Cycle New Zealand: Otago Rail Trail
Experience Overview
It’s almost like New Zealand was made for cycling. This is a land known for its natural beauty, welcoming people and delicious wine, and this cycling trip just happens to take in the best of it. Kick things off in the outdoor paradise of Queenstown, then cycle the famous Central Otago Rail Trail through small gold-mining towns like Alexandra, Omakau, Wedderburn and Hyde. Meander through the open plains with pristine rivers, enjoy some proper South Island hospitality at local taverns, and rediscover the joy of pedalling through one of the most gorgeous areas in the entire country.
Highlights
- Cycle the spectacular Otago Central Rail Trail, the oldest rail trail in the country and voted 'New Zealand's Favourite Ride' for the past two years.
- Ride along flat, traffic-free paths alongside some of the South Island's most stunning scenery.
- Begin your journey in Queenstown, an outdoor paradise set among the stunning Southern Alps of New Zealand.
- Experience firsthand the famous hospitality of New Zealanders on a trail built specifically to cater to cyclists.
- Cycle in the company of an experienced guide as they share their unique perspective of this fascinating region.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2274
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bicycle,minivan (e-bike available,subject to availability)
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: PHXC
Starts: Queenstown & Otago Rail Trail, New Zealand
Finishes: Otago Rail Trail - Waipiata to Middlemarch/Queenstown, New Zealand
Duration: 4 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (3),Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse (3 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,600 ($400 /day)
Itinerary
Kia-ora! Welcome to Queenstown, New Zealand. If you have time before or after the tour in the country's adventure capital, there's simply no end to the line-up of optional activities including bungee-jumping, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, helicopter rides, jet boating and paragliding. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars to keep you entertained.
This cycling trip kicks off with a pick-up at 8 am. After the meeting, you’ll jump in a private vehicle and follow the Kawarau River to nearby Clyde (85kms, approximately 1.5 hour), where you’ll be fitted with your bike to start your cycling adventure along the Otago Rail Trail, which has been voted NZ's ‘Favourite Ride’ for the past two years. The trail runs for 152 kilometres/95 miles in total and was originally used to transport supplies to and from the Gold Fields, then later to transport goods and livestock. It fell into disrepair but was refurbished into a rail trail at the start of the new millennium and is now arguably the best way to explore the area and contribute to the local economy. You'll begin by cycling past vineyards, over an old wooden trestle bridge and along the Clutha River Track for around 13 kilometres before arriving in Alexandra via the historic bridge. Take a short rest in this delightful gold rush-era town, then cycle toward Galloway Station and though Chatto Creek, up Tiger Hill then cruise downhill to your overnight accommodation in Omakau/ Ophir. Perhaps join the locals for dinner and a locally-brewed Dark Horse beer or cider at the renowned Commercial Hotel before settling in for a well-earned sleep.
Included Activities:
- Guided bike ride - Otago Rail Trail
- Otago Rail Trail - 4 days Otago Central Rail Trail bike hire
Optional Activities:
- Jet boating (165 NZD)
- Bungy Jumping (320 NZD)
- Queenstown - Skyline Gondola from (52 NZD)
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
The highlight of today's cycle is the beautiful Poolburn Gorge section of the trail, which features two tunnels and two viaducts. You'll then ride through the Ida Valley farmlands, pedalling past Idaburn Dam, one of New Zealand's few outdoor curling sites, and visiting the Hayes Historic Engineering Works before stopping at Oturehua Tavern for lunch. After lunch, you'll continue north to the Golden Progress Mine and up to the highest point of the trail before stopping for the night at Wedderburn. In the evening, enjoy a traditional, farm-style meal at the Wedderburn Tavern (not included) and rest those legs.
Accommodation:
- Cottage (Number of Nights: 1)
A short but good day today – just 23 kilometres in total – though it's mostly downhill from Wedderburn to Ranfurly, Otago's Art Deco capital. Enjoy morning tea and have a look around this small yet eclectic town, then cross the Maniototo Plains. Here you are further from the sea than elsewhere in New Zealand and it shows in the scenery and the near-empty roads - this is Lord of the Rings territory, and the flat plains give way to snow-capped mountains on the horizon.
Optional Activities:
- Side trip to Naseby (30 NZD)
- Naseby Indoor Curling Rink (40 NZD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you'll cycle approximately 55 kilometres with stunning views of the Rock and Pillar Ranges. Starting your day riding alongside the Taieri River, the fourth-longest in New Zealand and one of today's highlights. Cross the historic Capburn Bridge and Price's Creek Viaduct and continue your way downhill, passing through more tunnels (including the famous Daisybank tunnel) then pausing at the Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial, which commemorates the fatal 1943 derailment of a passenger train. Enjoy a morning snack en route before arriving in Middlemarch and the end of the cycling part of your adventure. Take a while to grab lunch at one of the local eateries or load up at Maggies Ice Cream shop before transferring by vehicle (approx. 3 hrs) back to Queenstown, where your trip finishes on arrival.
Included Activities:
- Transfer to Queenstown
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Deanna - Traveled, March 2024
My cycling trip in Otago was a breathtaking experience. The weather was perfect, showcasing the region's picturesque beauty. The landscape, with its rolling hills and stunning vistas, was a delight to explore. What truly made the trip memorable were the amazing meals, adding a flavourful touch to an already perfect journey.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024
Kelly - Traveled, March 2024
Griff was our guide for this trip his excellent level of professionalism and knowledge made it an unforgettable trip that we thoroughly enjoyed. Would definitely recommend this trip to anyone, you will love it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Helen - Traveled, March 2024
A fabulous trip with stunning views, nice accommodation and good food along the way. The tour guide (Griff) was exceptional and took care of all of our needs. The bikes were of an excellent quality. I would highly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/06/2024
Sheree - Traveled, March 2024
I highly recommend the Otago Rail Trail bike ride in New Zealand. Riding through wonderful scenery on a historical trail lends to a great fulfilling experience. Intrepid were very well organized in getting the trip together. Our guide Rod Griffith ‘Griff” was great with not just his knowledge of the area and the rail trail he also had a wonderful sense of humor, we had lots of laughs. He made everyone feel very comfortable, all our needs were catered for & we felt very safe in capable hands!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/06/2024
JHanine - Traveled, February 2024
Otago Rail Trail is a super easy trail to do on a mt bike with fat tyres! Beautiful, stunning scenery - lots of farmland (cows/sheep/deer), rivers, bridges, tunnels, ... quaint towns - especially Ophir, great cafes/pubs along route, amazing accommodation - the Black Hotel in Ophir was a great stay, super friendly- helpful guide (thank you Griff). Had a great 4 days!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2024
Linda - Traveled, February 2024
This trip was awesome. Mostly fairly flat but I'm 65 & of dubious fitness, so I got an ebike which I would recommend unless you are a regular bike rider. The accommodation was really good, scenery amazing, plenty of stops for photos etc, went to some nice pubs & cafes. Curling was fun. Griff, the leader was a legend, and the group were fantastic & very supportive. I'd definitely recommend this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Adelle - Traveled, January 2024
This trip was amazing! One of the best ways to see the country side! I enjoyed every moment of the trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/09/2024
Yvonne - Traveled, November 2023
Wonderful scenic bike trip. Griff, our guide is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and encouraging with a good sense of humour too. We thoroughly enjoyed our first bike trip and it will not be our last
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2023
Damien - Traveled, November 2023
This is a relaxed ride through sensational scenery, staying at warm, cosy accommodation in friendly little towns. The countryside is beautiful and the history of the rail line really interesting. For me the curling was a highlight and the guide was fantastic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2023
Emily - Traveled, November 2023
A brilliant ride through the stunning scenery of Otago. Well organised trip with lots of good food and coffee along the way. The guide, Phoenix was great and kept me going when I was flagging at the end of a long day of riding. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023
Lynne - Traveled, April 2023
My partner and I recently cycled the Otago Rail Trail in NZ. We had a great time -the cycling was fun and scenery is magnificent. Griff, our tour guide and lead is a real pro - experienced, knowledgeable, friendly, fun and brought the group together in a way that felt like we were all old friends. He really did 'make' the trip for us. Thanks Griff - we had a ball.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/04/2023
Ann - Traveled, April 2023
I can thoroughy recommend this trip. A mixture of easy riding on excellent bikes, well maintained tracks, beautiful countryside, dramatic mountains, and sheep! Our guide Griff made the trip so enjoyable with his friendly easy going personality and knowledge. New Zealand is a beautiful country and this trip is not a bad way to experience it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/04/2023
Lana - Traveled, April 2023
This was an awesome cycling trip that showcased the best of the region's scenery, food and people. Griff was an amazing guide who shared his enthusiasm and knowledge of the region in a very fun way. A great opportunity to enjoy an outdoors holiday with likeminded people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2023
Amy - Traveled, April 2023
Awesome trip! Not a seasoned cyclist so this was a push outside my comfort zone, but felt well-equipped (e-bike was well worth it) and supported throughout. Beautiful scenery, nice accommodation and food/drink options, seamless transport/logistics, and the curling was a fun bonus. Great group of people and a superb leader in Griff!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2023
Alisa - Traveled, April 2023
4 days of cycling and the smile has not left my face. Never thought that I’d be back on a bike after 20 years and manage 150 kms. Absolutely the best way to explore a country. Now to find the next cycling tour. Thanks Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/11/2023
Bridget - Traveled, February 2023
Great trip! I was happy I chose the standard bike option even though occasionally wished I had an e-bike. The Trail surpassed my expectations - spectacular views and interesting history. The accommodation was rustic but comfortable and by the end of a day cycling and taking in all that fresh air all I wanted was a shower and bed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/03/2023
Paul - Traveled, February 2023
Excellent trip with good accommodation and great leadership from Intrepid tour leader. Some tough sections and a chance to see parts of New Zealand off the beaten track. Felt a genuine sense of achievement as we rolled into Middlemarch.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2023
Stephen - Traveled, January 2023
This is a fabulous experience for anyone who can ride a bike. The scenery, food and coffee along the trail is great. Griff is an exceptional tour leader.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2023
Sasha - Traveled, December 2022
Simply the best trip. From amazing scenery, accommodation with soft wonderful beds, great local cafes and country pubs for meals, along with a great group, and Griff our awesome tour guide. Also, excellent bikes to ride on. Don’t need your own helmet as they give you one on day 1.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2023
Sarah - Traveled, December 2022
Great trip! Very scenic, the bike riding is really rewarding, the accommodation is cute/quirky/great and reflective of the little towns we stayed in. Loved the pub food along the way and our host (Griff) was just tops!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/11/2023
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
