LUXURY OTAGO CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL TOURS

Otago gold rush. Today, in recognition of its outstanding heritage value, Olivers is protected by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust with a priority category one classification. Eleven rooms, divided into Stables and Lodge accommodation, superbly blend the old with the new creating a contemporary ambience integrally linked with bygone days.

 

 

DAY 2 –CYCLE TO OMAKAU/OPHIR (B)

Today you have the option to start on the Rail Trail (8km from the Rail Head to Alexandra) or cycle the river route to Alexandra (12km from Clyde Township to Alexandra) , re-joining the Rail Trail there.
On the Rail Trail cross the wood trestle Mutton Town Viaduct and maybe stop and taste some local wine.  Cycle through irrigated farmland and the typical schist rock and thyme landscape of Central Otago.  At Omakau you can leave the trail for a 5km loop road cycle to historic Ophir crossing the Daniel O’Donnell suspension bridge.  There are extensive views of Alexandra, The Old Man Range and the Dunstan Range.

Overnight: Pitches Store

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.  Taking 6 years of restoration, every detail of this Central Otago accommodation reflects contemporary luxury, tastefully combined with hints of its unique 130 year history. With 6 rooms and a restaurant onsite, it’s easy to enjoy passing the time with some great food, wine and good company or simply unwind in the thoughtfully designed rooms.

Cycling Distances:
Clyde to Ophir 37km and 2km by road

 

DAY 3 – CYCLE TO WEDDERBURN (B)

The curved Manuherikia Bridge, the trails longest, the spectacular Poolburn Gorge with its two long tunnels and 37m high viaduct Pass the Ida Burn Dam, famous for curling.  In Oturehua, historic Hayes Engineering Works is worth a visit and stop in at Gilchrists store, NZ’s oldest continuously operating general store.  Just out of Oturehua, visit the Golden Progress Mine where Otago’s last remaining poppet head still straddles a deep mine shaft.

There are breathtaking views of the Ida Valley, Hawkdun and Ida Ranges on this day. A side trip to Naseby including curling at the international indoor rink or out to St Bathan’s can be included (bookings essential).

Overnight: Kokonga Lodge – Lodge Room

Kokonga Lodge sits on a commanding elevated site with panoramic views across the Maniototo – landscapes that have inspired writers and artists for more than 100 years. The lodge offers six beautifully furnished and supremely comfortable en suite rooms each of which has lovely rural or garden views. One of the greatest pleasures of a stay at Kokonga Lodge is the warm hospitality and superb breakfasts and dinners provided by your hosts Dorothy and Malcolm. They have spent many years in the hospitality industry and will make your stay memorable and supremely comfortable.

Cycling Distances:

Ophir to Wedderburn 43.5km (transfer to Kokonga included)

DAY 4 – CYCLE TO KOKONGA (B)

The Wedderburn Goods Shed, made famous Grahame Sydney’s painting ‘July on the Maniototo’.  Rural Art Deco Ranfurly is worth a stop and visit the interactive display at the Information Centre located in the old station building.  The views of the Kakanui Mountains and Ida Range are especially spectacular.  From Kokonga Lodge you can also enjoy some short walks along the Taieri River or to through the very small historical village of Kokonga.

Optional: A shorter days cycling means you have time to visit nearby Naseby and go curling today or alternatively there is time for a 3 hour high country 4WD tour.  If going through to Naseby you can opt to have dinner at 2000ft restaurant.

Overnight: Kokonga Lodge – Lodge Room

Cycling Distances:
(transfer to Wedderburn included) Wedderburn to Kokonga 31.5km

DAY 5 – CYCLE TO MIDDLEMARCH (B)

The historic Cap Burn Bridge, 32 m high Prices Creek Viaduct and Prices Creek Tunnel are highlights of this picturesque section.  Pass the Hyde Rail Disaster Memorial where 21 people lost their lives in a derailment in 1943.  Hyde’s Station built in 1894 still stands.  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.

Return your cycles, collect your bags and catch the connecting shuttle to the Taieri Gorge train to Dunedin ( you will arrive in Dunedin at 6.30pm) or return to Clyde by shuttle where we will then provide a private transfer back to your Queenstown accommodation (arriving 6.00pm).  Alternatively stay an extra night in Clyde and we will transfer you to Queenstown the following morning.

Cycling Distances:
Kokonga to Middlemarch 42km

 

TRIP DETAILS
LOCATION	Central Otago, New Zealand
DATES	Depart on a day to suit. The Autumn months on the trail are the busiest. Early booking i.e. 6 months in advance is recommended.
DURATION	5 days, 4 nights
COST	Boutique/Lodge Accommodation >Tour including Hire Bikes: from:$1055.00 per person> Bring your Own Bike: from: $875.00 per person Accommodation is based on twin share and single supplements will apply for single travellers wanting their own room.
DEPARTURE TIME	8am or other times by arrangement
DEPARTURE POINT	Collection from your Queenstown Accommodation
INCLUDED	>      Collection from your Queenstown accommodation by the Bike It Now! Team (if required) personal bike fitting and pre-trail briefing over complimentary drink>      Accommodation and daily breakfast B)>     4 days cycle and helmet hire + 1/2 day free hire* (this cost is excluded if bringing your own cycle – see above.  Our bikes are 2014 / 2015 Avanti and Scott 29ers and 27.5.  Bikes are available in a range of sizes.  For features of each bike visit https://www.bikeitnow.co.nz/our-bikes . All adult bikes come with: Drop down Pannier bags Water bottle holder A helmet is supplied or you can bring your own. Gender specific saddle and Dual Density Gel Seat Pump and repair kit   >      4 days bag transfers based on 1 bag per person weighing no more than 15kg per bag. >      Taieri Gorge Train to Dunedin and transfers required on the day the train departs from Pukerangi. Additional charges apply if you want to return to Queenstown. >      Full trip preparation information & travel documents including maps >      Otago Central Rail Trail Passport  – full of historical information (funds raised support the work of the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust)
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES	>     Clutha River Cruise from $95.00 per person (min 2 departing Alex/Clyde) www.clutharivercruises.co.nz>Curling & Naseby Tour from $80.00 per person (departing from Kokonga).  Includes 1 hour ice time.  If you wish to dine in Naseby please ask us about this as pricing for transport depends on the number of people.>     4WD High Country Tours 3 hour Tour from $85.00pp 5 hour Tour from: $125.00pp Full Day Tour from: $200.00pp www.maniototo4wdsafaris.co.nz >     3 hour Garden Tours from $95.00pp (departing Wedderburn, Naseby, Ranfurly and Waipiata).  Visit some of the Maniototo’s outstanding country gardens. http://www.komako.net.nz/garden_tours.html
ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS	This itinerary is our recommendation…other accommodation options you may wish to substitute/include:DAY 2: Hawkdun Rise Vineyard Accommodation (near Alexandra)DAY 3: Old Doctors Residence (Naseby)DAY 5: Pukerangi Homestead
NOT INCLUDED	>      All other meals not specified.  A three course dinner at Kokonga Lodge is $70.00 per person including pre-dinner nibbles. Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.>      Additional bag transfers.  Extra bags not needed on the trail can be transferred to the end of the trail and stored for $15 per bag.>      Overweight bag charges.  It is important to stick to the 15kg limit.  This is for the health and safety of the bag services drivers.
TO BOOK THIS TOUR	>      Contact us with your groups details by email to info@bikeitnow.co.nz  or phone 0800 245 366 (+64 3 449 2228): Number in your group and the make up of the group – i.e how many double, twin or single rooms are needed and if there are any children and their ages. Preferred start date What direction you want to complete the trail in (Clyde to Middlemarch or reverse) Any pre or post tour accommodation required Any other requests that will help us plan your holiday >      We will send you a proposed itinerary for you to consider along with a booking form. >      If you accept we will book your tour and will require a deposit from your group within 7 days ($200.00 per adult, $75 per child under 12 years) of you accepting >      Final tour payments are required 6 weeks prior to departure.

 

 

*Children’s bikes, tow behinds and child seats are also available; please contact us for more information.

 

                                 

 

imes�1 o�W��Wsp;    All other meals not specified.

 

>     Additional bag transfers.  Extra bags not needed on the trail can be transferred to the end of the trail and stored for $15 per bag.

>     Overweight bag charges.  It is important to stick to the 15kg limit.  This is for the health and safety of the bag services drivers.

 

TO BOOK THIS TOUR

>     Contact us with your groups details by email to info@bikeitnow.co.nz  or phone 0800 245 366 (+64 3 449 2228):

• Number in your group and the make up of the group – i.e how many double, twin or single rooms are needed and if there are any children and their ages.
• Preferred start date
• What direction you want to complete the trail in (Clyde to Middlemarch or reverse)
• Any pre or post tour accommodation required
• Any other requests that will help us plan your holiday

>     We will send you a proposed itinerary for you to consider along with a booking form.

>     If you accept we will book your tour and will require a deposit from your group within 7 days ($150.00 per person) of you accepting

>     Final tour payments are required 6 weeks prior to departure.

 

 

Children’s bikes, tow behinds and child seats are also available; please contact us for more information.