Wedderburn to Clyde – Otago Central Rail Trail Ultimate Family Overnight

ADDITIONAL TOUR INFORMATION

Your Wedderburn to Clyde Fantastic Family Ride starts at 8.45am at our Bike it Now! shop in Clyde. On arrival we will fit your bikes and go through a trail briefing.

CYCLING DISTANCE FROM WEDDERBURN TO LAUDER 34.5KMS (Oturehua start 22.5kms)

Your family ride on the Otago Central Rail Trail begins at the Wedderburn Goods Shed made famous through landscape artist Grahame 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 also get one on the run from Gilchrist’s store).

Next 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. plus Central Otago stunning landscapes. You finish for the day in the lovely village of Lauder with its original Railway station.

Overnight -Lauder School
 The Lauder Railway School was officially opened on March 5th 1906. It was built to accommodate the children of the railway workers who were based at Lauder. There was another school on the Lauder Flat called the Lauder School so the word “Railway” was added to the name to differentiate the two. On the first day there were seventeen pupils and by the end of the year there were twenty-seven. The school continued in operation until 1986 by which time the roll had dropped to just four pupils.

The unique century-old school building has been transformed into three lovely ensuite rooms and a communal dining/social space. There are self-contained studio units which are standalone rustic-style cottages in the school gardens. They also have some very nice shared facility rooms like the aptly named Sports Shed. The Spa pool is always a relaxing way to end the day.

DAY 2 LAUDER TO CLYDE CYCLING DISTANCE 44 KM

At the beginning of the day you have have the option (a recommended 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 also the smart option to avoid the headwind 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.

Otago Rail Trail Family Packages Accommodation

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. Pricing is based on 2 adults and 2 children under 12.

1. Standard Family Package Accommodation (share bathrooms) 

•  from $980.00

2. Superior Family Package Accommodation (ensuite/own bathroom) 

•  from $1090.00

3. Boutique/Lodge Family Package Accommodation

• Price on application, please talk to us about your requirements.

Other Rail Trail Tour Options

• Boutique/Luxury Otago Central Rail Trail Tour (4 Days)
• 4 Day Self Guided Otago Central Rail Trail
• 5 Day Self Guided Otago Central Rail Trail