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Otago's Classic Hits!

The Defining Tracks of Central Otago

Otago Central Rail Trail, Poolburn Gorge
Brook Sabin

Inspiration Otago's Classic Hits

If you’re short on time, then here are some classic tracks to explore over a few hours. Most of these options are there-and-back rides, but many of the local bike tour companies will offer one-day highlight packages that include transfers so these trail sections can be ridden as a longer one-way ride.

Of course, spending longer exploring the trails on a multi-day ride is by far the best way to see the region and packages including bike hire, accommodation and daily baggage transfers are readily available from local tour companies.

The Otago Central Rail Trail (NZ’s original Great Ride) and the Lake Dunstan Trail (NZ’s newest) make a great combination if you're looking for two diverse trail experiences, and they both have a start and finish in Clyde.

Clyde and also nearby Cromwell or Alexandra act as a great hubs for day rides whereby you can get a taste of different trails across a few days. Likewise, basing yourself in a Māniatoto trail town like Ranfurly, Naseby or Oturehua will give you a chance to ride sections of the Rail Trail, quiet country roads for gravel biking, and enjoy some of the off-trail experiences in the region.

Iconic Otago Central Rail Trail landscapes near Waipiata.

The Poolburn Viaduct and Tunnels - classic hits of the Otago Central Rail Trail.

Otago Central Rail Trail

Daisybank to Hyde
Meander alongside the Taieri River through the dramatic Upper Taieri Gorge for 11.5km (one way) with tunnels, spectacular old railway bridges, and perhaps even a picnic by the river. Check out the newly refurbished café (Central Otago Hideaway) at the site of the old Hyde Hotel for coffee or lunch.

Waipiata to Ranfurly
The 7.5km section of trail between Waipiata and Ranfurly offers a taste of the Māniatoto Plains – truly big sky country. Begin with a coffee at the Waipiata Country Hotel and then ride out to Ranfurly for lunch and a spot of retail therapy at the galleries and boutique shops.

For gravel bikers, as well as the Rail Trail, there are some excellent gravel roads to explore around the Maniatoto region with Naseby and Danseys Pass being popular day rides.

Wedderburn to Poolburn
Its approx. 50km return from Wedderburn Cottages (which offers great farm stay accommodation) to the iconic Poolburn Viaduct and Tunnels section of the Otago Central Rail Trail. For shorter options to Poolburn Gorge start from Oturehua, Auripo or Lauder.

Two of the Rail Trail’s must-dos are in Oturehua:

  1. Gilchrist’s Store: NZ’s longest, continuously operating general store. Part living museum, part shop, the store is a great place for a coffee or ice cream.
  2. Historic Hayes: a very rare and special site representing the early twentieth-century heritage of engineering and classic Kiwi No8 wire ingenuity. Don’t miss the exquisite cakes at Hannah’s café onsite.

Top tip: Many tour operators provide a 1-day highlights package with transfers that start at Auripo, includes the Poolburn Gorge, and finishes at Lauder, Chatto Creek Tavern, or Alexandra depending on how far you want to ride.

WATCH: Brook's Bucket List Rail Trail Experiences

A fresh dusting of snow on the hills above Wedderburn, Central Otago Rail Trail

The Poolburn Gorge is one of the most scenic sections of the Rail Trail.

Another contender for NZ's best cinnamon scroll - Floral & Feast in Ranfurly.

NZ's longest continually operating general store, Gilchrist's in Oturehua.

Alexandra to Chatto Creek
A favourite locals ride at the weekend is from Alexandra out to Chatto Creek Tavern for lunch. It includes some lovely scenic sections along Manuherikia River valley. Approx. 34km return

Clyde to Alexandra on the River Trail Loop
A great 22km ride for beginners or families is the loop from Clyde to Alexandra. It can be ridden in any direction, and you can start in either Alex or Clyde. There are numerous bike tour operators in both Clyde and Alexandra which offer bike hire.

From Clyde, cross the iconic red bridge over the Clutha River and follow the River Track downstream to Alexandra for 12km, then carefully cross another iconic road bridge into central Alexandra. There are lots of great cafes in Alex for lunch, before connecting on to the Otago Central Rail Trail (just north east of the town centre) and riding back to Clyde. There are several wineries to visit along this section of trail.

Sunset over Wedderburn Cottages, which offer accommodation on their working farm.

Chatto Creek Tavern is a favourite lunch stop for locals and visitors alike.

Wine tasting at Monte Christo Winery in Clyde, just off the trail.

Fantastic food at historic Olivers Restaurant in Clyde - ideal for hungry cyclists from the Rail Trail or Lake Dunstan Trail.

Lake Dunstan Trail

Ridden in its entirety, the Lake Dunstan Trail is a challenging 55km day ride, with some hard climbs and exposed, narrow grade 3 sections. But there are also some easier options for out-and-back rides to get a taste of this gorgeous trail, including its impressive bluff bridges.

Cromwell Heritage Precinct to Cairnmuir Ladder
Starting from the car park on Butcher Brive in historic Cromwell Heritage Precinct (where there’s excellent pre-ride coffee available), follow the trial upstream along the Kawarau River to Bannockburn, across the bridge and then around Bannockburn Inlet to Carrick Winery – a great spot for morning tea or lunch. Continue to Cornish Point where the Kawarau River meets the Clutha, ride over two of the impressive bluff bridges and as far as Coffee / Burger Afloat – the floating café on the lake (open seasonally / weekends). From here the trail climbs steeply up the switchbacks of the Cairnmuir Ladder, so it’s a good turnaround point for shorter rides.
Approx 36km return, allow 3hours.

Smith’s Way to Cromwell
An easy option, especially good for families with young children, is to ride around the shore of Lake Dunstan to Cromwell (11km one way). This is on an easy grade 1 section of trail, with a good selection of cafes and ice cream options in Cromwell. If you’re feeling fit, then carry on along the Lake Dunstan Trail from Cromwell to Bannockburn (approx. 5km further) where there are some great wineries or the Bannockburn Hotel for lunch.

There are numerous options along the trail between Smith’s Way (near Pisa Moorings) and Bannockburn where you can safely park the car and start your ride to adjust the distance based on the age and fitness of your family members.

WATCH: Brook Sabin's Lake Dunstan Trail Highlights

Cromwell Heritage Precinct at the start of the Lake Dunstan Trail [photo: supplied]

Carrick Winery is located right on the Lake Dunstan Trail and offers a cafe, restaurant and wine tasting onsite [photo: supplied]

Between Smith's Way and Cromwell the Lake Dunstan Trail is easy and ideal for family rides [photo: Geoff Marks]

For an easier out-and-back ride, turnaround before the steep climb up the Cairnmuir Ladder [photo: Geoff Marks]

The impressive bluff bridges are a big attraction on the Lake Dunstan Trail [photo: Will Nelson].

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