Description
Description of the Otago Central Rail Trail.

About the trail

The 3-4 day Otago Central Rail Trail is a unique recreational experience, following the former Otago Central Branch Railway for 150 km from Middlemarch to Clyde. The rail trail is very popular and used annually by thousands of cyclists and walkers from around the world.

It was developed by DOC in partnership with the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Since the closure of the railway in 1990, more than 60 bridges have been redecked and have had hand rails added to make them safe for trail users. The crushed rock ballast of the railway foundation has also been removed and replaced with gravel to improve the surface.

The Otago Rail Trail joined Nga Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trail in March 2012. 

Things to see

  • Superb examples of the stonemason's art on even the smallest bridges and culverts.
  • Prices Creek tunnel and viaduct between Hyde and Tiroiti.
  • Winding through the beautiful Taieri Gorge with great views of the river and, in autumn, the colours of the leaves as they turn.
  • The art deco buildings and restored railway station at Ranfurly.
  • The Golden Progress mine, poppet head and other gold mining relics, a short bike ride off the trail near Oturehua.
  • The schist bluffs, tunnels and viaduct of the Poolburn Gorge.
  • The remnants of the historic workers' camp in the Poolburn Gorge.
  • Country pubs in trailside towns: Waipiata, Lauder, Wedderburn and Chatto Creek.
  • The wild thyme and schist landscape around Alexandra.
  • Extensive views of Central Otago's 'Big Sky' landscape. Tor-studded ranges and hills and expansive upland basins, made famous through the paintings of Grahame Sydney the poetry of Brian Turner and the photography of Gilbert van Reenan.

Where to stay

On the trail there are two basic camping areas with toilets. One is between Daisybank and Tiroiti, the second is between Waipiata and Kokonga.

Non-DOC camping grounds are located in Middlemarch, Ranfurly, Omakau, Alexandra, and Clyde.

Other accommodation (hotels, backpackers) is available in Middlemarch, Waipiata, Ranfurly, Wedderburn, Lauder, Omakau, Ophir, Alexandra, and Clyde.

The Otago Central Rail Trail website has a list of accommodation options.