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Explore Otago Rail Trail Classic for 5 days with Adventure South and discover unforgettable experiences - Photo 2

Otago Rail Trail Classic

Country:

New Zealand

Flight:

Not included

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Tour id:

34535

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  • Operator:

    Adventure South

  • Length:

    5 days

  • Group size:

    14 pax

  • Age:

    16 to 99

  • Difficulty:

    Difficulty levels:
    • Relaxing
    • Easy
    • Moderate
    • Serious
    • Heart-pumping
  • 23.03-27.03.26 guaranteed icon
  • 02.04-06.04.26 guaranteed icon
  • 04.11-08.11.26 scheduled icon
  • 25.01-29.01.27 scheduled icon
  • 15.02-19.02.27 scheduled icon
  • 02.03-06.03.27 scheduled icon
  • 22.03-26.03.27 scheduled icon
  • 15.04-19.04.27 scheduled icon

Itinerary

Experience the full breadth and depth of New Zealand’s original Great Ride on our fully guided and supported trip on the Otago Central Rail Trail. You’ll enjoy easy riding on this trail created especially for cyclists, walkers and horses. Following the old branch line from Clyde to Middlemarch, it takes in grand landscapes, railway heritage and charming country towns. Our expert guides will show you the trail’s best sights such as gold rush relics, architectural gems and amazing natural wonders. There’s even a chance to try the ancient art of curling at the Southern Hemisphere’s only indoor rink. In addition to the Otago Rail Trail, you will enjoy a warm up ride on the Queenstown Trails and a final day ride on the stunning Otago Peninsula. There will also be a mini wildlife cruise on our final afternoon, with the opportunity to get up close to the marine life in the Otago Harbour, including the Royal albatross, shags, terns and the New Zealand fur seal, conditions permitting! Start in Queenstown and finish in Dunedin with our final night spent at Lanarch Castle, New Zealand's only historic Castle built on the ridge of the Otago Peninsula.

Tour program

Day 1

Queenstown Trails

After an early morning briefing in Queenstown we saddle up for our first ride on arguably the best of the Queenstown Trails. We set off riding from our hotel and quickly join the Frankton Trail, a well formed shingle track along the shore of Lake Wakatipu with stunning mountain and lake views. On reaching the old Kawarau Bridge at Frankton, we join the Twin Rivers Trail and then the Countryside Trail through to Arrowtown, a delightful old gold mining town, in time for lunch. We then continue onto the Arrow River Bridges Trail which includes 2 spectacular suspension bridges and is a delightful ride through to the historic Kawarau Bridge where we can witness bungy jumpers and zipliners getting their adrenaline fix! Loading up our bikes here, we enjoy a scenic drive through the Kawarau Gorge past the historic Roaring Meg and Kawarau gold diggings to the historic gold-mining town of Clyde, our home for tonight. Accommodation : Dunstan House, Clyde Cycle : 42km/26 miles, +432m/1416ft
Day 2

Otago Rail Trail

From the original railway trailhead, we start riding on the Central Otago Rail Trail via the historic railway line, tracking across rural plains encircled by dramatic mountain ranges. Beyond the tiny settlement of Chatto Creek, the trail climbs gently before levelling off to reach our lunch stop, near Omakau. We’ll then hop on the bus for the short detour to must-see Ophir township and the Raggedy Range lookout for a bird’s eye view of the region. Back on the bikes, it’s another 9km of easy riding to reach the tiny settlement of Lauder. Late afternoon we’ll drive to St Bathans for a walk around the surreal Blue Lake formed during the 1800s gold days or a self guided wander through the main street. Enjoy a game of pool or banter at the Lauder pub before we tuck into a well-earned dinner. Accommodation : Lauder School B&B, Lauder Cycle: 44km/28miles, +379m/1243ft
Day 3

Otago Rail Trail

Today’s ride features the trip’s first tunnels and bridges as we trace the pretty Poolburn Gorge and head into the Idaburn Valley. We’ll stop at Hayes Engineering Works, a delightfully rustic heritage site, and Oturehua’s old-fashioned grocery store. After lunch, it’s a gentle climb to the rail trail’s highpoint, then a downhill roll to Ranfurly with its striking art deco architecture. Late afternoon, we’ll take the short drive to Naseby, a cute forestry town famous for its indoor curling rink. Here’s your chance to try ‘bowls on ice’ – it’s very addictive! Naseby is also terrific for a stroll or a sip at the old pub, both nice ways to wind down before we return to Ranfurly for dinner. Accommodation : Hawkdun Lodge, Ranfurly Cycle : 47km/29 miles, 410m/1345m
Day 4

Otago Rail Trail

Today combines the trip’s biggest daily distance with some of its most fun riding. The trail tracks towards Waipiata, then follows the edge of an old lake before entering the Taieri Gorge with yet more bridges and tunnels. It’s a flowing downhill run to the historic Hotel Hyde, a picturesque spot for a breather. From here, the final 27km takes in the poignant 1943 Hyde rail disaster memorial, then wends across rolling plains towards the trail’s end at Middlemarch. After a well-earned café lunch, we’ll board the support vehicle to follow the rest of the still existing railway line through to Dunedin. Tonight, we'll be staying in New Zealand’s only historic Castle, built in 1871 by William Larnach, merchant baron and politician, for his beloved first wife Eliza. It took more than 200 workmen three years to build the Castle shell and master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior. Our final group dinner will be in one of the Castle dining rooms. In keeping with the historic setting, we'll enjoy a four course 'Trust the Chef ' menu. Accommodation : Lanarch Castle, Otago Peninsula Cycle : 61km/38 miles, +290m/951ft
Day 5

Otago Peninsula - Dunedin

After breakfast, we head off on our bikes to explore the Otago Peninsula, overlooking the Otago Harbour, surrounded by volcanic hills on both sides, and home to nesting albatross, penguins, and seals, as well as the site of historic shipwrecks. We'll finish our ride in the small settlement of Portobello, where we'll change out of our riding clothes and pick up lunch to enjoy on the water. We'll get up and close and personal with the Harbour marine life as we board the vessel ‘Sootychaser’ for a mini wildlife tour during which we’ll hear about history of the area, see the boats, make a detour to see harbour birds and Larnach Castle from a distance. The Sootychaser is named after the Sooty shearwater, New Zealand’s muttonbird. Our cycle tour ends with a drop off near the train station in the centre of Dunedin. Those wanting to catch an evening flight can transfer via uber or taxi to the airport or for those wanting to extend their stay in this fascinating city, known for its Scottish and Maori heritage and stunning Victorian and Edwardian architecture, there are plenty of accommodation options available in the central city. Cycle: 33km/21 miles, 301m/987ft

Cancellation Policy as of Wednesday 9th October 2024

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If you wish to cancel your tour, you must notify AS in writing where after the cancellation will take effect subject to the following:

- If cancellation takes place more than 70 days prior to your departure date your full deposit will be forfeited.

- If cancellation takes place within 70-35 days prior  to your departure date 50% of the tour price will be forfeited.

- If cancellation takes place less than 35 days prior to your departure date 100% of the tour price will be forfeited.

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Variations to the conditions outlined in clauses 3, 4 and 5 may apply. Please refer to individual trip notes for details. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credit will be given for services not used. Any amount forfeited, which has not then been paid to AS by you, may be recovered from you by AS as a debt due and payable.

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Amendments/Transfers

AMENDMENTS: To make amendments to your tour arrangements, you must notify AS in writing. Each amendment to your tour arrangements will incur a $100 administration fee and you will be liable for any increase in airfares or operational expenses occasioned by the amendment.

TRANSFERS: If you wish to transfer from one tour to another, you must notify AS in writing after which the transfer will take effect subject to the following. Transfers may only be made to another tour to commence within 12 months of your original departure date and the following transfer charges will apply:

- If your notice is received more than 70 days prior to your original departure date, a $100 transfer fee will apply. In addition, any increase in airfares or operational services or extra permit/deposit penalties will apply: or

- If your notice is received within 70-35 days prior to your original departure date, 25% of your original tour price will be forfeited: or

- If your notice is received within 34-8 days prior to your original departure date, 50% of your original tour price will be forfeited: or

-If less than 8 days prior to your original departure date, 100% of your tour price will be forfeited.

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A deposit of $400 per person should be paid once the booking is confirmed

• The remaining balance must be paid 70 days prior to the trip departure

• The total amount should be paid immediately if the booking is confirmed and the trip departure is within 70 days.

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Cancellation Policy applicable to all bookings made before the 9th October 2024

If the client cancels a trip:

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• Outside 60 days of the departure date you will forfeit your full deposit.

• Between 60-30 days prior to departure you will forfeit 50% of the tour price.

• Within 30 days of departure you will forfeit 100% of the tour price.

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If you wish to transfer from one Adventure South tour to another, you should notify Adventure South in writing and your transfer will take effect subject to the following. Transfers may only be made to another tour to commence within 12 months of your original departure date and the following transfer charges will apply:

• If your notice is received more than 30 days prior to your original departure a $100 transfer fee will apply. 

• If your notice is received within 30-8 days of your original departure date, 25% of your original tour price will be forfeited and the remainder transferred to the departure nominated by you.

• If your notice is received within 7 days of your original departure date, 100% of your original tour price will be forfeited.

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Tour Details

Accommodation

4 nights hotel/motel

Transport

Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage

Transport from Christchurch (return)

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

Flights are not included

Additional Services

Other activities and services are not included

Additional Services

  • 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners
  • Accommodation, twin share, with mostly shared bathroom facilities
  • Taieri Gorge train trip
  • Otago Rail Trail passport
  • Professional driver/guide
  • Private vehicle transport (except for Taieri Gorge train)
  • Water and snacks while cycling

Meals

Tasty cafe breakfasts (x4), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x4), two course restaurant dinners (x4) catered to all dietary requirements

Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas

Guide

Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides with groups of 8 or more)

Good to know

Currency

$

New Zealand Dollar

New Zealand

Plugs and adapters

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Plug type I

Customer reviews

Overall Rating

5

Operator

5

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?
You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.
Which payment options are available?
We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.
Can I change or cancel my reservation?
Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.
What documents are required to participate in the tour?
You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.
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