Your Wedderburn to Clyde Fantastic Family Ride starts at 8.45am at our shop in Clyde. On arrival we will fit your bikes and go through a trail briefing.
Enjoy an informative 1 hour drive via historic Ophir to Wedderburn / Oturehua.
Your family ride begins at the Wedderburn Goods shed made famous through landscape artist Graham Sydney. You will then head to Oturehua and experience quintessential rural New Zealand. Call by Gilchrists Store and Hayes Engineering before you cross the Ida Valley. Lunch beckons at the Oturehua Country Tavern or Hannah’s Cafe at Hayes Engineering, you can get one on the run from Gilchrist’s store. An Oturehua start will mean lunch at Lauderstationside Cafe or the Lauder Hotel.
The Poolburn Gorge Section is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Otago Central Rail Trail. It cuts through the Raggedy Range that separates the Manuherikia and Ida Valleys. Highlights of this section of the trail include the 37m high Poolburn Viaduct, two tunnels, the trails longest bridge and Central Otago stunning landscapes. You finish for the day in Omakau- after passing through the lovely village of Lauder with its original Railway station.
Overnight – Hawksview BnB
Hawksview is a gracious two-story home built in the 1930s with an attractive garden setting. It overlooks the Rail Trail, and is 75 metres north of the Omakau shops and food outlet.
Friendly, clean comfortable, bed and breakfast accommodation – 3 large double bedrooms upstairs including a twin with shared bathrooms.
Includes an outdoor therapeutic spa pool, furniture, and BBQ make a relaxing stop over for families.
At the beginning of the day you have have the option (a must do) to take a side trip to historic Ophir. Cycling down the trail from Tiger Hill to the Chatto Creek Tavern is awesome. Relax and refresh yourself at the Tavern then continue on to Alexandra. Two choices from there; stay on the Otago Central Rail Trail or head through Alexandra and return via the River Track a little more technical but great fun. This is the smart option to avoid the head wind that can sometimes strike up along the Otago Central Rail Trail later in the afternoon.
Otago Central Rail Trail Trust; Rail Trail Passports
These passports will be included in your package. They will contribute immeasurably to your trip as they are great for the kids and adults to complete throughout the 2 days. The funds go directly to the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust for maintenance of the trail so that others can enjoy the trail after you.
There are three grades of accommodation, generally all accommodation includes a continental breakfast. The exact price will depend on the accommodation that is available and suitability for your group.
Standard Family package Accommodation ( share bathrooms)
Superior Family package Accommodation (ensuite/own bathroom)
Boutique/Lodge Family package