Cycle New Zealand: Otago Rail Trail

Cycle New Zealand: Otago Rail Trail

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4 Days From

$1340

$1302

Cycle New Zealand: Otago Rail Trail

4 Days Starting and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand

Visiting: Queenstown, Otago

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99

Interests:

Eco Conscious

Activities:

Cycling, Walking

From: $1340 $1302 (USD) Tourhub's Discount: -$38

NB: Prices correct on 25-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure along New Zealand's renowned Otago Central Rail Trail, starting in the vibrant outdoor haven of Queenstown. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the South Island's breathtaking landscapes on flat, traffic-free paths, guided by an experienced leader who will enrich your journey with local insights. As you pedal through historic towns and stunning natural vistas, you'll experience the warm hospitality of New Zealanders and contribute to the local economy. The tour includes high-quality Trek Roscoe 7 bikes, with an option for e-bikes, and your luggage is conveniently transferred between accommodations. By participating, you'll also support World Bicycle Relief, aiding communities in need. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, this tour promises an enriching and scenic exploration of New Zealand's favorite ride.

Highlights

  • Cycle the spectacular Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand's oldest rail trail and a favorite ride.

  • Ride along flat, traffic-free paths with stunning South Island scenery.

  • Begin your journey in Queenstown, an outdoor paradise in the Southern Alps.

  • Experience the famous hospitality of New Zealanders on a cyclist-friendly trail.

  • Cycle with an experienced guide sharing insights about the region.

  • Support World Bicycle Relief, providing bicycles for education and healthcare access.

  • Explore the historic Poolburn Gorge with tunnels and viaducts.

  • Visit the Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial and enjoy the scenic Taieri River.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Queenstown & Otago Rail Trail

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse

Kia-ora! Welcome to Queenstown, New Zealand. If you have time before or after the tour in the country's adventure capital, there's simply no end to the line-up of optional activities including bungee-jumping, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, helicopter rides, jet boating and paragliding. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars to keep you entertained.

This cycling trip kicks off with a pick-up at 8 am. After the meeting, you’ll jump in a private vehicle and follow the Kawarau River to nearby Clyde (85kms, approximately 1.5 hour), where you’ll be fitted with your bike to start your cycling adventure along the Otago Rail Trail, which has been voted NZ's ‘Favourite Ride’ for the past two years. The trail runs for 152 kilometres/95 miles in total and was originally used to transport supplies to and from the Gold Fields, then later to transport goods and livestock. It fell into disrepair but was refurbished into a rail trail at the start of the new millennium and is now arguably the best way to explore the area and contribute to the local economy. You'll begin by cycling past vineyards, over an old wooden trestle bridge and along the Clutha River Track for around 13 kilometres before arriving in Alexandra via the historic bridge. Take a short rest in this delightful gold rush-era town, then cycle toward Galloway Station and though Chatto Creek, up Tiger Hill then cruise downhill to your overnight accommodation in Omakau/ Ophir. Perhaps join the locals for dinner and a locally-brewed Dark Horse beer or cider at the renowned Commercial Hotel before settling in for a well-earned sleep.


Included Activities:
-Guided bike ride - Otago Rail Trail
-Otago Rail Trail - 4 days Otago Central Rail Trail bike hire

Optional Activities:
-Jet boating
-Bungy Jumping
-Queenstown - Skyline Gondola from

Day 2: Otago Rail Trail - Omakau to Wedderburn

Location: Otago

Accommodation Name: Cottage

Meals Included: Breakfast

The highlight of today's cycle is the beautiful Poolburn Gorge section of the trail, which features two tunnels and two viaducts. You'll then ride through the Ida Valley farmlands, pedalling past Idaburn Dam, one of New Zealand's few outdoor curling sites, and visiting the Hayes Historic Engineering Works before stopping at Oturehua Tavern for lunch. After lunch, you'll continue north to the Golden Progress Mine and up to the highest point of the trail before stopping for the night at Wedderburn. In the evening, enjoy a traditional, farm-style meal at the Wedderburn Tavern (not included) and rest those legs.

Day 3: Otago Rail Trail - Wedderburn to Waipiata

Location: Otago

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

A short but good day today – just 23 kilometres in total – though it's mostly downhill from Wedderburn to Ranfurly, Otago's Art Deco capital. Enjoy morning tea and have a look around this small yet eclectic town, then cross the Maniototo Plains. Here you are further from the sea than elsewhere in New Zealand and it shows in the scenery and the near-empty roads - this is Lord of the Rings territory, and the flat plains give way to snow-capped mountains on the horizon.

Optional Activities:
-Side trip to Naseby
-Naseby Indoor Curling Rink

Day 4: Otago Rail Trail - Waipiata to Middlemarch/Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you'll cycle approximately 55 kilometres with stunning views of the Rock and Pillar Ranges. Starting your day riding alongside the Taieri River, the fourth-longest in New Zealand and one of today's highlights. Cross the historic Capburn Bridge and Price's Creek Viaduct and continue your way downhill, passing through more tunnels (including the famous Daisybank tunnel) then pausing at the Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial, which commemorates the fatal 1943 derailment of a passenger train. Enjoy a morning snack en route before arriving in Middlemarch and the end of the cycling part of your adventure. Take a while to grab lunch at one of the local eateries or load up at Maggies Ice Cream shop before transferring by vehicle (approx. 3 hrs) back to Queenstown, where your trip finishes on arrival.


Included Activities:
-Transfer to Queenstown

What's Included

  • Guided bike ride - Otago Rail Trail

    Enjoy a guided bike ride along the Otago Rail Trail.

  • Otago Rail Trail - 4 days Otago Central Rail Trail bike hire

    Bike hire for 4 days on the Otago Central Rail Trail is included.

  • Transfer to Queenstown

    Transfers to and from Queenstown are included.

What's Not Included

  • E-bike rental

    E-bike rental is available at an additional cost.

  • Personal bike transport costs

    Any extra costs involved with transporting personal bikes are your responsibility.

  • Bike insurance

    Insurance for loss, damage, or theft of personal bikes is not included.

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities such as jet boating, bungy jumping, and others are not included.

  • Dinner at Wedderburn Tavern

    Dinner at the Wedderburn Tavern is not included.

Mode of Transport

On this trip, we use Trek Roscoe 7’s, perfect for the trail. All bikes come with a bottle holder, Vaude drop down panniers, puncture resistant tires, ergonomic hand grips, a wireless cycle computer, and plush padded seats plus a dual density gel seat cover. The bikes have front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and high spec Shimano components. A private minivan is used on the transport legs from Queenstown to Clyde, and from Middlemarch to Queenstown.

Accommodation

While we endeavour to stay in the same accommodation on each departure of this trip, there are times when we may use alternate accommodation in different locations. We will always ensure that while the location may be slightly different, the standard will remain the same.

Important Information

  • 1. It is vital that you provide us with your height at least 30 days prior to your trip starting so we can ensure the correct sized bike for you. If we do not have your height we cannot guarantee a bike that fits you perfectly. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price
  • 2. This trip starts at 8am and finishes on arrival back to Queenstown on Day 4 (approx 6pm)
  • 3. To complete this trip it is important that you are both confident and competent in riding a bicycle.
  • 4. Bicycle helmets are compulsory on this trip. Please bring your own helmet.
  • 5. On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group.
  • 6. This trip does not have a support vehicle but your luggage is transported for you from accommodation to accommodation each day.
  • 7. Luggage is limited to 1 bag per client, no heavier than 15kgs. Fees apply if baggage limit is exceeded and extra weight will need to be in a separate bag. If staying in Queenstown before and after your trip, you may want to ask your accommodation provider to store your extra belongings as they may allow this free of charge.
  • 8. Our riding is done mostly on a well-graded and maintained gravel cycle path, so there are no technical cycling skills required.
  • 9. An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are on an 'on request' basis only - it is important to advise us of your height at the time of request.. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.
  • 10. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of bike is provided for the Otago Rail Trail tour?

    The tour provides Trek Roscoe 7 bikes, which are equipped with features such as a bottle holder, Vaude drop down panniers, puncture resistant tires, ergonomic hand grips, a wireless cycle computer, plush padded seats, and a dual density gel seat cover. The bikes have front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and high spec Shimano components.

  • Is there an option to use an electric bike on the tour?

    Yes, there is an option to use a motorised electric bicycle (e-bike) with an electric assist motor up to 25kph, available at an additional cost. It is important to advise your height at the time of booking to secure the correct sized bike.

  • Can I bring my own bike for the tour?

    Yes, you can bring your own bike for the tour. However, you should inform the tour operator at the time of booking and note that no spare bike will be carried for you. It is recommended to have a full service of your bike performed by a trained mechanic before the trip.

  • What should I do if I want to bring a tandem bike on the tour?

    Tandem bikes are usually not accepted on the tour as they are often too large for transport. However, exceptions can be made in some destinations, so it is advised to ask your booking agent if you are interested in bringing a tandem bike.

  • What happens if my hired bike gets damaged during the tour?

    If the hired bike gets damaged during the tour, you should immediately inform the supplier. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also ensure that the bicycle is secured when not in use.

  • Is there a support vehicle available during the cycling tour?

    No, there is no full-time support vehicle following the group on this tour. However, your luggage is transferred between accommodations for you, and a private minivan is used for transport legs from Queenstown to Clyde and from Middlemarch to Queenstown.

  • What kind of meals are provided during the tour?

    The tour does not include meals, but there are opportunities to enjoy local cuisine, such as a traditional farm-style meal at the Wedderburn Tavern and snacks en route during the cycling days.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit for future tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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