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Lake Dunstan and Otago Central Rail Trail

Name: Lake Dunstan and Otago Central Rail Trail
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 1860 USD
Availability: InStock

Country:

Nueva Zelanda

Flight:

Not included

Favorite

Tour id:

65301

Operator:

Adventure South
Length:

5 days
Group size:

14 pax
Age:

16 to 99

06.10-10.10.25 guaranteed
18.11-22.11.25 guaranteed
08.12-12.12.25 scheduled

Itinerary

Ride through an array of spectacular southern landscapes on our fully guided and supported trip taking in both the Lake Dunstan Trail and Otago Central Rail Trail. The adventure begins with a warm up ride alongside the shimmering waters of Lake Dunstan before we have the option to ride through the dramatic Cromwell Gorge on the new Lake Dunstan Trail. Then you’re off on New Zealand’s first and most famous Great Ride. Following the old Otago Central railway line from Clyde to Middlemarch, this iconic, multi-day ride takes in grand landscapes, charming towns, country hospitality and rich history. Our expert guides will show you the best trailside highlights such as heritage sites, architectural gems, and vineyards. You’ll also enjoy delicious local food and drink, and friendly welcomes in accommodation full of character.

Tour program

Day 1

Cromwell to Clyde

We’ll meet in downtown Queenstown at 8:00am and drive through the picturesque Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell. We unload the bikes at Smith’s Way and start our journey with an easy ride following the glistening shores of Lake Dunstan. We pass through Cromwell’s Old Town, a small historic precinct dating back to the gold rush days of the 1800s, where galleries, coffee shops and boutiques give us a short break from the bike. The trail continues along the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to the Bannockburn Bridge offering stunning views across the lake while passing by wineries and olive groves, making the perfect stop for lunch. From Cornish Point some riders will continue on along the new Lake Dunstan Trail into the dramatic Cromwell Gorge, where the track winds around sheer rockfaces and over lake inlets on impressively engineered platforms and bridges rising above the lake to Clyde. For those riders who wish to avoid the more demanding section through the gorge, there will be an option to drive to Clyde and ride all or part of the easier river trail to Alexandra, or explore the small historic town. We will all meet again in Clyde, settle into our comfortable accommodation and enjoy a winery visit and our first group dinner in the early evening. Cycling Distances: Smith’s Way to Cornish Point – 30km/18miles Cornish Point to Clyde via Lake Dunstan (Moderate) – 25km/15miles Clyde to Alexandra River Trail (Introductory) – 12km/7miles each way Accommodation: Dunstan House, Clyde

Day 2

Clyde to Lauder - 44km Cycle

Leaving Clyde via the historic railway line, we’ll track 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, 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 region. Back on the bikes, it’s another 9km of easy riding to reach Lauder. Late afternoon we’ll drive to St Bathans for a walk around the surreal Blue Lake formed during the 1800s gold days. Enjoy a game of pool or banter at the Lauder pub before we tuck into a well-earned dinner. Cycling distance: 44km/27miles Accommodation: Lauder School B&B

Day 3

Lauder to Ranfurly - 47km Cycle

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 sup at the old pub, both nice ways to wind down before we return to Ranfurly for dinner. Cycling distance 47km/29 miles Accommodation: Hawkdun Lodge, Ranfurly

Day 4

Ranfurly to Dunedin - 59km Cycle

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 lunch, we’ll board the support vehicle for the drive to Dunedin where we‘ll celebrate our trip with a final group dinner. Cycling distance: 59km/37 miles Accommodation: Dunedin Palms Motel

Day 5

Dunedin to Christchurch - 24km Cycle

After breakfast, we head off to ride alongside the Otago Harbour to Portobello. This ride takes us down the 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 get a closer look as we board the vessel ‘Sootychaser’ for a mini wildlife tour across to Port Chalmers. The Sootychaser is named after the Sooty shearwater, New Zealand’s muttonbird, and on our tour we’ll hear about history of the area, see the boats, make a detour to see harbour birds and Larnach Castle from a distance. From Port Chalmers we’ll drive north stopping for a wander around the Victorian Precinct and portside park in Oamaru. After lunch we continue driving northwards across the Canterbury Plains, and on to Christchurch for a central city drop-off around 6pm. Cycling distance: 15-20km/10-15 miles

Tour Details

accommodation

4 nights hotel/motel

guide

Professional driver/guide

meals

4 breakfasts
4 dinners
Water and snacks while cycling

others

Otago Central Rail Trail passport
Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
New Zealand Good and Service Tax (GST)

transport

Taieri Gorge train trip
Private vehicle transport (except for Taieri Gorge train)

Good to know

Currency

New Zealand Dollar

Nueva Zelanda

Plugs and adapters

Plug type I

Customer reviews

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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.