Cycle New Zealand - Otago Rail Trail
Departs 31st October 2024
6 Days/5 Nights
Small Group Tour - 12 Places - Hosted by Steve from Mind and Body Travel
It’s almost like New Zealand was made for cycling.
This is a land known for its natural beauty, welcoming people and delicious wine, and this cycling trip just happens to take in the best of it.
Kick things off in the outdoor paradise of Queenstown, then cycle the famous Central Otago Rail Trail through small gold-mining towns like Alexandra, Omakau, Wedderburn and Hyde.
Meander through the open plains with pristine rivers, enjoy some proper South Island hospitality at local taverns, and rediscover the joy of pedalling through one of the most gorgeous areas in the entire country.
Day 1: Thursday 31st October 2024
Brisbane to Queenstown
Today flights will leave from Brisbane (options available for Sydney or Melbourne departures) to Queenstown.
Upon arrival in Queenstown, we will be met and transferred to our hotel (Novotel Queenstown Lakeside), centrally located on the shores of Lake Whakatipu.
This evening will be an opportunity to meet your fellow riders with options to join the group for a pre-ride dinner.
Day 2: Friday 1st November 2024
Queenstown to Omakau/Ophir
This cycling trip kicks off with a pick-up at 8 am. After the meeting, you’ll jump in a private vehicle and follow the Kawarau River to nearby Clyde (85kms, approximately 1.5 hour), where you’ll be fitted with your bike to start your cycling adventure along the Otago Rail Trail, which has been voted NZ's ‘Favourite Ride’ for the past two years. The trail runs for 152 kilometres/95 miles in total and was originally used to transport supplies to and from the Gold Fields, then later to transport goods and livestock. It fell into disrepair but was refurbished into a rail trail at the start of the new millennium and is now arguably the best way to explore the area and contribute to the local economy. You'll begin by cycling past vineyards, over an old wooden trestle bridge and along the Clutha River Track for around 13 kilometres before arriving in Alexandra via the historic bridge. Take a short rest in this delightful gold rush-era town, then cycle toward Galloway Station and though Chatto Creek, up Tiger Hill then cruise downhill to your overnight accommodation in Omakau/ Ophir. Perhaps join the locals for dinner and a locally-brewed Dark Horse beer or cider at the renowned Commercial Hotel before settling in for a well-earned sleep.
Today's riding distance is approximately 37 kilometres/23 miles, mostly flat.
Day 3: Saturday 2nd November 2024
Omakau to Wedderburn
The highlight of today's cycle is the beautiful Poolburn Gorge section of the trail, which features two tunnels and two viaducts. You'll then ride through the Ida Valley farmlands, pedalling past Idaburn Dam, one of New Zealand's few outdoor curling sites, and visiting the Hayes Historic Engineering Works before stopping at Oturehua Tavern for lunch. After lunch, you'll continue north to the Golden Progress Mine and up to the highest point of the trail before stopping for the night at Wedderburn. In the evening, enjoy a traditional, farm-style meal at the Wedderburn Tavern (not included) and rest those legs.
Today's riding distance is approximately 42 kilometres/26 miles, mostly flat.
Day 4: Sunday 3rd November 2024
Wedderburn to Waipiata
A short but good day today – just 23 kilometres in total – though it's mostly downhill from Wedderburn to Ranfurly, Otago's Art Deco capital. Enjoy morning tea and have a look around this small yet eclectic town, then cross the Maniototo Plains. Here you are further from the sea than elsewhere in New Zealand and it shows in the scenery and the near-empty roads - this is Lord of the Rings territory, and the flat plains give way to snow-capped mountains on the horizon.
Today's riding distance is approximately 21 kilometres/13 miles, mostly downhill. You have the option of adding an extra 18kms (and 245m of climbing) to Hamilton Cemetery.
Day 5: Monday 4th November 2024
Waipiata to Middlemarch/Queenstown
Today you'll cycle approximately 55 kilometres with stunning views of the Rock and Pillar Ranges. Starting your day riding alongside the Taieri River, the fourth-longest in New Zealand and one of today's highlights. Cross the historic Capburn Bridge and Price's Creek Viaduct and continue your way downhill, passing through more tunnels (including the famous Daisybank tunnel) then pausing at the Hyde Railway Disaster Memorial, which commemorates the fatal 1943 derailment of a passenger train. Enjoy a morning snack en route before arriving in Middlemarch and the end of the cycling part of your adventure. Take a while to grab lunch at one of the local eateries or load up at Maggies Ice Cream shop before transferring by vehicle (approx. 3 hrs) back to Queenstown, where you'll spend the night back at the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside.
Today's riding distance is approximately 53 kilometres/33 miles, mostly flat/downhill.
Day 6: Tuesday 5th November 2024
Queenstown to Brisbane
After breakfast, it's free time exploring the gorgeous city of Queenstown before afternoon transfers back to Queenstown Airport, where the tour concludes with returning flights.
Pricing and Inclusions
Inclusions:
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Return economy direct flights with Virgin Australia from Brisbane to Queenstown NZ
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Arrival and departure airport transfers
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Hotel stays pre and post tour at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside (twin share)
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4 day Cycle Otago tour with local Intrepid guide and hosted by Steve Demedio
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All breakfasts
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Bicycle hire and luggage transfers daily
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BONUS Info sessions on gear and training in preparation for the experience and get to know the crew
Pricing Per Person
$2,995pp* (twin share)
Early Bird Discount - *Lock in your place with a deposit of only $400pp by 31st May 2024 to secure Earlybird rate
Contact steve@mindandbodytravel.com for any questions or to secure your spot