THE EXPERIENCE
Rail Trail Classic
Our original rail trail experience running since 2004. An amazing 4 days of cycling along the famous Otago Central Rail Trail. Get off the trail a little and enjoy fun activities off the bike like curling. Visit historic gold mining towns and get a taste of some of the best Central Otago has to offer, leaving you wanting to come back for more.
Your Experience Includes:
- 4 nights boutique accommodation
- 5 days e-bike hire with all accessories
- All breakfasts
- Cycling through amazing scenery
- Have a Go Curling Session
- Sightseeing trip to St Bathans
- Great food, drinks, times and hospitality
- Choose from one of the many optional activities on offer
- Return transfers – Queenstown to Clyde, Ranfurly to Naseby return, Middlemarch to Queenstown or Dunedin
- Supported trip with The Luxury Trail Co, van and driver throughout.
Itinerary
This is a taste of what your Rail Trail Classic experience will look like.
You will be picked up from Queenstown and transferred to the historic township of Clyde. Once a bustling gold mining village, today Clyde is famous for its historic precinct, cafes, restaurants and galleries. Enjoy lunch at one of the Clyde cafes. Enjoy an afternoon ride on the Clyde to Alexandra River Track – a lovely walking and cycling track which runs alongside the mighty Clutha River. On your return cycle to Clyde on the Rail Trail you may wish to call into one of the Alexandra Vineyards.
Today you will cycle through typical Central Otago landscapes of wild thyme and schist rock. Enjoy lunch before ascending Tiger Hill a gentle ‘S’ bend climb to the top of Tiger Hill. It is then downhill into Omakau.
Today you will enjoy a sightseeing trip to the historic Gold Mining town of St Bathans before Cycling the most popular and scenic section of the Otago Central Rail Trail – The Poolburn Gorge. You will cycle through schist cuttings, through two long tunnels and over the 37m high Poolburn Viaduct. With spectacular 360 degree views, you will be immersed Central Otago beauty!
Visit Hayes Engineering, 1km before Oturehua, and marvel at the workshop and homestead of inventor Ernest Hayes, 19th century pioneers whose resourcefulness, skill and determination define the spirit of “kiwi ingenuity”. Enjoy a well-earned coffee and lunch. After lunch cycle into Oturehua and step back into yesteryear and visit the Gilchrist General Store.
Today you will cross the highest point on the Trail then drop down into Wedderburn and cross the Maniototo Plains to the art deco town of Ranfurly. The team from Luxury Trail Co. will meet you in Ranfurly and transport you to Naseby for a Have a Go Curling Session – enjoy a hot time on ice!
Today is your final day on the Otago Central Rail Trail. From Kokonga you will enter the upper Taieri Gorge, another scenic and popular section on the Rail Trail. The picturesque gorge follows the Taieri River as it meanders south through the Strath Taieri Valley. You will cross the Prices Creek Viaduct and enter the 152m long Prices Creek tunnel. Between Hyde and Middlemarch, you will pass the site known as Straw Cutting, where on 4 June 1943 the Cromwell to Dunedin passenger train crashed, killing 21 passengers. You will cycle through the heart of the Strath Taieri with the vast Rock and Pillar range on your right.
Helpful information
We’re all about giving you the best experience possible, here are some notes that you might find helpful.
Yes, return transfers to and from Queenstown and back to Queenstown or Dunedin. And you will be fully supported privately with The Luxury Trail Co, with private van and driver throughout. Daily baggage transfers (2 bags per person – maximum weight limit per bag – 15kg).
- Lunches, snacks and drinks
- Evening Meals (except Kokonga Lodge)
- Alcoholic beverages
We supply a fleet of excellent, comfortable e-bikes with high spec components. Along with all the accessories you might need like gel seats, panniers and more to ensure a comfortable ride.
Grade 1 (Easiest) – Suitable for novice riders, families and those seeking an easy, relaxing cycling experience. Gravel surface with only gentle climbs.
Itineraries are subject to changes due to availability, weather conditions and/or factors outside our control.
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