Dunedin and Coastal Otago

Embark on a true New Zealand adventure and explore the historic and remote landscape of the Central Otago as you cycle on the rail trail from Clyde to Middlemarch before continuing on to Dunedin onboard the Taeiri Gorge Train. This 4 day guided ride takes you through the heart of the Manitoto on an old historic railway line which is 150 km in length, past historic sites and quaint old towns. Along the trail you are encouraged to cycle at your own pace and there are no vehicles and no real hills, making this a safe and enjoyable route for people of all ages and experience.

Day 1 Clyde to Omakau 35km
Your journey begins in Clyde at the start of the Rail Trail and on the this first section of track you will cycle past vineyards and over an old wooden trestle bridge on the ride to Alexandra. At Galloway Station we'll boil the billy for morning tea complimented by good old home baking before continuing on to our lunch stop at the Chatto Creek Tavern. After lunch cycle up Tiger Hill and from the top it's down hill all the way to your over night accommodation in Omakau. There are several sites of interest worth checking out before travelling a short distance by bus to the historic gold mining town of St Bathans. This evening you will dine at the Omakau Commercial Hotel.

Day 2 Omakau to Wedderburn 45km
The highlight of today's cycle ride is the beautiful Poolburn gorge featuring two tunnels and viaducts all set in a secluded gorge. You'll cycle through the vast open expanse of the Ida Valley farm lands past the Idaburn dam. After a site visit to Hayes Historic Engineering Works there is a short ride to Oturehua for lunch at Oturehua Hotel. After lunch cycle on to the Golden Progress mine then on to Wedderburn just past the highest point on the rail trail before stopping the night at Wedderburn Lodge and Cottages B&B. From here your guide will take you on a short side trip to Naseby to try your hand at curling and look through the old gold mining town. The evening meal is a traditional farm style meal, at the Wedderburn Hotel.

Day 3 Wedderburn to Hyde 43km
Ride mostly down hill to Ranfurly, the Art Deco Capital of Otago, for morning tea by the old railway station, then cross the Maniototo Plains on to the Waipiata Tavern for lunch. After lunch follow the trail section between Daisybank and Hyde alongside the Taieri River, crossing the Price's Creek Viaduct at 32m high and heading through the last tunnel which 152m long, before arriving at the Otago Central Hyde Hotel, your over night stop for dinner, bed and breakfast. There may be time for a short side trip up to the gold mining town of Macraes, the site of New Zealand's largest working gold mine.

Day 4 Hyde to Middlemarch 29km
Just a short ride today and slightly downhill with views of the Rock and Pillar, Taieri Ranges and the Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial with a morning snack stop along the way. You will arrive at Middlemarch Railway Station in time for the 1pm departure onboard the Taieri Gorge Train which takes you on to Dunedin.