Developed for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, the Otago Central Rail Trail follows the former Otago Central branch railway line for 150kms from Middlemarch to Clyde.  Cycle the trail year round and be sure to book a minimum of two nights in the Maniototo.  Over 80kms of the trail runs through this majestic land and many cyclists leave feeling they have missed out and needed more time.  View hidden treasures unable to be seen from the road from vast mountain vistas, wide open space and meandering waterways.

Otago Central Rail Trail bookings.

The Rail Trail is free to ride (however, donations are asked for at various points along the trail) and there are many Rail Trail Tour Operators available to assist with booking your rail trail experience

Accomodation & Dining on the Otago Central Rail Trail.

Places to stay are plentiful.  A selection of dining options are available and there’s so much to see and do for all ages.

For your enjoyment please ensure you book your accommodation, bike hire and meals in advance.  Some of the smaller townships may not be able to host you on short notice.

See our page on Suggested Itineraries for assistance or contact Ranfurly i-site directly.

Maniototo welcomes you, your friends and your family to come and enjoy!

Rail Trail Duathlon

Each year since February 2000, on the last weekend of February, the annual 150km Otago Central Rail Trail Duathlon is held.

The event is organised and managed by the Combined Lions Clubs of Central Otago who hold a licence from DOC. The OCRT Duathlon is a non-profit event with all officials working in a voluntary capacity.  Any surplus from each years event is committed through the Combined Central Otago Lions Clubs to projects associated with the Otago Central Rail Trail, to maintain, develop and promote this unique recreational facility.

The Otago Central Rail Trail Trust and Department of Conservation in Otago also support the event … (more)