• Experience the Original Great Ride over four days of riding
• Stunning Boutique / Luxury accommodation
• Hosts who are super informative and passionate about their local area
• Your first night is in Historic Clyde allowing for a leisurely start the next morning
BOUTIQUE LUXURY POSSIBLE ITINERARY
This itinerary is a guideline only and can be tailor-made to suit your group. Additional days and activities are easily added.
DAY 1 - QUEENSTOWN TO CLYDE
Your Otago Central Rail Trail Holiday starts with one of the Bike It Now! team collecting your from your accommodation or the airport at 2pm. Enjoy an informative 1.5 hour drive via the historic Kawarau and Cromwell Gorges to historic Clyde. On arrival we will fit your bikes and go through a trail briefing at our local cafe. This allows for a more leisurely start the following morning and also allows for some practice on your Trek Roscoe 7, with its plus tires and super comfortable riding style
We recommend that you take the time to explore Clyde whether on foot or on your bike. It is one of the most in-tact towns from the early NZ Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s. The historic village has many original stone dwellings, businesses, and public buildings. The lookout point has wonderful views of the Clutha River and the impressive Clyde Dam (New Zealand's third largest hydro-electric dam).
Overnight
Oliver's of Central Otago – Deluxe Superior Room with en-suite including breakfast
DAY 2 - CLYDE TO OPHIR CYCLING DISTANCE 39KM
Today you have the option to start on the Rail Trail (8km from the Rail Head to Alexandra) or cycle along the very scenic millennium trail from Clyde to Alexandra (13km).This trail takes you along the banks of the Clutha Mata-au River passing the Earnscleugh tailings historic reserve en route to the Alexandra Bridge .You will then cycle through Alexandra and re-join the Rail Trail.
From Alexandra you cycle through irrigated farmlands and the typical schist rock and thyme landscape of Central Otago. At Omakau you leave the trail for a road cycle to historic Ophir where Pitches Store awaits, when you complete the 5km loop you will see New Zealand's oldest operating Post Office and cross the stunning Daniel O’Connell suspension bridge.
Overnight
Pitches Store - Deluxe Superior Room with ensuite including a continental breakfast
DAY 3- OPHIR TO WEDDERBURN CYCLING DISTANCE 43KM
Today you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Ida Valley, Hawkdun and Ida Ranges. You will cycle over the 110 meter Manuherikia Bridge, along the spectacular Poolburn Gorge with its two long tunnels and 37m high viaduct pass. In Oturehua, the historic Hayes Engineering Works is worth a visit as is Gilchrist’s store, NZ’s oldest continuously trading general store.
You will be collected and taken to Naseby from the Red Barn at Wedderburn.
Overnight
Old Doctors Residence - Deluxe Superior Suite including a continental breakfast
DAY 4- WEDDERBURN TO KOKONGA CYCLING DISTANCE 31.5KM
You will be returned to the Red Barn at Wedderburn
Today you will experience the wide open plains of the Maniototo and cycle past the Wedderburn Goods shed made famous by Grahame Sydney’s “July on the Maniototo “. You will also pass through Ranfurly, the Art Deco center of Otago. The original train station is now a busy visitor’s information centre.
Overnight
Kokonga Lodge -– Deluxe Superior Room with ensuite including a continental breakfast
Enjoy a 2 course gourmet meal
DAY 5 - KOKONGA TO MIDDLEMARCH CYCLING DISTANCE 42 KM
The highlights on your final day of cycling include the 40 metre long Cap Burn Bridge, Prices Creek Viaduct and Prices Creek Tunnel. Enjoy views of the farmland of the Strath Taieri valley with the Strath Taieri ridge on your left and the Rock and Pillar range on your right.
Finish the trail about 400m north of the Middlemarch Station. On returning your cycles, where you collect your bags and catch the connecting shuttle to Dunedin ( you will arrive in Dunedin at 4.30pm) or return to Clyde by shuttle where we will transfer you back to your Queenstown accommodation (arriving 6.30pm).
Alternatively treat yourself to an extra night of luxury in Clyde and we will transfer you to Queenstown the following morning
Bike Hire Options:
DATES – DAILY DEPARTURES AVAILABLE
Early booking is recommended as getting the accommodation in a nightly sequence can be a challenge. This is due to the limited amount of rooms available for our boutique options.
DEPARTURE POINT: Collection from your accommodation or from Queenstown is available
DURATION: 5 Days, 4 Nights
FINISH: Dunedin or Queenstown
COST: From NZ$1500.00 per person
Accommodation is based on 2 people sharing. A single supplement will apply for single travellers
The historic Oliver’s Lodge complex in Clyde has opened a new chapter in its fascinating history. It has undergone an authentic restoration, reflecting its significant place in the chronicles of the Central Otago region. The original stone complex, located in Clyde’s historic precinct, was built by Benjamin Naylor in 1869. Originally built as a general store, servicing the prospectors who sought their fortunes during the Otago gold rush. Today, in recognition of its outstanding heritage value, Oliver’s is protected by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust with a priority category one classification.
Hidden from the world in the small historic town of Ophir in Central Otago, Pitches Store provides all the charm and special comforts you desire. It offers 6 rooms and an award winning restaurant on-site. Here it is easy to enjoy passing time with great food, wine and good company. Or simply unwind in the thoughtfully designed rooms. Every detail of this Central Otago accommodation reflects contemporary luxury, tastefully combined with hints of its unique 130 year history.
The Award Winning Old Doctor’s Residence is located in the historic precinct of Naseby, Central Otago. Now it has been sensitively restored into a gracious luxury bed and breakfast accommodation.
Charlotte and the team warmly welcome you to The Old Doctors Residence in Naseby. We would love to share our beautiful historic home with you, so we provide this luxury bed and breakfast accommodation for your enjoyment. Your on-site hosts, are very knowledgeable of the local history and area and will be able to ensure your stay is a relaxing and comfortable one.
(You might even want to consider staying 2 nights in Naseby and enjoy not having to pack up in the morning – We have a great friend in George from Off trail Tours who will do all the shuttling required and answer all those important historical questions)
Feel the difference when you arrive at Kokonga Lodge. Situated in a peaceful rural setting across the road from the Taieri River and with direct access to the world famous, Otago Central Rail Trail.
This slice of paradise is set amidst 5 hectares of established gardens and offers a high value and true New Zealand experience. As well as the Lodge, the property is also home to the original Kokonga School, built in 1897. Its building remains on its original site. The Lodge is built on the site of the old school teachers residence.
For guests added relaxation and enjoyment a lovely pool awaits, relax and delight in the turquoise water and enjoy the panoramic view of the Kakanui Ranges.
To add these options on to your tour booking please indicate in the Notes section on the form.
Explore the wines and vineyards of the Alexandra basin in Central Otago. We offer wine tours exclusively in Alexandra giving you an affordable way to experience all our exceptional wineries. By heading to where the grapes are grown, by the people that know it the best, you can taste and buy wine that isn’t widely available.
This is only for those staying in Clyde on their first night before the trail tour. John your tour leader will immerse you in our Alexandra Basin Wine History and introduce you to local producers and wine makers.
You will visit 3 local outstanding Vineyards.
Curling, affectionately known as “The Roaring Game” is akin to the game of bowls but played on ice! The art of curling requires no significant strength, and is easy to master. Every curler first sits down in the warm viewing lounge to watch a brief DVD about curling and the safety aspects involved. After that, you head down to the ice rink for some instruction by the experts and then the fun really begins! This is a classic winter Central Otago activity which is great fun for everyone.
Your guide will immerse you in history of the Irish & Welsh gold miners who flocked to this region in its gold fever heyday of the 1800s. You can still enjoy a beer at the famous St Bathan’s haunted Vulcan Hotel (est 1869). Cambrian is home to New Zealand artist Grahame Sydney who has captured many of Central Otago’s iconic landscapes in his painting and photography.
ALL TRAILS
LAKE DUNSTAN
OTAGO CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL
ROXBURGH GORGE
CLUTHA GOLD
QUEENSTOWN TRAIL
ALPS 2 OCEAN
Bike It Now! Ltd
Phone: +64 3 449 2228
Freephone numbers:
0800 245 366 (NZ)
1800 446 356 (Australia)
Email: info@bikeitnow.co.nz
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