New Zealand’s original great ride and opened to the public in 2000. In 2012 it became part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail. Developed for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, the Otago Central Rail Trail follows the former Otago Central branch railway line for 150 kilometres.
The Rail Trail provides access to some truly spectacular scenery not seen from the highways including mountain ranges, hills and gorges, the vast Maniototo plain and old gold mining towns – and it finally ends in the bountiful fruit growing heart of Central Otago. The Otago Central Rail Trail is also a testament to human endeavor. The detailed workmanship of the stone bridges and tunnel facings along the trail have stood the test of time and the mountains still bear scars of the races, built back in the 1860s to bring water to the long gone gold mines. The rail trail is similar to riding or walking on a reasonably level gravel road or track, as the gradient rarely exceeds 1 in 50, but it isn’t an asphalt pathway.
Trailside pubs are available for a quick break, or a proper lunch. Small towns offer accommodation if you plan to traverse the entire trail in one go. David and I chose to bike the trail in sections, accounting for good weather, amount of climbing terrain, and sore bottoms. Our longest ride was 28 miles. Rested a day, then rode the next day for 22 miles, or in total 80 kilometers over two days on the western section of the trail.
In a few days as we drive to the eastern central coast of the South Island, we will cycle the eastern section.
