The Otago Central Rail Trail is a bucket-list experience on the South Island and New Zealand’s original Great Ride. This 152 km trail weaves across Central Otago between Clyde and Middlemarch, taking cyclists on a spectacular journey through former gold-mining towns along an old railway route.
Your cycling adventure will take you past picturesque livestock fields framed by mountains, winding rivers, plummeting gorges, through historic tunnels, and across viaducts. This is the perfect opportunity to explore Big Sky country and experience New Zealand’s southern hospitality.
The wide gravel trail is suitable for most abilities, and the entire trail can be completed within 2-5 days. It is generally flat, following a gentle incline for the first half and a descent for the latter.
Recommendations and Tips
We completed the OCRT in March, and the autumn weather was (generally) perfect. The skies were clear and the air was crisp in the morning, warming up around midday, with a rainstorm on our final day.
We used SheBikesHeBikes to coordinate our excursion, and they do an excellent job coordinating your desired itinerary, booking accommodations, and outfitting your gear. The merry team of golden agers will outfit you in a flash, with helpful tips for your cycling adventure.
We rented e-bikes, and for us, this was perfect as there can be a strong headwind (especially coming into Middlemarch). I’d also recommend renting panniers, they take the load off your back and keep your belongings safe from the dusty trail or rain.
If you’re cycling the trail independently without a tour coordinator like SheBikesHeBikes, research the areas you plan to stay to coordinate meals and dining and book accommodation in advance. Also, as most places for accommodation are operated by farmers, always check in after 2:00 pm as they may still be out working if you arrive earlier.
To inspire your next adventure along New Zealand’s original Great Ride, here is my itinerary for a three-day trip along the incredible Otago Central Rail Trail!
Day 1: Clyde – Lauder – 46 km
Your journey on the Otago Central Rail Trail begins at the quaint former gold-mining village of Clyde. If SheBikesHeBikes is outfitting you, you’ll pick up your bikes and information packet at their bike shop in the Historic Clyde Rail Station. You’ll then cross the brick-red Clyde suspension bridge and take the trail south along the Clutha River.
There is a more direct trail from Clyde to the next town of Alexandra, but the river trail is scenic and doesn’t add much time. After about 10 km, you’ll cross another white suspension bridge in Alexandra before rolling into town. Stop for a bite at one of the many homey cafes and refill your water before hitting the road.
You’re greeted by spectacular scenery leaving Alexandra, mountains loom in the backdrop as you cycle along tawny pastureland and striking schist hills, crossing several wooden bridges. After another 17 km, you’ll arrive in Chatto Creek. Stop for a pint at the Chatto Creek Tavern, a kooky country pub, and a welcome oasis for cyclists in the middle of an otherwise desolate landscape.
Say goodbye to the resident donkeys at Chatto Creek Tavern as you continue the 19 km to your final destination, Lauder. If you haven’t made a booking at one of the local restaurants for dinner, you’ll want to stop along the way in Omakau to pick up groceries from the small supermarket.
There are a handful of options for accommodations in Lauder, and we stayed at Muddy Creek Cutting, a five-bedroom B&B set in a charming mudbrick farmhouse. Look for the bicycle sign on the right side of the trail and follow through to a red gate and up to the B&B. Each bedroom sparkles with homespun charm, and there is ample communal space for relaxing.
I highly recommend booking dinner at the historic Pitches Store in Ophir. Our spritely driver, David, retrieved us from the farmhouse and imparted stories from the area’s history. On the drive, we crossed over the Ophir Historic Bridge, a Wild West-esque suspension bridge fit for a stagecoach. The atmosphere at Pitches is a juxtaposition of laid-back luxury, where rustic furnishings complement the exquisite contemporary cuisine.
Day 2: Lauder – Waipiata – 56 km
Leaving Laude for day two of the Otago Central Rail Trail, you’ll pass over the fire-engine red Poolburn Viaduct, the highest bridge on the railway. Stop in the middle to take in the views of the gorge from 100 feet up. You’ll then encounter two brick-lined tunnels, highlights along the Otago Central Rail Trail. Be sure to flick on your phone flashlight before riding through.
About 20 km from Lauder lies Hayes Engineering Works and Homestead. You can explore the complex for a small fee, visiting the engineering workshop, homestead, and farm buildings scattered throughout the property. The property also features a cafe, a cyclist’s haven with red umbrella-covered picnic tables, and a delightful beetroot tart.
From Hayes, you’ll ride another 26 kilometers to Ranfurly. Excitingly, this is when the trail changes from an ascent to a descent. Coast down the gently sloping hillside along pastures of skittish sheep, admiring the purple-tinged mountains in the distance.
Around this area, you may notice peculiar wire sculptures of planets. The Otago Central Interplanetary Cycle Trail depicts a one-hundred-million-to-one scale model of the solar system. Planets are dispersed along the Otago Central Rail Trail with the sun in Ranfurly.
Ranfurly has several cafes for a late lunch and a 4 Square grocery store. There are no supermarkets or cafes during the final day, from Waipiata to Middlemarch, so I highly recommend buying snacks here. On your way out of Ranfurly, stop by the Curiosity Shoppe to browse eclectic antique and vintage goods.
Ride 7.5 km further to Waipiata where Jupiter and the Waipiata Country Hotel greet you. This is the perfect, albeit only, place for dinner, serving pub fare and nationally renowned savory pies. It’s a mixed crowd at the bar, local farmers in micro shorts and gumboots intermingle with bedraggled bikers and other miscellaneous tourists surrounded by Dixieland decor.
For a unique accommodation experience, bike 4 km out of town to Peter’s Farm Lodge. Your jovial host Peter, sheep farmer and commercial photographer, welcomes you to an authentic and immersive farm stay experience.
Mingle in the backyard with the pet sheep, participate in bottle-feeding a lamb, and relax on lawn chairs overlooking the meandering countryside. This is the perfect place to unplug and appreciate the beauty and rural charm of New Zealand’s southern lifestyle.
Day 3: Waipiata – Middlemarch – 52 km
The final stretch of your Otago Central Rail Trail voyage will be memorable. This area is said to have some of the strongest winds in the country, and it’s no joke. On our final day, we were caught in a rainstorm with winds so strong they nearly blew us sideways and the rain pelted down like ice. Therefore, a good rain jacket, waterproof pants, wool socks, and layers are crucial for your OCRT packing list.
From Waipiata, you’ll follow along the Taieri River and through undulating countryside dotted with sheep. Look out for a self-serve bakery stand stocked with homemade muffins and cookies. A local youth stocks this little bakery to fund her education, and you can donate by cash or bank transfer at the stand.
The trail enters the Taieri Gorge, a gorgeous stretch with soaring views of the winding river below. About 21 km from Waipiato you’ll pass through the Prices Creek Tunnel, the final tunnel on the trail, and the imposing Prices Creek Viaduct. Leaving the gorge, you’re cruising through active farmland, and on the home stretch to Middlemarch.
Once you’ve arrived in Middlemarch, snap a photo by the sign on the gate commemorating the date you completed the Otago Central Rail Trail. Finally, head over to the SheBikesHeBikes shop to drop off your bikes. For $5 you can use their on-site shower facilities (quite lovely after a day of rain) and they provide towels.
While awaiting the shuttle to your next destination (we headed off to Dunedin), walk to the Kissing Gate Cafe. Enjoy a pleasant lunch to celebrate your completion of New Zealand’s original Great Ride.