Otago Central Rail Trail Tours

Travel Collective Group owns and operates Ecotrek Tours which offer set departure supported Small Group Tours, Self-Guided Cycling Tours and Tailor Made Walking or Cycling Otago Rail Trail Tours.

2011 5 DAY GUIDED TOURS NOW $150 off!!!

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WHAT IS THE OTAGO CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL?

The Otago Central Rail Trail is a cycling and walking trail that follows the former Otago Central Branch Railway. Developed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) in partnership with the Otago Central Rail Trail Turst, the gravel track passes through some of New Zealand's most stunning landscapes. The trail itself runs from Clyde to Middlemarch for 150km and can be completed in either direction.

The Rail Trail is achieveable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness. As it was once a railway line, there are no steep hills, but the gravel surface does mean that it is not as easy as cycling on a paved surface and if walking, sturdy shoes are recommended.


WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE OTAGO CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL
Stunning open valleys ringed by mountain ranges and punctuated by tussock clad hills, historic mining towns and friendly southern hospitality. Central Otago is remote and peaceful, with the lowest population density of any region in New Zealand, and offers a unique escape from the more bustling tourist centres such as Queenstown.

Accommodation choices are varied but mostly you can expect comfortable country hotels and B&B's, and in couple of places there are modern motels and luxury lodges/B&B's. As many properties are historic, ensuite bathrooms are not always available and a number of places have little quirks but this is all part of the charm of the Rail Trail. Continental breakfasts are included in most tariffs and sometimes options of places to eat for evening meals can be limited, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

The remote nature of the region meals there is a good chance your mobile phone will not work or will have a very weak signal along the Trail. This means you will need to be prepared if cycling independently. Each member of your group should carry a personal first aid kit. Central Otago is also New Zealand's driest region and water is not available on the trail between towns. So you need to make sure you have a good personal supply before setting out each day.


WHEN TO DO THE TRAIL
The Trail can be completed at any time of the year. Central Otago is New Zealand's most inland region and its climate is the closest we have to a continental climate. Seasons are sharply defines but we do recommend that you are prepared fro hot, cold and windy conditions.

Spring (September, October, November)
Characterised by blossoms on trees and gardens bright with spring bulbs. From August to October is also lambing season, so expect to see young lambs frolicking in the paddocks bordering the trail.

Summer (December, January, February)
Hot dry days but the mornings are often cool.  So start on the trail early to avoid the heat of the day.  Days are long too with daylight only disappearing at 10pm!

Autumn ( March, April, May)
Settled weather, frosty mornings and mild days.  Morning fog that settles in valleys and 'inversion layers' of low grey cloud are not uncommon.

Winter (June, July, August)
Snow on the mountain and sometimes on the trail, along with hoarfrosts characterise Winter.  It can be incredibly beautiful, just make sure you are well prepared with plenty of layers.  It is important to note that this is the traditional 'off season' so not all services may be operating.

Climate Information
December to March         15-30 degrees Celcius
June to August                -6 to 15 degrees Celcius
Rainfall (annual average) 358mm (14 inches) 


Wildside is a division of
the Mondo Travel Group Ltd NZ.

Email Us @ Wildside
PO Box 135
Motueka 7120
Ph: 0800 874 748
Ph: (03) 528 1330

Updated Tuesday, 7 September 2010
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