Welcome to the Otago Trails!
Be inspired by stories from the best biking and hiking trails in Otago, New Zealand!
Otago’s trail network includes five Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand along with a multitude of other cycling, mountain biking and walking adventures from easy day trips to epic multiday missions.
Here at Trail Hub, you’ll find stories, news, itineraries, guides and tips to help you discover trails from Queenstown to Dunedin and throughout Central Otago and Clutha. So, read on, plan, get ready and go - create your own stories to share and inspire others!
Latest Stories
Backcountry for Beginners
Ride Guides
The Mount Ida Water Race is an ideal backcountry mountain bike ride for beginners.
Backcountry for BeginnersBackcountry for Beginners
Best Short Walks in Otago
Walking
A selection of the best short walks close to Otago's cycle trails, ranging from 30 minutes up to 3 hours.
Best Short WalksBest Short Walks in Otago
The Coronet Loop 'Lite'
A shortened version of the epic Coronet Loop backcountry mountain bike trail.
Coronet Loop LiteThe Coronet Loop 'Lite'
Family Fun on the Lake Dunstan Trail
An easy bike ride for families along the Lake Dunstan Trail.
Lake Dunstan Trail Family RideFamily Fun on the Lake Dunstan Trail
Complete a Trail Survey and Win a $200 Prezzy Card!
We want to know what you thought about your trail experience! What you loved and perhaps what we can improve. So, please complete an online trail survey so that we can keep improving our trail network.
Every eligible and completed online trail survey submitted between 1st January 2024 to 30th April 2024 will be entered into a monthly draw to win a Prezzy Card® loaded with NZD $200.
Terms and conditions apply.
Get Inspired!
Biking Naseby's Backroads
Ride Guides, Trail Towns, Otago Central Rail Trail
A network of quiet country roads just off the Rail Trail around Naseby are a worthwhile detour to discover some iconic country hotels.
Taniwhā's Tail
Community & Environment, Walking, Ride Guides, Otago Central Rail Trail
The Upper Taiari River Scroll Plains are one of the most important and unique wetlands in NZ, and an easy detour off the Rail Trail.
On Track in Tarras
A 60km (6-7 hour) advanced mountain bike ride through iconic Central Otago landscapes from Cluden Creek to McPhies Ridge Track near Tarras.
7 Days on Central Otago’s Cycle Trails
Road Trips, Backcountry, History & Heritage
Read More About 7 Days on Central Otago’s Cycle Trails
The Cairnmuir Circuit
Ride Guides, cycling, Lake Dunstan Trail
A classic Central Otago mountain bike or gravel bike loop ride, including the Lake Dunstan Trail.
11 of the Best Short Walks in Otago
Walking, Queenstown Trails, Otago Central Rail Trail, Lake Dunstan Trail, Roxburgh Gorge Trail, Clutha Gold Trail
11 of the best short walks in Otago and close to the cycle trails, ranging from 30 minutes up to 3 hours.
Otago's iconic bridges - a travel guide for walkers and cyclists
Otago’s bridges are an integral part of the region’s rich history, serving as an essential means of transportation, commerce, and communication. But these bridges are not just connectors of people and places, they’re also storytellers of Otago’s heritage...
Trail Towns
Trail Towns - Lauder
Trail Towns
“95% of people that visit Lauder are cyclists on the Rail Trail. 4.9% are here for an event, like a wedding. And 0.1% are completely and utterly lost”! …
Trail Towns - Ranfurly
Trail Towns
“Before you ask”, says Shirley with a wry grin, “No, the famous Ranfurly Shield rugby trophy – or Log o’ Wood - was not named after the town”.
Central Otago's Secret Tiny Towns
Trail Towns
Central Otago has dozens of secret tiny towns just waiting to be discovered, as Stuff's senior travel reporter, Siobhan Downes, finds out in this article.
Dunedin - a Ride at the Seaside
Trail Towns
Sensational beaches, craft breweries & fabulous food are just a short ride away.
Waipiata: Pie Central
Trail Towns
Stuff visits Waipiata, the tiny town on the Otago Central Rail Trail that's become famous for huge pies!
Lingering in Lawrence
Trail Towns
MCD Magazine explores the tiny town that once had a population bigger than Dunedin.