, the 152km long trail follows the former route of the 1879 Otago Central Railway. The former railway line was ideal for New Zealand’s first off-road cycle-way and walking trail.

Along with stunning scenery through the spectacular Central Otago Country side the trial also includes impressive viaducts, tunnels and bridges. 

Our Cisco + Comstor Rail Trail Experience is a 3 Day Tour, including flights to the South Island, transport, accommodation and meals.

Day 1: Clyde to Lauder 43 KM
After flying into Queenstown, a shuttle will take us to Clyde. Your 3 day rail trail experience then starts!

Cycle past vineyards and a wooden trestle bridge on the ride to Alexandra. From Alexandra to Chatto Creek the trail climbs slowly with a resting place as the trail crosses the Manuherikia River. Chatto Creek Tavern a historic stone built tavern is a lovely place for a lunch stop. From here you will tackle the Tiger Hill climb, then a welcome downhill to Omakau.

Day 2: Lauder to Ranfurly 48KM
Highlights of today’s ride are the Poolburn Gorge section, featuring two tunnels and two viaducts all set in a secluded rocky gorge. Then the vast expanse of the Ida Valley made famous by the painting of Grahame Sydney. reached the highest section of the trail! From here, you will ride mostly downhill to Ranfurly, the Art Deco Capital of Otago, step back in time to the 1930s and 40s in a Rural Art Deco oasis. 

 Day 3: Ranfurly - Middlemarch 60KM
Today you will then ride through the small town of Waipiata. The days highlight must be the lovely trail section between Daisybank and Hyde with the Taieri River close by, Capburn and Prices Creek Bridges followed by the last tunnel. Take a break for a coffee and a bite to eat at the spectacular Otago Central Hotel in Hyde.

From here, the ride is a short downhill jaunt to Middlemarch alongside the impressive Rock and Pillar Range. From Middlemarch we will take the Taieri Gorge Train to Dunedin to travel home.