Modeled on Rails to Trails projects elsewhere in the world, the Rail Trail follows the former Otago Central Branch railway line from Middlemarch to Clyde. All the railway's original sleepers, rails and crushed rock ballast have been removed, and users now find a track similar to a gravel road. The difference is, on the Rail Trail, there are no motor vehicles or hills!

Tour Highlights:

• Cyclists will experience wonderful local cuisine and meet colourful local people.

• Visit historic gold mining sites and in the evenings take sidetrips to explore the historic gold mining towns of St Bathan's and Naseby.

• Try your hand at the ancient sport of curling, or sample a farm tour. We also visit NZs largest goldmine at Macraes Flat.

• At the end of your adventure you have the option of returning to Queenstown or travelling on the historic Taieri Gorge Railway to Dunedin.

Guided Otago Central 4 Day Rail Trail Tour
Guided cycle adventure is a 4 day 4 night tour on the Otago Central Rail Trail. Cycling 3.5 to 4.5 hours per day on a vehicle free trail with an easy gradient. Guided tours operate 1 September to 31 May. Amazing scenery whilst riding over viaducts, through tunnels and encountering old historic hotels. Stay in twin share accommodation.

Your 4 day rail trail experience starts with bus pickup from Queenstown the day prior to setting off on your tour with a get together at our base in Clyde. We introduce you to your cycle and make sure of the right size etc. Your accommodation at Clyde is supplied as bed & breakfast, twin/share. Clyde has a great range of eating places all within walking distance of your accommodation.

ITINERARY
Day 1
Clyde to Omakau 36 km
Your adventure starts from the base at Clyde. This is an easy days ride past vineyards and a wooden trestle bridge on the ride to Alexandra. Your lunch stop will be the historic stone Chatto Creek Hotel which has a reputation for excellent cuisine. From Chatto Creek you cycle up a gentle incline of 1 in 50m of Tiger Hill. From this point it's all down hill to Omakau where you will overnight at Tiger Hill Lodge. We visit Ophir an old gold mining village with an interesting post office and historic suspension bridge. From Omakau there is a short bus trip to St Bathans gold mining town. In the afternoon returning to the Omakau hotel for your evening meal.

Day 2
Omakau to Wedderburn 45 km
Highlights of todays adventure are a ride through the Poolburn Gorge section, featuring two tunnels and two viaducts all set in a secluded rocky gorge. Just before lunch you visit the Historic Places Trust, Hayes Engineering Workshop and visit the historic General Store at Oturehua. Lunch at the Oturehua Hotel then a short ride to the historic Golden Progress Mine. Accommodation is at Wedderburn Lodge B&B. There are two options in the afternoon; a farm tour or a short bus ride to Naseby to try your hand at the sport of curling. In the evening you dine at the Wedderburn Hotel.

Day 3
Wedderburn to Hyde 43 km
Wedderburn is just past the highest point on the trail, so today we ride mostly down hill to Ranfurly, the Art Deco Capital of Otago. Lunch is at the Waipiata Tavern. After lunch the days highlight is a lovely trail section between Daisybank and Hyde with the Taieri River close by, followed by the last tunnel on the trail.

Day 4
Hyde to Middlemarch 29 km
Just a short ride today and slightly downhill, past the site of New Zealand's second-largest rail disaster, then on to Middlemarch the end of your Rail Trail Adventure. It is then time for those traveling to Dunedin to board the Taieri Gorge Train or return to Queenstown by bus.(this may be on a scheduled bus service,depending on numbers)

What's included in the price of the guided tour:

• All bus transport
• Cycle equipment which includes bicycle, helmet
• All accommodation
• All meals on tour except the first night in Clyde [excludes alcoholic beverages]
• One of our staff to accompany the group driving bus and some guiding on the trail
• Taieri Gorge Train
• Side trips

Qualmark rating
Qualmark Endorsed Visitor Activity

Miscellaneous

Price for guided tour is an all-inclusive price Queenstown return Queenstown or Queenstown to Dunedin via the historic Taieri Gorge Railway to Dunedin. Both guided tours are suitable for people over the age of 50 however we also offer guided tours exclusively for over 50s and some people may feel more comfortable cycling on the rail trail within this group.