These trails will give you a bit of everything. Ride over historic railway viaducts, through grand tunnels and explore what remains of the famous gold rush.
From one-day excursions to the five-day Otago Central Rail Trail ride, you can explore as much or as little of this world-renowned region as you like. One thing's for sure though; these trails are here to be explored. So, what are you waiting for?
152kmDISTANCE |
CRUISYDIFFICULTY |
AdventureBest for |
The Otago Central Rail Trail encompasses everything that's stunning about Central Otago – amazing landscapes, history, the finest local wine and cuisine, and legendary Southern hospitality.
34-42kmDISTANCE |
ADVANCEDDIFFICULTY |
SKILLED RIDERSBEST FOR |
The Kawarau Gorge Trail connects Cromwell to Gibbston Valley on a spectacular 34 to 42km journey alongside the Kawarau River. Starting in Central Otago wine country, the trail enters into a dramatic and remote gorge, a place few have experienced until now.
24kmDISTANCE |
CruisyDIFFICULTY |
DAY TRIPBEST FOR |
This relaxing ride through Central Otago's vineyards . From Smith's Way, ride the lake edge to Cromwell, through the Heritage Precinct, and onward to the Bannockburn Inlet. Finishing your day at Carrick Winery with a glass of Pinot and a bite to eat.
32kmDISTANCE |
Cruisy AsDIFFICULTY |
Day tripBest FOR |
Start at Waikaka Church at the base of Coronet Peak and finish at The Church Cellar Door in Gibbston Valley. Follow the Queenstown Trail through Arrow River bridges, historic gold mining routes, and stunning wine country.
54kmDISTANCE |
EPICDIFFICULTY |
VarietyBEST FOR |
The Lake Dunstan Trail might be New Zealand's newest cycle trail but that doesn't mean you won't get the same historic views. Ride along the shores of Lake Dunstan to Old Cromwell Town, then through Bannockburn and on to Clyde.
48kmDISTANCE |
CruisyDIFFICULTY |
DAY TRIPBEST FOR |
Explore the breathtaking Poolburn Gorge, one of the most iconic sections of the Otago Central Rail Trail, surrounded by dramatic schist landscapes and sweeping Central Otago vistas. Finish your adventure at Monte Christo Winery, where vineyard views, local hospitality, and award-winning wines provide the perfect end to the day.
40kmDISTANCE |
EpicDIFFICULTY |
Day tripBest for |
Want to get a taste of both the trails and the river all in one day? Then this is the trip for you. The Roxburgh Gorge Trail will take you from Clyde to Roxburgh, with a jet boat ride in the middle.
73kmDISTANCE |
CRUISYDIFFICULTY |
EVERYONEBest for |
Enjoy the lush landscape alongside the picturesque Mata-Au Clutha River, the rugged paths carved out by old explorers, and the dramatic backdrop of mountain ranges.
151kmDISTANCE |
MIXEDDIFFICULTY |
AdventureBEST FOR |
Over four days, you’ll clock up almost 150km and see everything from historic railway viaducts to grand views over the lakes, to historic buildings and, of course, a few charming towns along the way.
101+kmDISTANCE |
AdvancedDIFFICULTY |
AdventureBest FOR |
The Gold Rush Gorges combines the dramatic new Kawarau Gorge Trail, the world-famous Lake Dunstan Trail, and the remote beauty of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail.
22kmDISTANCE |
CRUISYDIFFICULTY |
DAY TRIPBest for |
Begin in Clyde and follow the mighty Clutha River to Alexandra, taking in riverside views and stopping for a cafe break or pub lunch. Then return via the Otago Central Rail Trail back to Clyde.
40kmDISTANCE |
Easy PeasyDIFFICULTY |
Big Day tripBest For |
Experience a wild and wonderful ride along the remote Daisybank to Middlemarch section, rich with tunnels, river flats, and golden high country.
This is the second time some of our group have used cycle surgery to plan all aspects of our bike trip. Everything went without a hitch. Accommodation was very good, the bikes, particularly the ebikes were excellent and made what could be a bit of a slog into a pleasant few days outings. will use them again no doubt.
From pick up at the airport, to getting bikes sorted, to have accommodation all sorted and also lovely restaurants booked ... It all was very well done! Friendly and helpful staff, doing their very best to sort out any issues immediately. Bikes were very comfortable and enjoyable!
From Pip & Lauren organising our accommodation and logistics, to Audry & Dave carrying out our transfers and face-to-face, we (group of seven friends) had a fantastic time in May, cycling from Middlemarch to Clyde. The bikes, the accommodation, the restaurants, the attention to detail - everything was perfect. Even the weather played its part. Thank you so much. Would not hesitate to recommend Cycle Surgery to anyone thinking about doing this trip.
Three days in late April on the Central Otago Rail Trail was an amazing experience. Breath-taking scenery complimented by the autumn colours. Weather was cool but dry and perfect for the riding conditions. Character field towns and bars to stop on the way serving quality food and friendly service. All made really easy booking through Cycle Surgery who arranged everything - booked our accommodations, evening meals, luggage transport and provided bikes which were of a high quality. Nothing was ever too much for Dave, Pip and the team. Looking forward to my next rail trail ride with Cycle Surgery.