Fully Supported Otago Central Rail Trail Tour

See and experience more of Central Otago on this fully supported cycling adventure. You will spend four days cycling the famed Otago Central Rail Trail from Clyde to Middlemarch, staying in historic gold mining towns plus plenty of side-trips to visit some of the hidden secrets off the trail. Along the way you can enjoy some of Central Otago’s gastronomic delights including local wine, meats, fruits and other tasty treats.

SUPPORTED TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Door to door collection from Queenstown.
• Full vehicle support throughout.
• Experienced  Tour Leader with expert local knowledge.
• 4 nights Superior  accommodation with ensuite and a daily continental  breakfast.
• Morning & afternoon  teas especially  prepared for you.
• 4 lunches  & 3 evening meals included in the price.
• Bike hire on the latest Trek Roscoe 7’s or step through bikes.
• Option to upgrade to a Merida, Electric Bikes.
• Bike hire  includes a helmet, gender specific saddle, dual density gel seat cover, wireless cycle computer, pannier.
• Off Trail Sightseeing to Ophir, St Bathans and Naseby.
• Curling at the international indoor Rink in Naseby.
• Shuttle to Dunedin or return to Queenstown.

Small group .
Maximum 10 people, tour departs with a minimum of 6 people

TOUR PRICE:    NZ$2200.00 per person, compulsory single supplement of NZ$400.00 applies for single travelers. Note we have a policy of allowing two children over the age of 12 years per scheduled tour.  This does not apply to private tours.

Tours depart with a minimum 6 and maximum of 10 people. These supported tours can depart on dates to suit

SUPPORTED TOUR PROPOSED ITINERARY

DAY 1  QUEENSTOWN TO ALEXANDRA VIA CLYDE

Your Otago Central Rail Trail adventure starts today at 11am when your Tour Leader picks you up from your Queenstown accommodation or from the airport. Enjoy a fascinating tour of some of the area’s history as you travel to Clyde via Arrowtown and the Kawarau and Cromwell Gorges. We have you booked in for lunch at Oliver’s restaurant in Historic Clyde, before your bike fitting at the Bike It Now! shop just around the corner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLYDE   TO ALEXANDRA– CYCLING DISTANCE 8KM or 12 KM

Option to cycle on the beautiful River Track from Clyde to Alexandra or the on the Rail Trail (perfect post lunch exercise).

Overnight:  Asure Avenue Motel  – Self-contained Studio with ensuite and includes a continental breakfast

An upmarket Motel with a 4 star rating compromising of 13 high quality units. The Asure Avenue Motel is ideally situated for easy access to the town center and the Central Otago Rail Trail. David and Karel will welcome you to their motels and assist in any way possible to ensure you have great stay.

We have booked you into Monteith’s restaurant for dinner a short walk from your accommodation. A courtesy coach is available should it be required.

Lunch and Dinner on your own account  today

DAY 2  ALEXANDRA TO LAUDER – CYCLING DISTANCE 36 KM

Cycle through irrigated farmland and the typical schist rock and thyme landscape of Central Otago with a lunch stop at Chatto Creek Tavern.  We cycle through to Lauder, be prepared for the sight of your tour leader with morning and afternoon tea along the way.  From Lauder we drive to visit St Bathans, the Blue Lake and Cambrian.  A stop at the Vulcan Hotel in St Bathans is the perfect end to the day.  We return for the night to our accommodation in Omakau.

Overnight:  Mandy’s  Accommodation – Studio with en suite includes continental breakfast, Queen

Mandy’s Accommodation is nestled 100 meters off the Otago Central Rail Trail, in a lovely, peaceful location in the heart of the small village of Omakau. They offer 5 up-market en suite studio units each with private courtyard, or a well-appointed cottage with landscaped garden, Wi-Fi available. A complimentary continental breakfast is included to enjoy in the privacy of your room.

Mandy your host will ensure you have everything you need after your first day in the saddle.                                                    

Your evening meal is at the Commercial Hotel (NZ’s #1 Country Hotel) in Omakau

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Morning & Afternoon Teas &  Dinner

DAY 3  LAUDER TO WEDDERBURN – CYCLING DISTANCE 34.5 KM

We get back on our bikes at Lauder and first up is one of the highlights of the trail – the Poolburn Gorge.  The trail goes through two long tunnels and across the 37 m high Poolburn Viaduct.   Lunch at Oturehua and then continue cycling to Wedderburn. Settle into your accommodation and change into some warm clothes for curling at the International Indoor Rink at Naseby, we have a pre-dinner drink at one of the historic hotels before enjoying dinner at 2000 Feet Restaurant.

Overnight :Wedderburn Cottages – Small Self Contained Cottage, includes Continental breakfast

The Lodge & Cottages Wedderburn offers Otago Central Rail Trail accommodation & hospitality at its best.

Your hosts Lorraine and Stewart are local farmers who have created some of the most impressive accommodation, the views are spectacular – especially in the morning!

Curling is affectionately known as “The Roaring Game” is akin to the game of bowls but played on ice. This is always a real highlight on the trail, great fun for group!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Morning & Afternoon Teas &  Dinner

DAY 4  WEDDERBURN TO HYDE – CYCLING DISTANCE 46 KM

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 “. You will also pass through Ranfurly, the Art Deco center of Otago.

 

 

Overnight : Hyde School Accommodation and Eatery –School Unit including  a continental breakfast

For many generations Hyde School educated the local children of the area. It was closed 1999 due to dwindling roll numbers. The School building has been completely renovated & refurbished to a high standard.

Located in the grounds of the School are 5 tastefully designed motel-style units known at the” School Units”. You have access to the lounge in the old school house and dinner is served there in the evenings. This is the last night on the trail and one you will not forget – Tania and Ross are fantastic hosts and Tania’s evening meal is something special.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Morning & Afternoon Teas &  Dinner

DAY 5  HYDE TO MIDDLEMARCH – CYCLING DISTANCE 27 KM

Cross the historic Cap Burn bridge, cross another viaduct and plunge into the darkness of the last tunnel on the trail. We will enjoy a celebratory lunch at the Kissing Gate Café.

After a relaxing afternoon we travel through to Dunedin or return to Queenstown your guide will deliver you to you accommodation arriving early evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea & Lunch