RIDE THE MOST CELEBRATED SECTION OF NZ’s GREAT RIDE — IN JUST ONE UNFORGETTABLE DAY.This one-day adventure lets you experience the most scenic, historic, and rideable section of the Otago Central Rail Trail, from Auripo Road back to Clyde. Pass through epic high-country landscapes, iconic tunnels and viaducts, and charming trail towns — all on the smooth, car-free trail that kicked off New Zealand’s cycle revolution. With shuttle transport, purpose-built bikes, and trail support all included, this is the best way to tick the Rail Trail off your bucket list in just one day. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Discover one of the most scenic and iconic stretches of the Otago Central Rail Trail, starting near Auripo and journeying through dramatic landscapes, hand-carved tunnels, and towering viaducts. Enjoy panoramic views across Central Otago’s high country, take a break in charming small towns along the way.
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Ride the most spectacular stretch of the Rail Trail, starting at Auripo and descending through the Poolburn Gorge, Ida Valley, and Tiger Hill.
Cruise through towering viaducts and hand-carved tunnels, including the famous Poolburn Tunnel, surrounded by rocky bluffs and ancient schist.
Soak up the Maniototo landscape, where golden tussock plains stretch across Central Otago’s most remote and beautiful terrain.
Stop for a coffee or country lunch in Lauder, Omakau, or Ophir, historic gold rush towns with warm hospitality and photogenic charm.
Enjoy a refreshment at the historic Chatto Creek Tavern, a classic Kiwi country pub with character, charm, and one of the Rail Trail’s best beer gardens.
Finish your ride in the charming town of Clyde, nestled beneath the Dunstan Ranges and full of cafés, wineries, and stone cottages.
This landscape is a unique one and it requires bikes that can adapt to its geography. This is where we come in. Our specialist New Zealand cycling pro has designed bikes that are perfectly suited to take on everything the trails will throw at you. Our extensive cycling know-how is the secret to building bikes that can adapt to every rider’s needs. Check out our bikes below.
We used Central Cycle Trail Co. for a six day trip along the entire trial. They were extremely easy to deal with in planning the trip and were able to book at no extra cost accommodation in each of the towns in which we wanted to stay and even booked restaurants for us. Their custom-designed bikes perfectly suited the Trail. We have done a lot of rail Trail riding, though these were the most comfortable bikes we have used.
The best bikes my partner and I have ever ridden, including our own. I would have bought my bike from them but I live in Australia! SO comfortable. Central Cycle Trail Co. organised the accommodation and transferred our luggage each night. It all worked perfectly and I would unreservedly recommend this company. It could not have been a better experience.
We completed the Otago Rail Trail with a group of ten. I couldn’t fault a single thing. The scenery was stunning. The weather was kind to us. The bikes were brilliant. The accommodation served our needs perfectly. The people we met were lovely and accommodating. 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.
Totally amazing experience. Picked up by Dave from Queenstown Airport and driven to Clyde to get our bikes and have briefing. Very well done. Off to our accommodation and dinner all arranged by Central Cycle Trail Co. Great start to trip and carried on right through our journey. Cant fault their enthusiasm, organisation, gear and the effort shown in the accommodation, meals etc that they organized for us. Top job and would recommend to anyone looking to do the Trail.
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