All You Need To Know About The Otago Central Rail Trail
Get ready to ride 152 kilometres of stunning Central Otago scenery on New Zealand’s original Great Ride - a must-do for adventurers of all ages and cycling abilities.
​
Following the old railway line, the Otago Central Rail Trail takes you on a journey through soaring landscapes, historic tunnels, and over jaw-dropping viaducts, all at your own relaxed pace. This isn’t just a bike ride - it’s a full-blown Central Otago experience.
​
Along the way, you’ll discover charming towns packed with history, friendly locals, and the kind of cafés, country pubs and home-cooked meals you’ll talk about long after you’ve hung up your helmet. And the fun doesn’t stop when the cycling ends - think curling in Naseby, 4WD adventures, and even stargazing under the clearest skies in the world.
​
To help you make the most of it, we’ve pulled together everything you need to plan your perfect Rail Trail escape from trail tips to itinerary inspiration.
​
This is your Big Sky Bike Adventure. Let’s get rolling.
​
Central Otago Rail Trail Map
How difficult is it to cycle the Central Otago Rail Trail?
Easy Does It - The Trail for Everyone
With its gentle gradient and wide, compacted gravel surface, the Otago Central Rail Trail is one of the easiest and enjoyable cycle trails in New Zealand. Designed for trains, not mountain goats, the incline never exceeds 1:50… so if a steam engine could handle it, you absolutely can too.
​
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or haven’t been on a bike since school, the Trail is made for riders of all ages and abilities. We believe everyone should get to experience the magic of Central Otago on two wheels, which is why we offer eBike hire, plus trailers and options for younger adventurers - making the journey accessible (and fun) for the whole family. So don’t worry if you're not Tour de France material - this trail is all about soaking up the scenery, not racing through it.
Getting to and from the Central Otago Rail Trail
The Otago Central Rail Trail is easy to get to, with international airports located within an hours’ drive from each end of the Otago bike Trail, in Dunedin and Queenstown. Wherever you start your New Zealand Rail Trail adventure, we offer a range of reliable and comfortable transport options to get you to and from the Trail.
When is the best time to ride the Central Otago Rail Trail?
The Otago Central Rail Trail is open year-round, but the official season runs from late September to early May when the trail is buzzing, the cafés and pubs are open, and accommodation providers are in full swing.
​
Autumn: The Star of the Show: Late March to May is hands-down the most popular time to ride. Cold, crisp mornings give way to stunning blue-sky days, and the autumn colours? Absolutely spectacular. It’s no wonder so many riders choose to cycle the Rail Trail in autumn -it’s Central Otago at its picture-perfect best.
​
That said, with popularity comes pressure. Accommodation often books out months (or even years!) in advance, so if you’re dreaming of a golden-leaved Big Sky adventure, we recommend getting in touch early - we’ll help you lock in the good stuff before it disappears.
​
Every Season Has Its Charm: Whether it’s spring blossoms, summer sunshine or a crisp autumn ride followed by a cosy fireside wine, the Rail Trail is a joy in any season — just with a slightly different vibe (and layering strategy). Want to know what the weather’s like when you’re thinking of visiting? Check out our seasonal weather guide below to find out what to expect year-round.
​
Weather on the Central Otago Rail Trail
Ah, the Central Otago weather - often a delight, occasionally a drama, and always a little unpredictable. If you’re wondering what the weather might do while you’re on the Trail, the honest answer is: whatever it pleases.
As with any outdoor adventure, you’ll want to come prepared. Wind is the most common challenge (especially that nor’wester), but you might also encounter rain, fog, sleet or even a surprise snowfall. But don’t worry - a good jacket and a great attitude go a long way out here.
​
Here’s a seasonal snapshot of what you can expect:
​
Spring (Late September to Early November): Spring is a bit of a mixed bag — one day you’ll be riding in sunshine, the next might bring a passing shower or even a dusting of snow. But with fresh green hills, daffodils lining the trail, and playful lambs in every paddock, it’s a charming time to ride — just bring layers and your sense of humour.
Summer (Late November to Early March): Hot, dry days with temperatures climbing into the mid-30s are typical in a Central Otago summer. Mornings are your friend - start early to beat the heat, then reward yourself with long, golden evenings and a cold drink at a country pub. Nights are pleasantly cool, perfect for stargazing (or sleeping).
Autumn (Late March to May): This is the Rail Trail’s golden season. Crisp, cold mornings give way to clear blue skies, and the autumn colours are nothing short of spectacular. It’s the most popular time to ride and once you see those poplars glowing gold, you’ll know why.
​
Want help choosing the best time for your Big Sky Bike adventure? Just ask - we’re happy to chat weather, wine, and anything in between.
​​
How long is the Central Otago Rail Trail?
The Otago Central Rail Trail stretches a scenic 152km from Middlemarch in the south to the charming township of Clyde in the north - and how long it takes to ride is totally up to you.
​
If you're feeling fit (and a little bit fearless), you can knock it out in three days, averaging around 50km per day - about 4.5 to 5 hours in the saddle. But unless you're secretly a cycling machine, we suggest slowing things down a little.
For most riders, four or five days is the sweet spot. That means pedalling a relaxed 2.5 to 3 hours a day, leaving you loads of time to enjoy the best bits of Central Otago -the coffee stops, the country pubs, the stargazing, the scenery, and those blissful moments when you finally get off the saddle and sink into a well-earned local wine.
Take your time. Trust us - the Trail is better savoured than rushed.
Which direction should we cycle the Rail Trail?
There’s no right or wrong way to ride the Otago Central Rail Trail -whether you start in Clyde or Middlemarch is completely up to you. Most riders begin in Clyde, thanks to its handy proximity to Queenstown Airport, and the hope that the prevailing nor-wester will give them a gentle push along the way. (Fair warning though — Central Otago winds have a mind of their own, so we wouldn’t bet the trip on it!)
​
The highest point of the Trail is right in the middle, between Wedderburn and Oturehua, which means you’ll be pedalling gently uphill for half the journey and coasting pleasantly downhill for the other, no matter which way you go. Our team can customise your itinerary to start from either end, depending on your travel plans and preferences - so just let us know what suits you best, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Packing for your Rail Trail experience
From padded shorts to cycling gloves, it’s hard to know what to pack for your cycle holiday! Here’s a quick list to get you started - and to ensure your bag doesn’t tip over the 15kg weight limit.
-
Padded cycling shorts. Seriously. Everyone wears them
-
Sneakers/comfortable cycling shoes
-
Lightweight leggings (Polyprop/Lycra/Merino)
-
Mid-weight jacket (merino/fleece)
-
Long-sleeve t-shirt (merino/micro fleece)
-
Short-sleeve t-shirt
-
Waterproof jacket – waterproof top essential, waterproof pants optional
-
Sunscreen
-
Cycle gloves
-
Lightweight scarf
-
Casual evening wear – dinners are a casual event.