Embark on a true New Zealand adventure and explore the historic and remote landscape of the Central Otago as you cycle on the rail trail from Clyde to Middlemarch before continuing on to Dunedin onboard the Taeiri Gorge Train. This 5 day supported ride takes you through the heart of the Manitoto on an old historic railway line which is 150 km in length, past historic sites and quaint old towns. Along the trail you are encourged to cycle at your own pace and there are no vehicles and no real hills, making this a safe and enjoyable route for people of all ages and experience.

 

You will be picked up this morning from Queenstown or you can make your own way to Clyde and the start of your Rail Trail. Over the next few days you will discover the historic and remote landscape of Central Otago as you cycle on the Rail Trail from Clyde to Middlemarch.With the rest of the day on your own you are free to explore as you cycle past vineyards and over an old wooden trestle bridge on the ride to Alexandra where you will stay overnight.

 

Cycle to Galloway Station and on Chatto Creek this morning. After lunch at the Chatto Creek Tavern, cycle up Tiger Hill and then it’s down hill all the way to Omakau. Explore the local sites of interest and the historical gold mining town of St Bathans before dinner at the Omakau Commercial Hotel.

 

Ride through the beautiful Poolburn gorge and the vast open expanse of the Ida Valley farmlands past the Idaburn dam. Visit Hayes Historic Engineering Works and after lunch continue on toWedderburn where you will stay overnight at Wedderburn Lodge and Cottages bed and breakfast.

 

It’s mostly downhill today on the ride to Ranfurly, the Art Deco Capital of Otago. Cross the Maniototo Plains and after lunch follow the trail section between Daisybank and Hyde alongside the Taieri River. Cross the Price’s Creek Viaduct at 32m high and head through the last tunnel, which is 152m long, before arriving at the Otago Central Hyde Hotel where you will rest this evening.

 

Just a short ride today with views of the Rock and Pillar, Taieri Ranges and the Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial. You will arrive at Middlemarch Railway Station in time for the 1pm departure onboard the Taieri Gorge Train, which takes you on to Dunedin.