Discover The Trail of 100 Bridges: the Rich History of the Otago Central Rail Trail

Today, the Otago Central Rail Trail is a beloved cycle journey through some of New Zealand’s most jaw-dropping scenery but long before bikes rolled down this iconic route, it was a lifeline for gold miners, farmers, and remote inland communities. Known

as the “Trail of 100 Bridges”, this 152-kilometre journey is more than just a great ride - it’s a ride through history.

From Steam Trains to Spokes

The Rail Trail follows the original path of the Otago Central Railway, built to connect Dunedin with Central Otago’s booming goldfields and agricultural heartland. Construction began in 1891, and in true frontier fashion took 42 years to complete.

Why so long? You can blame the terrain. The engineers and workers had to navigate steep gorges, rocky outcrops, rivers, and some of the harshest weather in the country. To conquer it, they built tunnels, viaducts, cuttings, and yes - bridges. Lots of bridges.

By the time the railway reached Clyde in 1921, it had become a vital route for passengers, livestock, goods, and mail. The line kept rolling until the early 1990s, when road freight took over and the last train chugged out of Clyde.

A New Life on Two Wheels

Thankfully, the story didn’t end there. In a visionary move (and a touch of Kiwi ingenuity), the Department of Conservation, local councils, and passionate volunteers worked together to convert the disused railway corridor into New Zealand’s first Great Ride.

The Otago Central Rail Trail officially opened to cyclists in 2000, and the transformation was nothing short of remarkable. Towns that had once faced economic decline saw new life as cafes, accommodation, and off-trail adventures popped up to welcome riders from across the country - and the world. Today, thousands of people ride the trail each year, soaking up the same views that once greeted steam trains and stock wagons.

Why “Trail of 100 Bridges”?

You’ll cross dozens of original railway bridges on your journey - some short and charming, others soaring over rivers and gorges. While it’s not exactly 100 (the number varies depending on how you count them), the nickname celebrates the engineering marvel of the railway and the epic effort it took to connect the coast to Central.

From the Price’s Creek Tunnel near Hyde to the Poolburn Viaduct, each bridge and tunnel has a story. There’s something magical about pedalling across old iron and timber structures, imagining the puff of a steam train and the lives once lived along the line.

A Living Story

What makes the Rail Trail so special is that you’re not just cycling through scenery-you’re travelling through living history. Every town, station site, and bridge has a tale to tell, from the early gold rushes to the era of wool and rail freight. Places like Omakau, Oturehua, and Middlemarch are still filled with reminders of their railway past - some lovingly restored, others charmingly frozen in time. So take your time, hop off the bike now and then, and read the trail signs. Chat to locals. Visit the old stations and museums. You’re riding a piece of New Zealand’s story.

Ready to Ride the Trail of 100 Bridges?

At Big Sky Bike Adventures, we love sharing the rich history of the Otago Central Rail Trail and we’d love to help you experience it for yourself. We’ll plan your trip, fit your bikes, sort your accommodation, and make sure you don’t miss a single bridge, tunnel, or pub stop along the way.

Get in touch today, and let’s bring your Rail Trail adventure - past and present - to life.