Otago Central Rail Trail -- New Zealand's Original Rail Trail

Otago Central Rail Trail, or as it's sometimes referred to, Central Otago Rail Trail, Otago Rail Trail and simply, the Rail Trail, takes you on a cycling or walking adventure of a lifetime through 150km of some of New Zealand's most memorable scenery and awe-inspiring gold mining history.

Rail Trail Accommodation, Food & Refreshments, Bike Hire and more

This website is managed by the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust to provide you with everything you need to know about on and off trail accommodation (over 100 country hotels, lodges, self-contained units, B & B’s, motels, campgrounds), food & refreshments, things to do, tour operators, bike hire, transport, what to take, medical services, D.I.Y tour planning and even mobile phone coverage.

Otago Central Rail Trail thrusts deep into the heart of Central Otago, the only region in New Zealand with a continental climate; a magical stage for amazing performances by all four seasons.

Whereas green is the predominant colour of the New Zealand landscape,here browns, golds and reds rule. Overhead, Central Otago is big sky. Even cloud formations are different. Looking like stacks of oversize pancakes, lenticular (lens-like) clouds tower over mountain ranges skirted by the Otago Central Rail Trail.

The year-round, no cost Rail Trail

The year-round cycling and walking Otago Central Rail Trail is a public reserve owned by the people of New Zealand. So there’s no cost for using it, although donations can be made to the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust at most station sites.

The Rail Trail accessible to most

Because the Otago Central Rail Trail follows an old railway line, hills are not steep, making it accessible to most ages and those with a reasonable degree of fitness

Four days or more recommended to cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail

Most bottoms can only cope with around four hours a day on the seat of a bike ridden over the Otago Central Rail Trail's hard-packed gravel surface, so it’s wise to allow at least four days to cycle its full length, a good few days more if you’re walking.

The Otago Central Rail Trail was developed by the Department of Conservation in partnership the Otago Central Rail Trail Charitable Trust. On-going enhancements of the Rail Trail greatly depend on grants and other additional funds raised by the Trust.

 Otago Central Rail Trail Economic Impact and Trends Survey 2008