4
DAYS of cycling
150Km
Distance
$1550
from p/p

Cycle side by side through Central Otago's spectacular landscapes before settling in for a romantic escapade in a boutique lodge.  This is true romantic bliss.

TOUR PACKAGE

Romantic getaway

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A trip for lovers

Central Otago is a romantic paradise and we've brought it all together for a trip to remember. Stay in boutique accommodation, taste the delicious cuisine, indulge in the local wines and craft beers,  and don't forget to take in the stunning vistas. 

Cycle side by side through Central Otago's spectacular landscapes before settling in for a romantic escapade in a boutique lodge.  This is true romantic bliss.

The Otago Central Rail Trail is the perfect escape from your day-to-day life, and a great way to create memories and share a few laughs, all surrounded by beautiful scenery.

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Highlights

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    Visit the romantic town of Ophir and relax in the outdoor spa pool after a day of riding. 

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    Take your time to appreciate the Poolburn Gorge,  one of the most spectacular sections of the Rail Trail.

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    Get a true taste of the South at some of the best country pubs in Central Otago!

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    Recharge, take in the views and enjoy a spa pool under the stars in Oturehua at Inverlair Lodge. 

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    Ride through the picturesque upper Taieri Gorge and alongside The Taieri River. Then go for a swim or a soak when you arrive at Kokonga Lodge.

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    Enjoy a delicious two-course evening meal at Kokonga Lodge.

Here's what's waiting for you

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Itinerary

Spend five days soaking up the beautiful Central Otago views, cuisine and hospitality.

Day 1
Welcome to Clyde
 
Queenstown - Clyde

You will be picked up in the afternoon from Queenstown and transported to Clyde. Clyde is one of the most romantic towns in Central Otago. Collect your bikes and have a ride around Clyde before settling into your luxury accommodation – Pure bliss!

 

Day 2
Ride then spa pool
 
Clyde - Ophir

After a leisurely breakfast, set off at your own pace. Cycle 37km from Clyde to Omakau, approximately 4 hours cycling. Cycle 2km from Omakau to the small romantic town of Ophir. Pitches Store, your boutique accommodation awaits you. Relax in the outdoor spa and enjoy an evening meal at the on-site fine dining restaurant.

 

Day 3
Tunnels, bridges then spa pool & night sky
 
Ophir - Oturehua

Today you will cycle through one of the most picturesque sections of the Rail Trail - The Poolburn Gorge. Make sure you carry plenty of snacks and water today. Today’s cycle will see you cycle 29km from Omakau to Oturehua. Oturehua is one of the smallest towns on the Rail Trail, but with the most to see! Be sure to stop at Historic Hayes Engineering for a tour and a cuppa. Overnight at the fabulous Inverlair Lodge. Finish the night with incredible views from the spa pool. If it's a clear evening, the night sky views will blow you away.

 

Day 4
All downhill from here
 
Oturehua - Kokonga

Today you will reach the highest point on the Rail Trail at Wedderburn – it's all downhill from here! You will cycle 43km through the heart of the Maniototo from Oturehua to Kokonga. Your hosts Jo and Geoff from Kokonga Lodge will be waiting to welcome you. Enjoy a delicious two course evening meal at Kokonga Lodge. You will need your togs for a swim in the spectacular pool as well as outdoor hot baths on a cold night!

 

Day 5
A Ride to Remember
 
Kokonga - Dunedin/Queenstown

Today you will cycle 41km from Kokonga to Middlemarch, through the picturesque upper Taieri Gorge and alongside The Taieri River. From Hyde you will cycle through the heart of the Strath Taieri Valley to Middlemarch. Celebrate cycling 152km in Middlemarch before heading to Dunedin or alternatively back to Queenstown.

Note: You can stay the night in Middlemarch following the conclusion of your ride and take the Taieri Gorge train to Dunedin the following morning. If this interests you, just ask!

 

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

We had an absolute blast! Loved every minute of it. The accomodations were all outstanding, every place had its own charm and uniqueness. Breakfasts were all fab! The meal and Woolshed at Kokonga, curling, a spa under the stars at Inverlair, and complementary espresso coffee at Pitches among the many, many highlights. It was an extremely memorable experience with many laughs along the way, making memories with a fabulous bunch of friends. Thank you so much.

Erin M, April 2026

We had the most wonderful time doing the "Rail Trail in a Day"! The Central Cycle Co team were all super friendly, informative and efficient. We even got to ride a little extra at the end of the day, as we chose the rail trail to return to Clyde instead of the river loop and the friendly lady at the shop said, “Well if you are up to some more riding, why not go for just another 3 or 4 kms so that you can see the beauty of the river loop section”. We were so grateful for her generosity as the river truly is spectacular. The whole rail trial offers some spectacular views and ever-changing landscapes. It was also super cool to have the opportunity to go through 2 historic tunnels as well as over many historic bridges. My partner is an engineer, and he was like a kid in a candy store looking at all the old construction and marveling at the historic engineering methods. I on the other hand, I was particularly fond of interacting with the friendly donkeys at Chatto Creek and both of us just repeated the phrase “wow, it’s just so beautiful” multiple times throughout the day. If you are comfortable on a bike and up to a 56-60km bike ride, we cannot recommend this ride highly enough. Even though the trail is long, all of the riding is super easy, as it is relatively flat with no steep climbs. It is an amazing way to take in the scenery while you just cruise along on your awesome e-bike. It was by far one of our favourite activities on our summer trip to the South Island.

Anon February 2026

What a great experience in Central Otago! Had an awesome day cycling the Dunstan Trail. The company we went with were great. Staff were super friendly and knowledgeable as well professional. Highly recommend not only doing this trail as part of the Central Otago cycling options but this company. We were lucky to have a great sunny day, not too hot.

ANON January 2026

The trip was excellent and all your arrangements worked seamlessly. You sent us to great accommodation and tasty meals. A highlight for me was the Peters Farm homestay. Enjoyed it so much I am going to bring my wife and stay there for a week. I had a mountain bike which far exceeded my expectations in quality and condition. Gears worked perfectly, it was just the right weight and was a joy to ride. Congratulations on offering such a good experience.

John H, FEBRUARY 2025

Thanks for everything. We really can’t say enough good things about Central Cycle Trail and the people we have met who work there.

Ray D, March 2025

Couldn’t rate these guys highly enough. Within a couple of hours they had organised 3 day itinerary which included bike hire, accommodation, bookings for meals, transportation of our bags each day and transport to where we were starting. It was awesome. The trail is wonderful, beautiful scenery, great places to stay on the way - totally recommend the crows nest in Oturehua!

ANNA W, FEBRUARY 2020

Just returned from a great holiday cycling the Otago Central Rail Trail. Superbly organised by Central Cycle Trail Co. Can highly recommend the company if you are thinking of doing the trail. We were a party of 6. Grandparents, parents, a 13 and 9 year old. We paced ourselves over 5 days. The scenery was spectacular and the peace and quiet of the trail took you away from the hustle and bustle of life.

Nutmeg, January 2020

We completed the Otago Rail Trail with a group of ten. I couldn’t fault a single thing 😀. The scenery was stunning. The bikes were brilliant. The accommodation served our needs perfectly. The transfers to and from the trail and the daily bag transfers ran like clockwork. Nothing was too much trouble for Central Cycle Trail Co. - they clearly wanted us to love it as much as they do! And we did. Even our kids aged 10 to 15 rated it a 10/10 holiday!! Highly recommend.

Anna B, October 2020

We travelled to South Island is October, I’ve always wanted to do some of the rail trail but with a 9 month and 4 year old - I wasn’t sure it was realistic. These guys were great, they gave us an itinerary suitable to us (mostly flat, scenic and lots of spots to stop), the gear was all in good condition (we hired a chariot, bike seat and panniers as well as the bikes), there was no stress and it turned out to be a great day. Thanks guys!

Nooons, October 2019

INCLUSIONS

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    Shuttle from Queenstown to Clyde.

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    Four nights’ accommodation including breakfast.

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    Two Course Evening Meal at Kokonga Lodge.

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    Central Cycle Trail eBike Hire.

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    Daily bag transfers – 1 bag per person.

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    Shuttle from Middlemarch to Dunedin.

Romantic Getaway

$1550

FROM PER PERSON
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FAQ’s

What do I need to wear?

 

Central Otago weather can be very changeable. We recommend being prepared for all seasons and always carrying a waterproof jacket and leggings, gloves, sunscreen, a hat and warm clothes to put on if you get wet.  These items will all easily fit into your panniers.

 

What should my fitness level be?

 

Much of the Rail Trail is relatively flat, as the railway line which once ran through its course between Middlemarch and Clyde could not be built on steep gradients. This makes it the perfect off-road experience for the whole family, regardless of fitness level. Only more experienced riders should tackle the Adrenaline Junkie trails. 

 

WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE?

 

As New Zealand’s weather is notoriously changeable, pack for all conditions, regardless of the season. You may encounter glorious sunshine, driving rain, gusting winds and snow – all in the same day!

 

What should I bring with me on the trail?

 

Our luggage shuttles will carry your main bags between locations each day. But here are a few essentials to have on you for the ride. Snacks and water - there are great cafes and shops along the way so you also can purchase as you go. There are eco-toilets along the trail, however, please carry your own toilet paper. Sunscreen. Mobile phone and charger. Small first aid kit. Torch for exploring the tunnels along the trail.

 

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