Central Otago Multi Trail Explorer

Name: Central Otago Multi Trail Explorer
Brand: Trail Journeys
SKU: TJFT
Rating: 5.00 (11 reviews)

Start of Lake Dunstan trail | Sue Badyari

Cycle over the grand Poolburn Viaduct | Lachlan Gardiner

Exiting the Poolburn Tunnel | DunedinNZ

The sun peeking through in Central Otago | Debby McColl

Lake Dunstan Suspension Bridge | Tourism Central Otago

Beginning of the trail | Sue Badyari

Cycling Clutha on a summer's day | Tourism Central Otago

Cycling the spectacular Roxburgh Gorge Trail | Geoff Marks

Boating on Roxburgh Gorge in Spring | Will Nelson

Historic Cottage, Roxburgh Gorge

Start of Lake Dunstan trail | Sue Badyari

Cycle over the grand Poolburn Viaduct | Lachlan Gardiner

Exiting the Poolburn Tunnel | DunedinNZ

The sun peeking through in Central Otago | Debby McColl

Lake Dunstan Suspension Bridge | Tourism Central Otago

Beginning of the trail | Sue Badyari

Cycling Clutha on a summer's day | Tourism Central Otago

Cycling the spectacular Roxburgh Gorge Trail | Geoff Marks

Boating on Roxburgh Gorge in Spring | Will Nelson

Historic Cottage, Roxburgh Gorge

Moderate

Traveller Rating

Activities

8 days self-guided cycle

Accommodation

7 nights comfort level accommodation on a twin share basis, ensuited where available
Superior and economy levels available

Meals

7 Breakfasts

Price

8 daysfrom

$2685NZD

View all pricing

View Inclusions

Trip Code: TJFT

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Trip highlights

Cycle the full 152km Otago Central Rail Trail from Middlemarch to Clyde
Explore the tunnels and viaducts of the Poolburn Gorge and Ida Valley
Ride through the stunning Cromwell Gorge on the new Lake Dunstan Trail
Follow the mighty Clutha River/Mata-Au through dramatic gorges, past orchards and lush farmland
Discover old gold mining relics through the Roxburgh Gorge
Enjoy a jet boat transfer from Shingle Creek to Doctors Point
Experience the local 'southern hospitality' of Central Otago

The complete Central Otago cycling experience, combining the full Otago Central Rail Trail, Lake Dunstan Trail, Roxburgh Gorge Trail and Clutha Gold Trail.

Over 8 days, you'll encounter the iconic tunnels and viaducts of the Ida Valley and Poolburn Gorge, the picturesque gorges of the mighty Clutha Mata-Au River, local vineyards and restaurants and plentiful gold mining history.

The itinerary begins in Middlemarch (the Dunedin end of the Otago Central Rail Trail) and finishes in Lawrence at the end of the Clutha Gold Trail. A shuttle from Dunedin can be added at the start and end of your trip.

Extra activities such as curling in Naseby and Historic Hayes fit perfectly into this slower paced itinerary. A wine or 4WD tour day can be added before or after your cycling trip.

We'll move your luggage each day, book the best suited accommodation and transport you where you need to be. All you need to do is pedal and unwind from everyday life.

Scroll down to view the full itinerary, select your dates and fill out our booking form (please note this is tentative).

Itinerary

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Day 1
Middlemarch to Hyde, Waipiata or Kokonga: Cycle 27km - 52km

A morning briefing and bike fitting at our Middlemarch depot will get you set for your first day of cycling on the Otago Central Rail Trail. Meet us in Middlemarch or you can add on a shuttle from Dunedin. You're first day will take you through the Strath Taieri Valley, below the long flat-topped Rock and Pillar mountain range. After 23km you'll pass the site of the 1943 Hyde railway disaster before reaching Hyde itself. Stay the night in Hyde, or continue on to Kokonga (14.5km) or Waipiata (24.5km) depending on your preference or accommodation availability.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Hyde, Waipiata or Kokonga to Wedderburn: Cycle 21km - 46km

Today you'll head through 'Art Deco' Ranfurly before riding west across the open Maniototo Plains. Here you'll reach Wedderburn, and your accommodation for the night. The iconic green Goods Shed and original Wedderburn station are features of this small township. This afternoon is a great opportunity to visit Naseby to go curling at the famous Naseby Indoor Curling Rink (add to your itinerary).

Meals: B

Day 3
Wedderburn to Omakau or Lauder: Cycle 34.5km - 41.5km

After breakfast, you'll gently climb to the highest point on the trail, crossing the 45° south latitude twice, as you head towards Oturehua. Make sure you visit Gilchrist's Store before continuing a short distance along the trail to Hayes Engineering Works for a tour, or an early lunch. From here, you'll enter one of the most iconic sections of the Otago Central Rail Trail, featuring historic tunnels and viaducts through the Ida Valley and Poolburn Gorge. Stay the night in Lauder or Omakau.

Meals: B

Day 4
Lauder or Omakau to Clyde: Cycle 37km - 45km

The last section of the trail takes you through to the historic settlement of Clyde, down Tiger Hill, through Chatto Creek and Alexandra. A 5km loop to Ophir from Omakau is highly recommended, with historic wooden and stone buildings from the gold-mining era and the iconic suspension bridge. Stay the night in Clyde.

Meals: B

Day 5
Lake Dunstan Trail: Cycle - 40km

Meet at our Clyde depot in the morning for a shuttle through to Cromwell to start the Lake Dunstan Trail. From Cromwell you'll ride past the Cromwell Heritage Precinct before cycling through the Bannockburn wine-country and through the stunning Cromwell Gorge. A stop at the coffee boat along the way is a must (if it's there on the day). Stay the night in Clyde.

Meals: B

Day 6
Clyde to Lake Roxburgh Village: Cycle 33km

After breakfast you'll set off on the river trail to Alexandra. From here, the trail makes its way down the Roxburgh Gorge to Doctors Point Boat Ramp. Here you will meet with a local boat operator who will transfer you to Shingle Creek. Relax on board the boat while you take in the stunning scenery and history of the area. At Shingle Creek the trail continues to Lake Roxburgh Village. Take a look at the Roxburgh Dam Lookout with its great photo opportunity. Accommodation this night is in the Lake Roxburgh Village.

Meals: B

Day 7
Lake Roxburgh Village to Millers Flat: Cycle 30km

Today’s ride starts from Roxburgh township which is famous for fruit orchards that serve up a splash of colour in every season. Roxburgh is also the home of famous Jimmy’s Pie shop. Clutha Gold trail starts here and follows the sparking Clutha River/Mata-Atu to Millers Flat. Towards the end of this section the trail cuts across pastoral farmland to reach Millers Flat. This wee town started life as a stop on the branch railway line to Dunedin which closed in 1968.

Meals: B

Day 8
Millers Flat to Lawrence: Cycle 45km

After breakfast, set off on the trail that follows the river through the Beaumont Gorge before leaving the Clutha River/Mata Au and heading inland through rolling farmland. Parts of this route follow an old rail bed through Tunnel Hill and onto your final destination of the historic gold-mining town of Lawrence, where gold was first discovered in New Zealand and an interesting town to explore. There will be time for lunch before your mid-afternoon transport back to Dunedin (or Clyde).

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

Standard bike hire for 8 days including helmet, repair kit andodometer (e-bike upgrade available)
7 nights' comfort accommodation on twin share basis, ensuited where available
Shuttle from Clyde to Cromwell to start the Lake Dunstan Trail
Jet boat transfer and history tour
7 x breakfasts
Detailed trip itinerary and map
Haehaeata, Lake Dunstan, and Roxburgh Gorge/Clutha Gold Trail Trust Donations
Daily Luggage transfers (weight limit of 15kg per bag, 1 bag per person)

What's not included

Extra transport (e.g. to/from Dunedin or Queenstown)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional activities and upgrades
Personal expenses
Travel insurance

Bike information

Electric Bike

E-bikes have made cycle touring possible and pleasurable for a wide range of people. They are simple to operate, and eliminate much of the cycling strain from legs and knees. Our European-designed E-bikes are built with comfort and ease of operation in mind, and feature unisex frames, 29” wheels, front suspension and proven Bosch electronics.

Standard Trail Bike

Our trail bikes are ideal for the Otago Central Rail Trail and other similar gravel trails. They feature an upright riding position, front suspension and a gel seat for maximum comfort. With their Australasian-designed Avanti frames and proven Shimano and Tektro componentry, these bikes ensure the best possible riding experience.

Low Step Trail Bike

Our low-step trail bikes are ideal for the Otago Central Rail Trail and other similar gravel trails. They feature an upright riding position, front suspension, swept back handlebars and a gel seat for maximum comfort, and a low-step frame to make getting on and off easy. With their Australasian-designed Avanti frames and proven Shimano and Tektro componentry, these bikes ensure the best possible riding experience.

Children's Bikes & Trailers

Small bikes, with 20” wheels (single speed) or 24” wheels (seven gears, twist shift).

Child’s seat – Fitted in place of a carrier on one of our trail bikes.

Tow bike – Not available for Lake Dunstan Trail due to narrow trails.

Child’s trailer – Not available for Lake Dunstan Trail due to narrow trails.

Please note the Lake Dunstan Trail is only recommended for children who are experienced riders.

Mountain Bike

Traditional mountain bikes are the bike of choice for more challenging terrain, or for those riders who prefer a more ‘aggressive’ riding position. Our mountain bikes feature 29” or 27.5” wheels, hydraulic disc brakes and front suspension.

Trail Surface

Compacted Gravel

Cyclists should be confident riding on compacted gravel, some uneven surfaces and riding up and down switch-backs.

Accommodation

Comfort Accommodation (Included)

Comfort accommodation is the perfect option for those looking for a clean, simple and comfortable way to enjoy their cycling holiday. Almost all locations will include ensuite facilities. These are a mix of motels, B&Bs, lodges and cottages.

Superior Accommodation

A level above, superior accommodation oozes quality, comfort and character for you to indulge in at the end of a day’s cycling. Rooms include ensuited facilities and are a mix of motels, lodges, cottages and farmstays.

As the Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold trails are situated in a remote area of New Zealand, there is limited availability for superior accommodation in some locations.

Economy Accommodation

Economy accomodation is for those looking for a clean, basic no frills style accommodation. They have a mix of ensuited rooms and shared bathroom facilities. Economy level accommodation can be added to your trip as a discount - based on availability.

Add on a Night

Additional nights at the start or end of your trip can be added onto any package, just ask us.

Suggested extensions

Curling - Naseby Ice Rink

Forget the professionals - Indoor Curling is a lot easier than it looks and is a fun activity for the whole family. The Naseby Indoor Curling Rink, which is open all year round, offers a cool retreat on a hot Central Otago summer day.

Hayes Engineering Works

Add on a Haye's Engineering Works tour of the workshop and homestead of Ernest and Hannah Hayes, 19th-century pioneers whose resourcefulness, skill and determination define the spirit of 'Kiwi ingenuity'.

Wine Tour

Book a private and relaxing wine tour to some of our local Otago winegrowers. The Otago region is the world’s southern most commercial wine growing region and famous worldwide for our Pinot Noir.

There are a number of quality vineyards to choose from, some with views that will take your breath away. Our team can help you plan your itinerary so that you can include a visit - and a tasting - at one of our Otago vineyards.

Highlands Power Hour, Museum or Taxi

Cycle around a world class motorsport track, visit the on site Car Museum or experience the thrill of a fast lap around the track in their 'Taxi'.

Grading

Moderate
5

The 8 Day Central Otago Full Monty is graded Moderate. The Otago Central Rail Trail and Clutha Gold Trails are both graded introductory The Lake Dunstan and Roxburgh Gorge Trails have a mix of introductory and moderate trails that include some narrow, hilly and remote sections with some tight turns. If you are not a regular cyclist or are worried about these features, we recommend practicing riding on similar features at home before your trip. The more training you have done on compacted gravel ad undulating hills the more enjoyable your trip will be. E-bikes are also suitable as long as they are ridden appropriately and have sufficient battery capacity.

Departure dates

Departs daily

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Trail Journeys.

Priceper person from

$2685NZD

Options & Supplements*

Transport from Dunedin to Middlemarch - MIN 2 PAXNZD$140
Transport from Lawrence to Dunedin - MIN 2 PAXNZD$90
eBike Upgrade (subject to availability)NZD$480

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Videos

Otago Central Rail Trail Highlights

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

First On The Trail

Trail Journeys is the largest and longest serving bike hire business on the Otago Central Rail Trail. We have helped more cyclists explore our region since the trail opened in 2000 than any other company.

EXPERT LOCAL ADVICE

Our team is passionate about the Central Otago Region and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for your needs.

Quality services

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. With regular bag, passenger and bike transport services, expert cycle mechanics and experienced consultants, enjoy a stress free cycling trip with Trail Journeys.