Dive into History on the Otago Central Rail Trail: Middlemarch Museum & New Zealand’s First Submarine When you plan your journey on the Otago Central Rail Trail, make sure to carve out a little time to visit the Middlemarch Museum - a treasure trove of fascinating local history and home to something truly special: New Zealand’s first submarine, the Platypus. The Platypus was a 10-metre (33 ft) long iron-plate submarine designed by a French scientist and built in Dunedin. O

The Australian Magpie - the ultimate helicopter parent on the Otago Central Rail Trail Field guide to Magpies: ultimate helicopter parents Springtime on the Otago Central Rail Trail is sunshine, lambs, wildflowers… and the occasional magpie aerial manoeuvre. Yes, it’s that time of year again when magpies take to the skies to defend their nests with the enthusiasm of a parent who’s just discovered you parked too close to their driveway. Here’s how to share the trail, and ke

Traveling light (or not) on the Otago Central Rail Trail: Daily bag transfers Ah, packing. The part of any trip that makes grown adults question their life choices. On the Otago Central Rail Trail, we get it - some people are natural minimalists, while others… well, let’s just say they treat four days on the trail like a winter expedition to the Antarctic. That’s why we offer daily bag transfers: you pack your bag, hand it over, and we weigh it (more on that later), check it

Cyclists celebrating reaching Middlemarch, on the Otago Central Rail Trail Here at Big Sky Bike Adventures, one question we’re often asked is: “ Do I need to be super fit to ride the Rail Trail? ” The short answer: no (but there is a but ...) The Otago Central Rail Trail is rated Grade 1 (easiest) on the New Zealand Cycle Trail system. This means it’s mostly flat or gently sloping, wide, and safe for riders of all ages and abilities. Our trail sets the benchmark for family-f

Planning your Rail Trail ride? Big Sky Bike Adventures offers a free concierge service - we’ll book your bikes, accommodation, meals & shuttles, create a personalised itinerary, and save you time and money. Local experts, no extra cost. Why let Big Sky Bike Adventures plan your rail trail ride? Planning a cycling holiday on the Otago Central Rail Trail should be fun - not stressful. That’s where we come in. At Big Sky Bike Adventures, we take care of all the details so you d

One of the joys of cycling the Otago Central Rail Trail is that it’s not just about the riding - it’s about the food, the wine, and the wonderfully warm country hospitality along the way. From hearty cheese rolls to Central Otago pinot noir, the Rail Trail offers a uniquely delicious journey that fuels both your appetite and your soul. Cafés & hotels for lunch After a morning on the trail, nothing beats rolling into a village and finding a welcoming café or country hotel for

If you’re dreaming of a solo adventure, the Otago Central Rail Trail is one of the best trails in New Zealand to do on your own. Safe, scenic, welcoming, and wonderfully flexible, it’s a ride that offers both solitude and camaraderie in equal measure. A trail that’s made for riders The Rail Trail was designed with riders in mind and its' gentle gradients and well-maintained surface make it accessible to cyclists of all abilities. Whether you’re after a peaceful, reflective jo

Planning a Rail Trail trip with a group, whether it’s friends, family, or fellow eBike enthusiasts, should be exciting, not exhausting. At Big Sky Bike Adventures, we specialise in taking the stress out of group travel so you can focus on what matters: riding together, laughing a lot, and creating unforgettable memories on the Otago Central Rail Trail. We’ve had the pleasure of hosting multi-generational families, cruise ship groups on one-day rides, and cycling clubs from a

Today, the Otago Central Rail Trail is a beloved cycle journey through some of New Zealand’s most jaw-dropping scenery but long before...

If you’re looking for a truly memorable way to kick off your Otago Central Rail Trail experience, it’s hard to beat rolling into your...

It’s one of the questions we get asked all the time at Big Sky Bike Adventures: “Should I ride the Rail Trail from Clyde to Middlemarch, or Middlemarch to Clyde?” Here’s the honest truth: you’ll have an incredible time either way. The coffee’s still good, the views are still huge, and your legs will still know they’ve done something. But there are a few subtle differences (including one infamous nor’wester) that might help you decide which way to point your handlebars... Bu

eBike on the Otago Central Rail Trail One of the first decisions you'll make when planning your Otago Central Rail Trail trip with Big Sky Bike Adventures is whether to ride a regular bike or an eBike. Both offer an incredible experience through Central Otago’s sweeping landscapes, but depending on your preferences, fitness level, and travel style, one might suit you better than the other. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of choosing an eBike for your journey. The Ben