Just wanted to say that we were most impressed with the quality of the equipment we hired from you and the service you provided dropping the bikes off at our hotel in Clyde and picking them up again in Middlemarch.
We had a fantastic time on the Rail Trail, so much so that we'd happily do it all again. Loved all the wonderful southern hospitality, the scenery, the sheer beauty of that part of NZ, and the wonderful good humour of all the people we met on the trail, including your own staff member who we spoke to when he dropped off our bikes. ”
Sheri Pradel
Rail Trail
The Rail Trail is open all year round, the weather in this region is characterized by clear, sunny days, ideal for mountain biking. In the winter, however, this can mean cold nights, frosty mornings and sometimes low-hanging fog. Temperatures in Central Otago can range from 40°C in summer to 0°C in winter.
The Taieri Gorge Railway train operates from Middlemarch to Dunedin from October to April departing Middlemarch on Fridays and Sundays at 1:00pm and arriving into Dunedin at 3:25pm or from Pukerangi to Dunedin each day, departing 11:45am, arriving into Dunedin at 1:30pm or departing 4:45pm and arriving into Dunedin at 6:30pm. For the Pukerangi service you will need to catch the shuttle connection from Middlemarch.
Check out the video below showcasing our Rail Trail Tours ...
Prices effective from 30th June 2009 - 30th June 2010
We offer 3 standard Rail Trail options, but all our support options are personalised, so contact us for a custom-designed experience.
Otago Central Rail Trail 4 Day Tour
Our 4 day Self-Guided Rail Trail package includes:
Pick up from your hotel in Queenstown or airport in Queenstown;
Transport to Alexandra/Clyde where you will collect your bikes (these are fitted to size so we will require your heights) and you will start the Rail Trail that morning,
Day 1 - Ride from Clyde/Alexandra to Omakau, a ride of 35km. This part of the Rail Trail runs through a typical Central Otago schist rock and wild Thyme landscape, finishing in Omakau, you may have time for a visit to the historical township of Ophir in the evening. You will stay in Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Omakau.
Day 2 - Ride from Omakau to Wedderburn, a ride of 43km, this is perhaps the most spectacular section of the Rail Trail. Firstly you cross the Manuherikia River on the trail's longest bridge (110metres) before encountering 2 tunnels which are cut through the schist bluffs of the Poolburn Gorge and cross the Pool Burn river on the 37m high Poolburn Viaduct. The trail then crosses the Ida Valley to Oturehua, where you can visit the authentic 1930's style Gilchrist's Store (still operated as a general store) and the historic Haye's Engineering Workshop. Oturehua is renowned for its hot summers and cold winters, and frequently records both New Zealand's highest and lowest temperatures. Passing the Ida Burn Dam, popular for its winter curling bonspiels, you will gradually climb to the highest point of the Trail, Wedderburn, where you will overnight in Bed & Breakfast accommodation.
Day 3 - Ride from Wedderburn to Hyde, a ride of 46km. The ride starts through the Maniototo Valley into Ranfurly, the main service town of the Maniototo District and then starts descending through Waipiata, crossing the Taieri River and passes the site of the former Taieri Lake. After arriving in the Upper Taieri Gorge, the trail then closely follows the Taieri River until you reach Hyde where you will stay overnight in Bed & Breakfast accommodation.
Day 4 - Ride from Hyde to Middlemarch, a ride of 27km. Beyond Hyde the narrow confines of the upper Taieri Gorge and the river opens up to the wide space of the Strath Taieri Plains until you reach Middlemarch. Here you will either drop off your bikes and take the Taieri Gorge Railway train on to Dunedin or, alternatively, we will transport you back to Alexandra/Clyde or Queenstown.
The cost of this package is $NZ680.00 per person and includes:
4 days bike hire, panniers, helmet, tools and spares, including bike return fee
3 nights Bed & Breakfast accommodation (continental breakfast)
Transport from Queenstown to Alexandra/Clyde
Return transport to Alexandra/Clyde or Queenstown OR Taieri Gorge Railway train ticket
We will transfer 1 bag (max 20kg) per person per drop and additional baggage transfers can be arranged at $10.00 per medium sized bag (max. 20kg) per drop.
This package does not include lunches or evening meals, however these can be organised by prior arrangement or purchased by yourself from various establishments along the Trail.
Overnight stops may vary slightly due to accommodation availability and the operator will use his discretion in this instance.
When you make a booking with Altitude Adventures Ltd you are deemed to have accepted Altitude Adventures Ltd terms and conditions.
For the fitter rider we also offer a 3 day trip including 2 nights accommodation, bike hire, train and transport. Please email for further enquiries.
Grade: 
Beginner (read more)
Poolburn Gorge Spectacular
Why not let us take you to the spectacular Poolburn Gorge section of the Otago Central Rail Trail. This one day ride takes in two tunnels which are cut through schist rock bluffs, the 37m high Poolburn Viaduct and the longest bridge over the Manuherikia River.
This ride is 47km in distance and descends from Auripo Road through the valleys of Central Otago into the townships of Alexandra/Clyde.
Package includes transport to Auripo Road/Poolburn Gorge, bike and pannier hire, helmets, tools, spare and a map. Shuttle leaves from Altitude Adventures, 88 Centennial Ave, Alexandra or can pick up from motels in Alexandra/Clyde by arrangement.
Cost: Adults $89pp
Children under 13yrs $65pp
Family concession, 2 adults & 2 children $295 (additional child $45)
Cyclists: Min 2
Grade: Beginner (read more)
Rail Trail Freedom - choose your support
The classic Otago Central Rail Trail. Freedom ride with full support. Check out what we provide and contact us for help planning your itinerary, accommodation, pick-ups, bike and equipment hire and more.
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