On your bike or take a hike

Running between Middlemarch and Clyde, the Otago Central Rail Trail is a journey without cars, buses or any other form of motorised transport. You do it yourself, on a bike or on foot. Satisfaction builds with each kilometre and every day reveals more of Central Otago’s spectacular scenery. Heritage accommodation and hearty meals make the evenings a total pleasure.

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The story of the Otago Central Rail Trail

Around 150 kilometres from start to finish, the Otago Central Rail Trail follows the route of the former Otago Central Railway. When the railway closed in 1990, New Zealand’s Department of Conservation recognized its potential as a rail trail. Ten years later, after a huge amount of preparation work, it was ready for action.

The trail traces an arc between Middlemarch in the east and Clyde in the west. You can complete it in either direction. Regardless of where you start, it’s uphill to the halfway point at Wedderburn - however, because the trail was once a railway, the gradient is gentle. Many people love the experience so much they come back to do it in the opposite direction! A series of displays in 12 historic gangers’ sheds along the trail provide information about each locality.

Highlights along the trail


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If you fly into Queenstown your rail trail adventure will begin in the historic town of Clyde. Amid the rugged schist rock landscape, Clyde is very photogenic with heritage buildings that date back to the gold mining days. From here you’ll aim for Alexandra through a pretty landscape of orchards and vineyards. A special feature on the way is the Muttontown Viaduct, one of two wooden trestle bridges on the trail. Alexandra has an excellent museum and a great choice of restaurants.

From Alexandra to Omakau the trail runs through countryside that’s scented with wild thyme. From Manuherikia Bridge you can see the remains of an early gold dredge. Views of the Dunstan Mountains and Raggedy Range will capture your camera’s attention.

When you reach Omakau you can make a side trip to the Matakanui ghost town and gold diggings. You can also detour to historic Ophir, a settlement that’s famous for having the highest and lowest temperatures in New Zealand.

After Lauder, the Poolburn Gorge Viaduct and tunnels are your excitement for the day. Entrance facings to the tunnels were hand-shaped by stonemasons using mallets and chisels, and much of the trail through the gorge runs along embankments that were built with picks and shovels.

Your next surprise is one of the biggest views of the trail - the Ida Valley and the Idaburn dam. Further on, the tiny town of Wedderburn marks the highest point of the trail (618 metres above sea level); it’s all down hill from here. A side trip to Naseby provides the chance to try curling at the indoor ice rink. Or you could visit mysterious St Bathans, an almost-ghost town dating back to the 1860s.

As your journey to Middlemarch continues you’ll cross the Maniatoto Plains and discover the charming Art Deco town of Ranfurly. A 50-minute self-guided walk will steer you around the town’s 1930s buildings.

Back on the trail, mining history is everywhere you look. Diggings, cemeteries and even an old sanatorium hint at the hard times that accompanied the gold rush. Special scenic treats include the original stone bridge over Cap Burn and the 32 metre-high Price’s Creed Viaduct. A 152 metre-long tunnel is another highlight to look forward to.

The final leg of the trail delivers magnificent views of the Rock and Pillar and Taieri Ranges. Scenery becomes greener as you approach Middlemarch, a town that has become famous for its singles ball, which is held every second Easter.

Character accommodation and delicious food

You’ll discover character accommodation with a capital ‘C’ on the Otago Central Rail Trail. There are heritage hotels in nearly every town - classic pieces of New Zealand architecture from days gone by. Otago Central Hotel at Hyde is a beautiful example of how good it gets - antique furniture in every room and the sense of history that you’d expect from a pub that’s been around for more than 100 years.

The trail also has a great selection of bed and breakfast establishments - ideal for rail trailers, because it’s easy to find lunch and dinner in the towns. Heritage guest houses, lodges and cottages let you enjoy a style of hospitality that feels fabulously individual - there’s nothing packaged about Central Otago. If you’re doing the trail on the cheap, backpacker-style accommodation is available in most of the towns.

Food will be front-of-mind for you on this particularly journey, because you’ll be burning a lot of calories. Consequently, the restaurants and cafés along the route serve famously generous helpings. Dessert every night won’t be a guilty indulgence, it will be a necessity!

Before and after

Running from Dunedin to Middlemarch, a ride on the Taeri Gorge Railway is a great way to start or finish your Otago Central Rail Trail experience. It was once part of the rail route that you’ll be riding on, so it makes sense to include it in your itinerary.

At the Clyde end of the trail, Queenstown is just an hour’s drive away. In total contrast to the rail trail experience, it’s a sophisticated alpine resort town with lashings of designer shops, glamorous restaurants and hi-tech entertainments.

Booking your rail trail journey

While you can walk the trail, or even ride a horse, most people choose to travel by bicycle. Unless you’re a Tour de France cyclist, you’ll need to allow at least four days to complete the trip. It’s always better to allow more time if you have it, because the scenery and historic towns are very absorbing. Free booking services make it easy to organise bikes, accommodation and transfers at the beginning and end of your adventure.

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