OTAGO CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL
Otago Central Rail Trail ~ New Zealand's original great ride!
This remote and beautiful trail consists of 150km of walking or biking track between Middlemarch and Clyde, Central Otago. Originally the railway line was completed at the turn of the 20th century, providing a link between Central Otago and Dunedin until it closed in 1990. Today there is still 60km operational running from Middlemarch through the Taieri Gorge to Dunedin and operated by Dunedin Railways as a tourist attraction.
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The Department of Conservation (DOC) bought the line 3 years after the last train ran, and the rail trail was opened to bikers and walkers in 2000. It took six years and over $850,000 to convert the trail for cyclists, horse riders and walkers.
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Riding the Trail
The rail trail can be ridden in either direction and most people ride it over 3-5 days. It passes through remote and rugged scenery, unique to Central Otago, so why not take your time and immerse in the scenery?!
There are numerous small townships along the trail with a variety of accommodation options. You can organise your own adventure, choose and book where you want to stay and carry supplies, or get one of the local tourism companies to organise everything for you and transport your luggage along the way!
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Recommended Companies
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