SHORTLIST

Cycle New Zealand: Otago Rail Trail

It’s almost like New Zealand was made for cycling. This is a land known for its natural beauty, welcoming people and delicious wine, and this cycling trip just happens to take in the best of it. Kick things off in the outdoor paradise of Queenstown, then cycle the famous Central Otago Rail Trail through small gold-mining towns like Alexandra, Omakau, Wedderburn and Hyde. Meander through the open plains with pristine rivers, enjoy some proper South Island hospitality at local taverns, and rediscover the joy of pedalling through one of the most gorgeous areas in the entire country.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. It is vital that you provide us with your height at least 30 days prior to your trip starting so we can ensure the correct sized bike for you. If we do not have your height we cannot guarantee a bike that fits you perfectly. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price
2. This trip starts at 8am and finishes on arrival back to Queenstown on Day 4 (approx 5pm)
3. To complete this trip it is important that you are both confident and competent in riding a bicycle.
4. Bicycle helmets are compulsory on this trip. Please bring your own helmet.
5. On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group.
6. This trip ds not have a support vehicle but your luggage is transported for you from accommodation to accommodation each day.
7. Luggage is limited to 1 bag per client, no heavier than 15kgs. Fees apply if baggage limit is exceeded. If staying in Queenstown before and after your trip, you may want to ask your accommodation provider to store your extra belongings as they may allow this free of charge.
8. Our riding is done mostly on a well-graded and maintained gravel cycle path, so there are no technical cycling skills required.
9. An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are on an 'on request' basis only - it is important to advise us of your height at the time of request.. A request ds not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.
10. If you are bringing your own bike please advise us at the time of booking so we can ensure the correct 'on-ground' transport arrangements.
11. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 1 (Guesthouse) and Day 2 (Cottage) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Tour details

Tour Provider	Intrepid Travel
Price From	$1,810
Number of Days	4
Start Location	Queenstown, New Zealand
End Location	Queenstown, New Zealand
Age Range	Avg. 30+
Group Size	1 to 12
Tour Style	Standard
Tour Themes	Small group
Physical Rating	Moderate

Itinerary Open all

Day 1: Queenstown & Otago Rail Trail

Kia-ora! Welcome to Queenstown, New Zealand. If you have time before or after the tour in the country's adventure capital, there's simply no end to the line-up of optional activities including bungee-jumping, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, helicopter rides, jet boating and paragliding. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars to keep you entertained.

This cycling trip kicks off with a pick-up at 8 am. After the meeting, you’ll jump in a private vehicle and follow the Kawarau River to nearby Clyde (85kms, approximately 1.5 hour), where you’ll be fitted with your bike to start your cycling adventure along the Otago Rail Trail, which has been voted NZ's ‘Favourite Ride’ for the past two years. The trail runs for 152 kilometres/95 miles in total and was originally used to transport supplies to and from the Gold Fields, then later to transport goods and livestock. It fell into disrepair but was refurbished into a rail trail at the start of the new millennium and is now arguably the best way to explore the area and contribute to the local economy. You'll begin by cycling past vineyards, over an old wooden trestle bridge and along the Clutha River Track for around 13 kilometres before arriving in Alexandra via the historic bridge. Take a short rest in this delightful gold rush-era town, then cycle toward Galloway Station and though Chatto Creek, up Tiger Hill then cruise downhill to your overnight accommodation in Omakau/ Ophir. Perhaps join the locals for dinner and a locally-brewed Dark Horse beer or cider at the renowned Commercial Hotel before settling in for a well-earned sleep.

For those looking for a little more riding we highly recommend a side trip to Ophir (4kms/2miles return from Omakau). Once a thriving Goldfields hub, its well-preserved historical buildings and one of the last surviving suspension bridges in Central Otago (Dan O’Connell Bridge) are well worth the extra effort.

Day 2: Otago Rail Trail - Omakau to Wedderburn

The highlight of today's cycle is the beautiful Poolburn Gorge section of the trail, which features two tunnels and two viaducts. You'll then ride through the Ida Valley farmlands, pedalling past Idaburn Dam, one of New Zealand's few outdoor curling sites, and visiting the Hayes Historic Engineering Works before stopping at Oturehua Tavern for lunch. After lunch, you'll continue north to the Golden Progress Mine and up to the highest point of the trail before stopping for the night at Wedderburn. In the evening, enjoy a traditional, farm-style meal at the Wedderburn Tavern (not included) and rest those legs.

Day 3: Otago Rail Trail - Wedderburn to Waipiata

A short but good day today – just 23 kilometres in total – though it's mostly downhill from Wedderburn to Ranfurly, Otago's Art Deco capital. Enjoy morning tea and have a look around this small yet eclectic town, then cross the Maniototo Plains. Here you are further from the sea than elsewhere in New Zealand and it shows in the scenery and the near-empty roads - this is Lord of the Rings territory, and the flat plains give way to snow-capped mountains on the horizon.

Day 4: Otago Rail Trail - Waipiata to Middlemarch/Queenstown

Today you'll cycle approximately 55 kilometres with stunning views of the Rock and Pillar Ranges. Starting your day riding alongside the Taieri River, the fourth-longest in New Zealand and one of today's highlights. Cross the historic Capburn Bridge and Price's Creek Viaduct and continue your way downhill, passing through more tunnels (including the famous Daisybank tunnel) then pausing at the Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial, which commemorates the fatal 1943 derailment of a passenger train. Enjoy a morning snack en route before arriving in Middlemarch and the end of the cycling part of your adventure. Take a while to grab lunch at one of the local eateries or load up at Maggies Ice Cream shop before transferring by vehicle (approx. 3 hrs) back to Queenstown, where your trip finishes on arrival.

Inclusions

Meals: 3 breakfasts.
Transport: Bicycle, minivan (e-bike available, subject to availability).
Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse (3 nights).
Guided bike ride - Otago Rail Trail.
Otago Rail Trail - 4 days Otago Central Rail Trail bike hire.
Transfer to Queenstown.

Departure dates

Start	End	Availability	Price NZD
06 Sep 2024	09 Sep 2024	6	$1,925
27 Sep 2024	30 Sep 2024	11	$1,810
11 Oct 2024	14 Oct 2024	12	$1,980
25 Oct 2024	28 Oct 2024	12	$1,980
08 Nov 2024	11 Nov 2024	12	$2,055
15 Nov 2024	18 Nov 2024	10	$2,055
22 Nov 2024	25 Nov 2024	12	$2,055
06 Dec 2024	09 Dec 2024	12	$2,055
13 Dec 2024	16 Dec 2024	12	$2,055
21 Dec 2024	24 Dec 2024	12	$2,055
30 Dec 2024	02 Jan 2025	12	$2,055
17 Jan 2025	20 Jan 2025	12	$1,980
15 Feb 2025	18 Feb 2025	12	$1,980
28 Feb 2025	03 Mar 2025	12	$1,980
21 Mar 2025	24 Mar 2025	12	$1,905
04 Apr 2025	07 Apr 2025	12	$1,905
25 Apr 2025	28 Apr 2025	12	$1,905
12 Sep 2025	15 Sep 2025	12	$1,905
26 Sep 2025	29 Sep 2025	12	$1,905
17 Oct 2025	20 Oct 2025	12	$1,905
07 Nov 2025	10 Nov 2025	12	$1,980
14 Nov 2025	17 Nov 2025	12	$1,980
21 Nov 2025	24 Nov 2025	12	$1,980
05 Dec 2025	08 Dec 2025	12	$1,980
12 Dec 2025	15 Dec 2025	12	$2,055
19 Dec 2025	22 Dec 2025	12	$2,055
02 Jan 2026	05 Jan 2026	12	$2,055
09 Jan 2026	12 Jan 2026	12	$2,055
16 Jan 2026	19 Jan 2026	12	$2,055
06 Feb 2026	09 Feb 2026	12	$2,055
20 Feb 2026	23 Feb 2026	12	$1,980
06 Mar 2026	09 Mar 2026	12	$1,980
20 Mar 2026	23 Mar 2026	12	$1,905
03 Apr 2026	06 Apr 2026	12	$1,905
17 Apr 2026	20 Apr 2026	12	$1,905
03 Jun 2026	06 Jun 2026	12	$1,895
17 Jun 2026	20 Jun 2026	12	$1,895
08 Jul 2026	11 Jul 2026	12	$1,895
29 Jul 2026	01 Aug 2026	12	$1,895
05 Aug 2026	08 Aug 2026	12	$1,895
12 Aug 2026	15 Aug 2026	12	$1,895
26 Aug 2026	29 Aug 2026	12	$1,895
02 Sep 2026	05 Sep 2026	12	$1,895
09 Sep 2026	12 Sep 2026	12	$1,895
23 Sep 2026	26 Sep 2026	12	$1,895
30 Sep 2026	03 Oct 2026	12	$1,895
07 Oct 2026	10 Oct 2026	12	$1,895
28 Oct 2026	31 Oct 2026	12	$1,895
11 Nov 2026	14 Nov 2026	12	$1,895
25 Nov 2026	28 Nov 2026	12	$1,895
09 Dec 2026	12 Dec 2026	12	$1,895
23 Dec 2026	26 Dec 2026	12	$1,895
06 Jan 2027	09 Jan 2027	12	$1,895