SheBikesHeBikes - Central Otago's most experienced rail trail team  |  📞 +64 3 447 3271
New Zealand's Original Great Ride

Ride the Otago Central Rail Trail

152 km of breathtaking Central Otago landscapes, viaducts, tunnels, gold-rush and Maori history - self-guided with everything taken care of.

Grade 1 - Easiest
Suitable for all cyclists
3 to 5 days
Clyde to Middlemarch
View All Packages Free Booking Service

The Otago Rail Trail at a Glance

152 Kilometres
3–5 Days
3 Tunnels
5+ Viaducts
Clyde Middlemarch

About the Trail

New Zealand's Premier Cycling Holiday

The Otago Central Rail Trail follows a converted railway line through the dramatic landscapes of Central Otago - one of New Zealand's most celebrated self-guided cycling journeys and world renowned.

  • 📏
    Total Distance152 km from Clyde to Middlemarch (or reverse)
  • ⭐
    Grade & DifficultyGrade 1 - Easiest. Gentle gradients throughout
  • 📅
    Time Required3, 4 or 5 days - choose your pace
  • 🏔️
    LandscapeCentral Otago's golden schist hills, river valleys, and wide open plains
  • 🚂
    Rail HeritageFormer Otago railway line opened 1898. Old station sites and the remains of some original rail infrastructure
  • 🏘️
    Trail TownsClyde, Alexandra, Omakau / Ophir, Oturehua, Ranfurly, Middlemarch
  • 🎫
    Great Ride StatusOne of New Zealand's 23 designated Great Rides and the Original Great Ride

Trail Highlights

Poolburn Gorge

Dramatic schist gorge with century-old viaducts and spectacular rock formations

Chatto Creek Tavern

Iconic trail-side pub - cold beer, warm locals, and packed with Central Otago history and hospitality

Otago Railway Tunnels

Three original rail tunnels - cool, dark, and part of the trail's unique charm

Omakau, Oturehua & Naseby

Quaint historic towns full of suprises

Ophir Village

NZ's most intact gold-rush era town - a living slice of Otago rail heritage

Hawkdun Range Views

Sweeping Central Otago landscapes - one of New Zealand's finest cycling panoramas

View Trail Map & Distances →

Central Otago, New Zealand

152 km of New Zealand's finest cycling landscape

Planning Your Ride

Don't Let Logistics Derail Your Adventure

The Otago Central Rail Trail is one of New Zealand's greatest cycling holidays - but getting the logistics right takes real local knowledge. Here's what trips people up:

  • ✗
    Not knowing how to get bikes (and yourselves) back from Middlemarch to Clyde
  • ✗
    Carrying heavy bags on a 50+ km cycling day
  • ✗
    Booking accommodation without knowing the best spots for each day's distance
  • ✗
    Hiring bikes that aren't right for 152 km of cycle trail
  • ✗
    Having no support if something goes wrong on trail

We've Done This Thousands of Times

SheBikesHeBikes has been helping cyclists ride the Otago Central Rail Trail for years. We know every kilometre, every accommodation option, and exactly how to make your trip work.

  • ✓Most experienced operator on the Otago Rail Trail
  • ✓Quality bikes perfectly suited to 3–5 days of cycle trail
  • ✓Luggage transfer - your bags meet you at every stop
  • ✓Passenger transport - shuttle from Middlemarch back to Clyde
  • ✓Professional trip-notes app with offline maps
  • ✓On-the-ground support if you need us
  • ✓Free itinerary planning - we sort the logistics for you

What We Provide

Everything You Need, Nothing You Don't

Our self-guided Otago Rail Trail packages are built around real cycling holidays. Mix and match the services that work for you.

🚲

Bike Hire

Quality bikes - hardtail mountain bikes and e-bikes - perfectly suited to the Otago Central Rail Trail's terrain and distances. Ready to ride and backed by ontrail support.

🧳

Luggage Transfer

Ride each day unencumbered. We transport your luggage between towns so it's waiting at your accommodation when you arrive. No heavy bags on your bike or your back.

🚐

Passenger Transport

Shuttle transport from Middlemarch back to Clyde or onwards to Dunedin. No car shuttling, no logistics headaches - we handle the return journey for you.

📱

Trip Notes App

Our purpose-built offline app gives you section by section trail notes, distances, town information, food providers, points of interest and much more - right on your phone.

🗺️

Itinerary Planning

Tell us your group size, fitness, and timeframe. We'll build you a professional itinerary with accommodation matched to the right spots for each day's stage.

🛟

On-Trail Support

Something goes wrong? We're a call away. Our team provide real on-the-ground support throughout your ride - not just a phone number to a call centre somewhere else in the world, but people who know the trail.

How It Works

Three Steps to Your Rail Trail Journey

We've taken thousands of riders from "thinking about it" to finishing in Middlemarch. Here's how simple it is.

1

Choose a Package

Pick a 3, 4 or 5-day self-guided package - or talk to us and we'll tailor one for your group, budget and riding ability. Families, couples, groups of friends - we do it all.

2

We Sort the Logistics

We handle bike hire, luggage transfers, accommodation booking, shuttle logistics and send you a professional itinerary. You focus on the ride. We focus on everything else.

3

Ride with Confidence

Our team greets you in Clyde, answers all your questions, and stays on hand throughout your journey. The Otago Central Rail Trail becomes exactly what it should be - an adventure, not a hassle.

Start Planning Your Trip →

Self-Guided Packages

Otago Rail Trail Packages

All packages include bike hire, luggage transfer, and passenger transport. Every package is customisable - tell us about you and your group and we'll refine it for you.

3-Day Self-Guided Package

Clyde → Middlemarch • 152 km

Grade 1 - Easiest Fit cyclists All cyclists

A fast, fit ride covering the full 152 km of the Otago Central Rail Trail in three days. Best suited to confident cyclists who are saddle-ready for long days in Central Otago's landscapes.

From $495 NZD per adult
Find Out More Enquire Now
Popular

4-Day Self-Guided Package

Clyde → Middlemarch • 152 km

Grade 1 - Easiest Families Groups

Our most popular Otago Rail Trail package. Four days allows time to explore trail towns, enjoy food and drink, and savour the stunning Central Otago scenery without rushing.

From $730 NZD per adult
Find Out More Enquire Now

5-Day Self-Guided Package

Clyde → Middlemarch • 152 km

Grade 1 - Easiest Families Relaxed pace

The leisurely way to ride the Otago Rail Trail. Five days lets you stop at every town, linger over lunch, and take in the landscapes, rail heritage and hospitality of Central Otago at your own pace.

From $1,063 NZD per adult
Find Out More Enquire Now

Luxury Package - 4 Days

Premium accommodation • Curated experience

Grade 1 - Easiest Couples Luxury

Ride the Otago Central Rail Trail and stay in Central Otago's finest lodges. Premium accommodation, exceptional food, and the same great trail - elevated for those who want the very best cycling holiday.

From $1,000 NZD per adult
Find Out More Enquire Now

Day trips also available - perfect if you're short on time or want to try the trail

View All Packages Including Day Trips →

Trail Route

Clyde to Middlemarch - 152 km

The Otago Central Rail Trail passes through some of Central Otago's most captivating towns and landscapes. Here are the key stops along the way.

Otago Central Rail Trail map showing the route from Clyde to Middlemarch through Central Otago

Key Trail Stops

  • Start
    Clyde
    Historic gold-rush town. Trail start, bike collection & SheBikesHeBikes base
  • ~8 km
    Alexandra
    Largest trail town, home of Central Stories museum
  • ~25 km
    Chatto Creek
    Home of one Central Otago's best taverns, perfect lunch stop
  • ~37 km
    Omakau / Ophir
    NZ's most intact gold-era village
  • ~66 km
    Oturehua
    Hayes Engineering works, Gilchrist's store, Golden progress mine site. So much to see
  • ~78 km
    Wedderburn
    Half way - Wedderburn Green goods shed and station. Gateway to Nasebyo
  • ~92 km
    Ranfurly
    Art Deco capital of the Maniototo. Great food, cafés and accommodation, gateway to Naseby
  • ~100 km
    Waipiata
    Waipiata Country Hotel and historic 'Green Bridge'
  • ~125 km
    Hyde
    Central Otago Hydeaway - cafe and bar - last stop before Middlemarch
  • 152 km
    Middlemarch
    Trails end. Passenger transport back to Clyde or onto Dunedin
Full Map with Distances →

Trip Notes App

Your Guide to Every Kilometre

Our purpose-built Otago Central Rail Trail app gives you detailed trip notes, offline maps, and local knowledge for every section of the trail - all on your phone.

  • ✓Works offline - no cell coverage required on the trail
  • ✓Section-by-section notes with distances, gradients and points of interest
  • ✓Food providers - every café, pub and store along the route
  • ✓Weather guidance specific to Central Otago
  • ✓Emergency contacts and support numbers
Learn About the App →

Trip Notes App Preview

SheBikesHeBikes trip notes app showing the Otago Central Rail Trail route and track notes

What Riders Say

Trusted by Tens of Thousands of Cyclists

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what riders say about cycling the Otago Central Rail Trail with SheBikesHeBikes.

★★★★★

"Great trip we are going to do it again. I booked through Susie at Shebikeshebikes, she was very helpful and contributed to a great trip. Thank you."

Pete J
★★★★★

"Shebikes without a doubt! Shebikes has always been my go to cycle company for this area. Only to willing to help, great bunch of people."

Sharyn F
★★★★★

"She Bikes He Bikes Otago Rail Trail Highly recommend She Bikes He Bikes. We did the Otago Rail Trail and their service, our accommodation and ebikes were all first class. The transfers, luggage movements from place to place were all on time and the whole trip was very special because of their services."

ColinD

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Want to Know About the Otago Rail Trail

The Otago Central Rail Trail is 152 km long, running from Clyde to Middlemarch (or Middlemarch to Clyde) through Central Otago, New Zealand. It follows the former Otago railway line and is rated Grade 1 - the easiest cycling grade.
Most cyclists take 3 to 5 days to ride the Otago Central Rail Trail. A 3-day ride suits fit cyclists ready for longer daily distances. 4 days is our most popular option - great for families and groups who want time to explore trail towns. Five days gives you a relaxed, unhurried journey through Central Otago's landscapes providing time to do most of the add-on activities.
Yes. The Otago Rail Trail is Grade 1 (Easiest) - it follows the converted railway line with gentle, consistent gradients throughout. Families with children, older riders, and those new to multi-day cycling holidays all ride it comfortably. We recommend e-bikes for those wanting extra assurance on longer days.
Yes. SheBikesHeBikes provides quality bike hire - hardtail mountain bikes and e-bikes - at Clyde, Omakau and Middlemarch. Bikes are included in all our self-guided packages, or available as standalone hire for those making their own arrangements.
Yes. Luggage transfer is a key part of our Otago Rail Trail packages. We transport your bags between towns each day so you ride unencumbered. Your luggage is waiting at your accommodation when you arrive - no heavy bags on the cycle trail.
Getting from Middlemarch back to Clyde (or your vehicle) is one of the logistics challenges of the Otago Rail Trail. SheBikesHeBikes includes passenger transport in our packages - we arrange your shuttle return so you don't need to worry about car logistics or finding your own way back.
The Otago Central Rail Trail is best ridden between September and May (New Zealand spring through autumn). Peak season is March, April, New Years and any school holidays. Summer is popular when days are long and warm. Central Otago has some of NZ's most reliable sunshine. If you visit the region from July to August we can provide day trip options
Yes. The Otago Central Rail Trail is one of New Zealand's 23 designated Great Rides - the country's premier network of multi-day cycle trails. It is New Zealands orginal great ride and is famous throughout the world, drawing thousands of cyclists each season.

Ready to Ride the Otago Central Rail Trail?

Let us take care of the logistics. You bring the sense of adventure. Central Otago's landscapes, gold-rush history, and world-class cycling trail are waiting.

View All Packages Free Booking Service

📞 Call us: +64 3 447 3271  |  SheBikesHeBikes, Clyde, Central Otago