Bucket list experience:
Credit Tourism New Zealand
Central Otago is one of the South Island’s jewels – an immense area of spectacular upland scenery.
The 150km Otago Trail, from Clyde to Dunedin, passes through mountain ranges, hills and gorges, past old goldmines, across the vast Maniototo plain, ending in the fruit-growing areas of Central Otago.
The route follows a converted railway track and has been designed specifically for use by long-distance walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders. It’s New Zealand’s most popular cycling trail.
If you don’t fancy the full 3-, 4- or even 5-day epic adventure, there are one-day customised options, including pick up from Queenstown or Dunedin.
There are several tour operators servicing the trail. They can pick up from Queenstown, Dunedin or Christchurch. You can either hire equipment from them (and get itinerary advice), or go on a guided trip. The whole trail can be completed in three days, though four and five-day options allow for a slower pace and sightseeing along the way.
If pressed for time, just tackle a single section; operators can arrange transfers for you and your luggage. Independent travellers can pick up the trail in either Clyde or Middlemarch.
Local specialist Off the Rails offers customised one-day trips, or if you’re doing the whole trail, daily pick-ups and drop-offs staying in the same accommodation each night.
The trail website lists the best hotels, guesthouses and other simple accommodation options at stops along the way, but the trail is becoming extremely popular, and accommodation options are limited – so book ahead.
There’s little shade on the trail and temperatures can fluctuate – from extremely hot to extremely cold. For a full list of essentials to take with you, see the trail’s website.
The trail is open all year round. High summer would be perfect, but spring and autumn are also great for cycling in New Zealand.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
South Islands, New Zealand
A primordial playground with truly spectacular scenery on the grandest scale, outdoor adventure activities galore, colourful and compelling Maori culture and terribly nice Kiwis.
