Idaburn e ng Ra Summit 618m Naseby an st n Wedderburn u Ida Bu D Lauder rn CENTRAL to Cromwell olburn Gorg 85 Po to Queenstown 79km e e Lak 8 g e d RANFURLY D Ophir i

u e R 85

n Chatto Creek g Rail Trail st

n h

a a g n R u 85 y Kokonga CLYDE d o R e g h Lower Manorburn g t Daisybank a r

Dam R o N Tiroiti ge an ALEXANDRA R HYDE r la MAP LEGEND il P r open section i-SITE Visitor Centre d 8 Rive n ri a e RAIL TRAIL ai optional route town k T c Rock and Pillar Gorge Trail heritage train ride café/restaurant o Roxburgh R start / finish point toilets 87 Ngapuna r point of interest accommodation e v Ri to Lawrence MIDDLEMARCH a bridge 1 state highway th u © AA Traveller 2018 l to 78km C CLYDE to TRAIL INFO MIDDLEMARCH Otago Central Rail Trail © Miles Holden riding the trail Clyde Alexandra Omakau Oturehua Ranfurly Hyde Middlemarch

beautifully preserved buildings have 600m 8km 29km 28km 26km 32km 28km stood the test of time. 400m 1-5 Days 200m 1-5 days 152km There are over 20 townships 152km 0m located on and off the trail. Take “I found the Rail Trail to be the opportunity to meet the big- Manuherikia River, which flows south to Then it is a straight ride up the Ida RANFURLY TO WAIPIATA, 8KM beyond my expectations. join the mighty Clutha Mata-Au. The trail Valley past historic Hayes Engineering, Easy downhill ride to small rural hearted locals and take detours and It was a great five days traverses the farming area of Galloway as the home of Kiwi ingenuity – well worth township with hotel and some Journey into ’s ever-changing side trips deeper into the region. As well as Chatto Creek, which is home of beautiful scenery, visiting. This is a popular day-trip section accommodation. Great fly fishing if the trail doesn’t have enough to TRAIL GRADES: to ’s smallest operating of the trail. Oturehua boasts Gilchrists available in the . heartland of staggering scenery beneath pleasant and excellent keep you occupied, off-trail activities CLYDE TO ALEXANDRA post office. general store, which is still set out as it accommodation, food and was 100 years ago, a hotel and a range WAIPIATA TO KOKONGA limitless skies on this 152km ride. abound, including curling. ALEXANDRA TO CHATTO meeting great people along CHATTO CREEK TO OMAKAU, of accommodation options. TO TIROITI TO HYDE, 24KM CREEK 12KM If you don’t have at least four the way.” The trail now leaves the he Otago Central Rail producing the finest stone fruit days to ride the full trail, there are CHATTO CREEK TO OMAKAU Ride up Tiger Hill on a sweeping rise OTUREHUA TO WEDDERBURN, through the upper , crossing the state highway twice. Trail reveals breathtaking and Pinot Noir. OMAKAU TO LAUDER 12KM following the river. Kokonga and Tiroiti numerous townships located along Deborah P, 11/07/17, Enjoy the views and the ganger shed treasures not readily Immediately you are offered a diversion have accommodation and nice picnic T There’s a hearty dose of pioneering the way where you can start or LAUDER TO OTUREHUA TripAdvisor information boards along the way. Then to Golden Progress Mine where there sites. It’s a flat, easy ride across the accessible by any other means. It spirit along this trail. The story of end your ride, and many places to OTUREHUA TO WEDDERBURN you have a straight descent into Omakau, are gold-mining remains and a stamper recently repainted historic stone Cap CLYDE TO ALEXANDRA, 8KM leads you through a rocky region the hardy folk of the gold-rush days stop for the night. There are plenty a town with most services. A side trip to battery. Then it is a slow climb out of the Burn Bridge, then follow the trail across WEDDERBURN TO RANFURLY Stay overnight in historic Clyde before cradled by mountain ranges surging historic Ophir, with its 1880 suspension Ida Valley to the highest point of the trail a viaduct and tunnel that makes this is told through abandoned gold- of friendly folk to transport your you start your journey. There’s a hotel with wild rivers and dramatic RANFURLY TO WAIPIATA bridge and the Ophir Post Office, is well before you start swinging east into the section a perfect one-day taste-tester. mining villages, dark tunnels, trestle luggage for you, and no shortage and other dining and accommodation worth the additional few kilometres. Maniototo. Wedderburn has pub food gorges, dotted with shimmering WAIPIATA TO KOKONGA TO Hyde has accommodation and fuel. and stone bridges, railway sidings of expertise to really make your options in and around Clyde through There are dining and accommodation and accommodation. Popular diversions TIROITI TO HYDE lakes and charming towns and and small friendly towns where journey come alive. to Alexandra. While in Clyde see options in both towns. are to St Bathans or to Naseby. Both HYDE TO MIDDLEMARCH, 28KM HYDE TO MIDDLEMARCH the restored Clyde Railway Station have gold remnants worth a visit while Explore the recently restored Hyde and cycle through the Daphne Hull OMAKAU TO LAUDER, 7KM the latter has mountain biking, indoor Railway Station before continuing on ALL GRADE 1 (EASIEST) underpass, with an amazing mural Riding into the widening Manuherikia curling, night-sky viewing as well as an easy downhill ride south, unless a inside, connecting Clyde to the Valley with the stunning block mountain MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: dining and accommodation options. southerly is blowing, into the Strath look out for... Interplanetary Cycle railhead. Start at the trail railhead. landscape with the Dunstan Range to Taieri valley. The Coverage is good in the open Trail – a world first This flat section is a good way to get the west and the Hawkdun Range to the WEDDERBURN TO RANFURLY, is on your right. The trail passes through plains but limited to non-existent Alexandra activities cruise the , marvel at the settled. You’ll also cycle across the north, it is a short ride to Lauder where 14KM the Ngapuna Siding site to the township A model solar system has in the gorges and tunnels, and wooden Muttontown Viaduct. The there is accommodation, a hotel and hillside clock, check out the historical Easy riding east across the open of Middlemarch, which is also the end of Alexandra is a colourful oasis amid been reduced to scale 100 limited sometimes during bad trail is a few kilometres from the retail a café. Explore the recently relocated Shaky Bridge, fish for trout on the Maniototo Plain to the second biggest the trail and the terminus for the Taieri the rocky Central Otago landscape. million to 1, and model weather. part of Alexandra so if you need to and restored Lauder Station by the trail. service town on the trail. ‘Art Deco Gorge Railway. There is a hotel, café Clutha or Manuherikia rivers, visit the An area of contrasts, it changes planets are located along shop there, allow time. Alexandra is Lauder also has the world-renowned Ranfurly’ has accommodation options, and a range of accommodation options museum or the Tailings DRINKING WATER: Please buy the largest town along the trail. NIWA atmospheric weather base. a hotel and a café. Explore the restored in Middlemarch. A walk around New beautifully with the seasons and is the trail. Grab a brochure water as many local schemes Historic Reserve, go wine tasting, visit railway station that now houses the Zealand’s only inland salt lake to the particularly captivating in spring when from operators and have limited capacity and are LAUDER TO OTUREHUA, 21KM an artists’ studio or craft market, check ALEXANDRA TO CHATTO i-SITE and the goods shed that contains south of the valley is a nice time-filler. the blossoms bloom and wild thyme i-SITES on the trail, or visit There is a gentle rise north into the out the aquatic centre and go skating funded locally. CREEK, 17KM a tractor museum. Ranfurly is a good For more information, visit colours the hills purple. There’s plenty otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz Gorge with its two tunnels. at the outdoor ice rink in winter. Heading north, this section follows the place to consider a diversion to Naseby. www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz to see and do here. Walk alongside or 110 111 Ngapuna, Otago Central Rail Trail © Miles Holden RIGHT: ‘Neptune’ sculpture © Otago Central Rail Trail Marketing

This is a region Cycling worth exploring. From short detours through to nearby towns to adding a train journey to the end history of your cycle ride, OTAGO CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL there are many OTAGO CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL countless reminders of the railway momentous It truly is a testament to human gold rush was long over, the line opportunities to accomplishment, the Otago endeavour – the detailed was officially closed in 1990 and and gold rush, including long, dark MANIOTOTO SPRING BLOSSOM Immerse yourself delve deeper into Central Railway was once workmanship of the stone bridges the railway tracks removed, leaving tunnels, trestle and stone bridges, The Maniototo Plain is a Pretty in shades of pink in the history and A this fascinating an economic lifeline for the Central and tunnel facings have stood the a long, relatively flat path through abandoned gold diggings and the wide, open space where and purple, Central Otago romance of the Otago region. Built to connect test of time and the mountains still Central Otago – what better place remains of mining machinery, old the sky is a deep, vivid blue is breathtaking in spring region and meet Otago railway and Dunedin with Central Otago, a bear scars of the races, built back for a cycling journey? stone and mudbrick dwellings in stark contrast with the when fruit trees flower and the pioneer-spirited gold rush. and beautifully preserved gold- rugged plains and often- blossom trees burst into thriving gold-mining area, the track in the 1860s to bring water to the Nowadays, the Department of locals that call it mining settlements, showcase our snowy peaks. pale-pink bloom. took 16 years to complete and was long-gone gold mines. Conservation and the Otago home. pioneering history like never before. finished in 1907. Steam trains chugged along this Central Rail Trail Trust manage railway line for 83 years, but once the trail and have turned it into an Omakau Cromwell the roads were improved and the adventure of its own merits. The LEFT: tunnels © Miles Holden belonging to a husband & wife • 190km NW of Dunedin after Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England • 224km NW of Dunedin

CALL 0800 BIKE NOW 25 Holloway Street, Clyde Ph: +64 3 449 2228 Email: [email protected] (245 366) www.bikeitnow.co.nz or BOOK ONLINE 1800 446 356 AUS FREEPHONE Alexandra Holiday Park

• Groups welcome. Ask about the 9 Gair Ave, Cromwell complex (5 brms, sleeps 20 or Matti Ph: +64 3 445 0321 Lodge, sleeps 16) [email protected] • 300 camp sites Reservations: 0800 220 550 • Heated ablution block in winter • 11 ground‑floor self-contained units in spacious grounds • Cabins & tourist flats • 2 studio, 8 x 1‑bedroom (sleep 1‑5), 1 x 3-bedroom, Central Riverside Location large kitchen/living area (sleeps 8) BIKE IT NOW! CLYDE, CENTRAL OTAGO Quotes from Clients: • Secure bike storage location for • Bike Tours • Itinerary planning • Top quality bike hire • Handy to Highlands, & wineries “Beyond the call of duty” • Half-day to multiday hires • Queenstown transfers • Sky TV, BBQ entertainment area, off‑street parking cycle trails PJP – Auckland • E Bike hire and retail specialists • Bike Retail (Scott, “Perfectly planned bike trip” • FREE guest laundry • FREE WiFi Trek, Avanti, Haibike, Merida and Smart Motion) Beth Mullins - USA • Breakfast available on request • Full range of clothing and accessories • Otago Central “This company goes beyond • Tariff: from $135 per night. Rail Trail, Roxburgh Gorge & Clutha Gold specialists the 100% to ensure your experience is top notch. Could 44 Manuherikia Rd (PO Box 7), Alexandra • Phone: +64 3 448 8297 The Personal Touch because it is “All about you!” not be faulted” Barbru 2017 www.andersonparkmotel.co.nz Email: [email protected] • www.ahp.nz Clyde Alexandra Naseby after a Scottish general • 221km NW of Dunedin after Princess Alexandra of Denmark • 191km NW of Dunedin 138km NW of Dunedin

• Ideal start/finish point for Otago Central Rail Trail & 1057 Channel Rd, Roxburgh Gorge Trail Alexandra Heights Motel MANIOTOTO CURLING Naseby • 7 self-contained • 6 studio, 4 x 2-brm (including large access unit) • FREE WIFI 1 & 2-bedroom units INTERNATIONAL P: +64 3 444 9878 • Some units have a bath • Near town/sports complex • Short stroll to Clyde’s • Enjoy scenic views from our balconies well-known eateries and bars • Enjoy the ancient sport of in the historic precinct • Great Rail Trail stop-off • Tariff: from $135, extra $20 curling, indoors! • Secure bike storage, bike washing facilities OFFERING PACKAGES & BIKE HIRE FOR: • Continental breakfast buffet in • Great year-round fun for Schist stable (Oct-Apr) Otago Central Rail Trail Phone: +64 3 448 6366 • Reservations: all ages. • FREE bike storage on site 0800 862 539 Roxburgh Gorge Trail • Open 7 days. Email: [email protected] Clutha Gold Trail www.alexandraheights.co.nz • Evening curling by prior 56 Sunderland St, Clyde 125 Centennial Ave, Alexandra ALSO OFFERING FANTASTIC arrangement. CENTRAL OTAGO Guided High Country & Single Track MTB Tours • Fully licensed lounge bar P: 03 449 2709 and viewing area. E: [email protected] 88 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra Tel: +64 3 448 8917 • Mob: +64 21 456 918 • Email: [email protected] FREEPHONE: 0800 99 22 66 • www.antiquelodgemotel.co.nz www.altitude bikes.co.nz E: [email protected] www.curling.co.nz 112 113 RIGHT: Ophir Post Office Middlemarch, Otago Central Rail Trail BELOW: Curling, Naseby © Miles Holden BOTH © Tourism Central Otago

OTAGO CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL Shortcuts OTAGO CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL CURLING & detours The ancient sport of curling – think lawn bowls on ice – is alive and well in New Zealand. You can efore you embark on your 23km from the start of the trail at treasure, as is the Pinot Noir. Learn Luge, the first snow and ice luge try this time-honoured cycling journey, Cromwell Clyde, Cromwell is known as the about the history of gold mining track in the southern hemisphere. sport at Maniototo Curling Along the trail Bis an excellent place to ‘fruit bowl of the south’. The stone at Goldfields Mine, drive a lap at If you’re staying the night here, be International in Naseby. spend a night or two. Located fruit produced here is a national Highlands motorsport park, visit the sure to look up – the pristine night elegant Cromwell Heritage Precinct sky makes for dazzling viewing. This is a journey of varied and distinctive landscapes. Take in the magical Ranfurly and admire the beauty of Lake Palmerston has heritage trails scenery, including views of Alexandra, the Poolburn Gorge, the Maniototo after Governor of NZ 1897-1904 • 134km NW of Dunedin on SH 85 Dunstan – and the fact that the and a butterfly and bird haven. For Plains and Ida Valley. town’s original business district lies great views, climb Puketapu, the beneath its waters. sacred hill that overlooks the town. lyde’s historic precinct has Oturehua has a heritage trail where take a thrilling ride with a sled dog many buildings preserved you can visit the Hayes Engineering team here – with or without snow. SAMPLING TIME AT Ophir, a short detour from the trail, The huge marble-like boulders from the gold-rush era. Visit Works – an example of Kiwi ingenuity. With its historic buildings and CLYDE WINE FESTIVAL PREMIUM CYCLE TOURS ON THE OTAGO CYCLE TRAILS has many great historical buildings, strewn along the beach at Moeraki C the museum and the controversial At nearby Wedderburn, visit the accommodation, Hyde is a good place such as the Ophir Post Office. In Clyde holds its annual are a sight to behold and are best – the largest concrete goods shed made famous by a to take a break; be sure to see the St Bathans, a side-trip from Lauder, Wine and Food Harvest seen at low tide. They were formed gravity dam in New Zealand. Grahame Sydney painting. Ranfurly restored Railway Station. Waipiata stop for a drink at the reputedly Festival on Easter Sunday over millions of years by a layering is New Zealand’s rural art deco is home to a night sky star-gazing Omakau is a relaxed rural town with just before the grape haunted Vulcan Hotel and take a process similar to the formation of town because of its 1930s-style facility with an impressive telescope, pretty historic buildings set against the harvest. This is Pinot Noir dip in the stunning Blue Lake with architecture. The focal point of the ideal for Maniototo’s vast night skies. oyster pearls. Enjoy a memorable backdrop of the Dunstan Mountains. country and more than 20 its glaring white cliffs. town is the refurbished railway Middlemarch lies at the foot of Call us now for: meal at Fleur’s Place, a world- The Central Otago A&P Show is vineyards showcase their station housing the information the Rock and Pillar Range. Visit the Apart from curling in Naseby, famous restaurant and favourite of hosted at the Omakau Showgrounds top wines at the event. • Fully supported tours 1-5 days 0800 OFF RAIL every February, attracting visitors from centre. If you’re looking for a novel museum, check out the salt-water • Customised tour options Intl: 0064 27 363 3724 you can also swim in the dam in chefs from around the world. It’s way to explore the area, you can lake, play golf and fish the Taieri River. • Bike hire • eBikes available summer, mountain bike in the located in a scenic setting right on all over the . • Weekend escapes [email protected] • Accommodation www.offtherails.co.nz Naseby Forest and ride the Naseby the waterfront. Middlemarch after a creek that formed a boundary (march) • 77km NW of Dunedin

The The Rail Trail Specialists ...

Cnr Pery & Reade Sts, Ranfurly ART wedderburn cottages Bike Hire/ EBike Hire DECO Historic Ranfurly Hotel Itinerary Planning and Booking 0800 726 387 • www.ranfurlyholidaypark.co.nz Hotel FREE Bag Transfers Built in 1934 Art Deco Era Shuttle Transfers WIFI The BEST Hire Bikes GUARANTEED!

www.cyclesurgery.co.nz • Comfortable 1928 farm homestead & 14 attractive, self-contained NZ Freephone: 0800 292 534 cottages + miners huts • FREE WIFI AUS Freephone: 1800 854 687 • On Central Otago Rail Trail. Under the Hawkdun Range, Email: [email protected] surrounded by stunning farmland/tussock landscape 5 studio motels, 2 accessible 1-brm motel units, 9 cabins, power & tent sites in sheltered surrounds. • Visit the Red Barn for water, toilets, shade, coffee and information. Central location for Rail Trail, walk to supermarket, cafés and restaurants, fishing, golfing, art deco, NZ’s Ultimate Cycling Experience! curling, 4WD and hunting. Complimentary WiFi in motels. Book on our website. 10 Charlemont St, PO Box 12, Ranfurly • Ph: +64 3 444 9140 • Fax: +64 3 444 9142 Ph: +64 3 444 9194 • Mob: +64 27 268 9194 • E: [email protected] Contact us today to plan your next cycling holiday Tariff: tent/power sites $32/$36, cabins $64, motels $125-$145 (2 persons). Peak rates may apply. Email: [email protected] • www.ranfurlyhotel.co.nz www.wedderburncottages.co.nz 114 115 Photographer at the Notches © LEFT: St Paul’s Cathedral Dunedin Midwinter Carnival Dunedin lanterns © Tourism Dunedin

Taieri Gorge Railway

The Taieri Gorge Railway passes All aboard the through a range of landscapes that Taieri Gorge provide gorgeous views the entire OTAGO CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL Railway for a scenic length of the ride. It travels over train ride that is old bridges and through a series of breathtakingly cliff-hugging tunnels, negotiates the ‘Dunedin’ is an ancient name for Edinburgh, and the resemblance doesn’t stop at different. exhilaratingly narrow Taieri Gorge the names. It’s said to be the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian heritage and crosses the sparkling blue city in the southern hemisphere – a place where you feel you have stepped back Taieri River over historical stone in time. It’s far from being a museum, though – this bustling place is packed with Running between the official end and wrought-iron viaducts. With live students and awash with creativity. of the Otago Central Rail Trail at Middlemarch and the architecturally commentary, friendly well-informed The heart of the city, the Octagon, is lined with St Paul’s Cathedral, the Dunedin staff, sightseeing stops, modern Public Art Gallery and restaurants, cafés and bars. stunning , the spectacular Taieri Gorge Railway and traditional carriages and a fully Eco-tourism flourishes in the city thanks to the easy access to the diverse is the ideal way to end (or begin) licensed snack bar, this is a fantastic wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Fur seals, yellow-eyed penguins, sea lions and experience, whatever the weather. the mighty northern royal albatross all call this spectacular place home. your Rail Trail experience. Dunedin DUNEDIN NEW ZEALAND Gaelic name for Edinburgh, Scotland • 283km E of Queenstown 594 Great King Street, PO Box 112, Dunedin, NZ Tel­: +64 3 477 0270 Email: [email protected] Book direct for best deal! • Spacious, self-contained 1 and 2-bedroom units (sleeps 1 to 8 persons). • Full kitchens, on-site laundry, free unlimited WiFi, off-street parking. • Guest BBQ & playground, enclosed by established gardens in a park-like setting. • Centrally located, close to University, Hospital, retail shops, res- taurants and cafés. • Easy walking distance to Stadium, KFC, McDonalds, pizza outlets & supermarkets. • Weekly rates available on request. Tariff: From $120-$165 (2 persons), extra person $20

www.motel594.co.nz • Freephone: 0508 594 594 Moeraki daytime sleep • 74km NE of Dunedin

• Stunning views & beach front- age • Motel units, tourist flats, cabins, bunkroom (8 people) • Choice of 77 rooms with private facilities-suite, economy, Stay with us at MOERAKI on your cycle trail journey • Modern facilities, power points standard room or shared dorm rooms, (sleep 1-4). & tent sites • WiFi available • Centrally located within 500m to the Octagon, Railway Station, • Close to penguins, seals, restau- Settlers Museum, cafés and main shopping area. Book direct for best deal! • Our facilities include bar, lounge, garden courtyard, rants laundry, accessibility room, luggage and cycle storage. • Tariff: from (2 persons) $70- • Free off-street parking available, $160, tent/power sites $40 24-hour check-in and local tours arranged. • Free unlimited WiFi for guests. • Tariff: Shared Dorm $29, Backpacker pvt $89 (2p), Hotel Single 114 Haven St, Moeraki, Otago • Ph/Fax: +64 3 439 4759 $99, Double/Twin $120-$145, Triple/Quad $170, Suite $175. Email: [email protected] 27 Queens Gardens, Dunedin +Ph:64 3 477 3160 E: [email protected] • www.dunedinhotel.co.nz www.moerakivillageholidaypark.co.nz Freephone: 0800 773 773 Hosts: Kristina & Robbie Mitchell

116