There are a couple of different ways to look at the Rail Trail. For some of us, it’s a mountain to be climbed and the focus is on getting to the end. There is an immense sense of personal achievement and for some of us it’s life changing, solidifying an exercise habit, setting off an interest in more outdoor activity etc. For others, the trail is a conduit or byway to some of the magical elements and opportunities that Central Otago holds, some as simple as experiencing the intense sunset in the Ida Valley, or waking up and looking outside at the magnificent Hawkdun ranges.
If you feel you’d like to take some time to “smell the roses” then have a read below and find out about the different things you can do while cycling on the Rail Trail.
Clutha River Boat Cruises
The mighty Clutha River carves its way from Lake Wanaka through to the Pacific Ocean 75km South of Dunedin, making it the 2nd longest river in New Zealand. It is the fast flowing river in New Zealand and also has the largest catchment of all New Zealand rivers. In more modern times the river is known for its hydro power schemes which include New Zealands largest hydro dam at Clyde. In the late 1800’s Central Otago was home to a gold rush and the Clutha river became a focus of the miners efforts as it slopes and bottom were found to be rich in Gold.
Clutha River Boat Cruises offers a trip back in time down through the Roxburgh gorge. The man behind it all is Steve Toyer, an ex-pat Australian whose passion for the region puts many a kiwi to shame. There are historians and then there are people who can tell a story about history and Steve weaves an a fact filled and enchanting story about the gorge, the miners and what they endured. The journey takes you down past the many relics from those gold rush days until you reach the deserted township at Doctors Point. It really starts to come to life for you here as you walk amongst the diggings and buildings of this settlement. How did these men endure a life here in these harsh surroundings as they sought their fortune? There’s time for a cuppa and a yarn, then back on the boat to Alexandra. This is a great way to start or finish your time on the Rail Trail.
Clutha River Adventures
The people from Clutha River Boat Cruises have been busy setting up a new adventure, floating down the mighty Clutha in an inflatable Kayak. We reckon this is a must do activity in some form or other and with the range of packages starting at a ½ day to 3 full days there is something for all requirements. You can mirror the standard river boat cruise with a ½ day kayaking from Alexandra to Doctors Point where you’ll be met by the boat, taken on a tour of Doctors Point, have a cuppa and then back onto the boat to Alexandra. You’re kitted out with a wetsuit, life vest and super stable inflatable Kayak, before being safety briefed and set on your way. Due to the flow of the Clutha there is little paddling to do, just take in the view and sounds of this mighty river as river as you drift on down to your destination. This is another great way to start or finish your time on the Rail Trail
Trail Treks Horseback Adventures
Shebikeshebikes are pleased to be able to provide a half day horse trek activity in combination with Trail Trek Horseback Adventures and this activity can fit right in with your first days cycling.
You’ll meet up with Kelly and her team at the Chatto Creek Tavern where you’ll be provided with safety gear, be paired to a suitable horse and briefed. Then it’s time to meander up the Chatto Creek incline and Tiger Hill (it can sure beat cycling it). Once you reach Omakau it’s time for a bit of Gold Panning in the river if conditions permit and then stop for a cuppa. Then it’s onto shebikeshebikes to pickup your bike which has been transported for you and you head off from there to your accommodation or further up the trail to Lauder if you’re staying there.
St Bathans
Once upon a time Kildare Hill was a dominant feature over the township of St Bathans. Alas, the 120m hill was made of quartz and the eager gold miners of the 1880’s set to work mining the hill with hydraulic cannons. The end result was a 168m deep pit, a fair amount of extracted gold and the conclusion that they couldn’t continue because the sides of the pit were about to destabilise the township (which makes you wonder what gold might still be left). The pit was allowed to fill with water and has a most spectacular blue colour due to the minerals in it and the surrounding slopes of chipped quartz are a mix between a moonscape and the remains of an ancient civilization. You can swim and kayak in the lake in the summer and we’ve always found it a great place to go with the family. The township still retains buildings from the era, the most famous being the Vulcan hotel with its ghost and the old post office building. To find out more about the ghost, you should pay a visit. St Bathans is 25km from Oturehua or Wedderburn so you’ll either need a support vehicle or to hire a car from Top of the Trail Rentals. If you do hire a car, you’ll find there are other points of interest to visit on this page.
Maniototo International Curling
Curling is that game invented by the Scots in the 1500’s where you slide purpose made stones across the ice towards a target. Although similar to bowls or petanque, it differs greatly in that once the stone is released; team members with brooms can sweep in the path of the stone to alter the distance it travels. Similar to bowls you can add some curl or spin to the stone so that it slides in a curved path. Curling is regarded as “chess on ice” given the great deal of skill and strategy that can be employed.
In Naseby you’ll find the Maniototo International Curling rink; New Zealands premier curling facility and the only purpose built rink in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a place to take the whole family to try your hand at this ancient game. You’ll start your session with an informational and safety video and the move onto the ice where the local staff will take you through each of the different types of delivery. The session culminates in a game and a lot of laughs. You’ll find that the Maniototo International Curling is also home to an outdoor ice skating rink and luge that are operational in the winter.
Did you know that curling is New Zealands oldest national sporting event and that the Baxter cup is still contested at the Ida Burn dam in Oturehua when the ice is thick enough?
Mountain biking in the Naseby Forest Recreation Area
Ernslaw One (a forestry company) have set aside a 500 ha area in Naseby that is free for personal recreational use. Within this area you’ll find 50km of maintained walking and mountain bike tracks, two dams for fishing and swimming, picnic areas and toilet facilities. There is some great single track riding for those of you after a challenge or a lovely ride alongside the water race that winds its way through the forest if you’re looking for something a little less intense. Maps can be purchased from Ernslaw One or from the local dairy and local mountain bike guides are available to take you riding for a fee. Some of the routes will take you past historic gold mining sites and we’re sure that you’ll marvel, as we have, at some of the sculptures created by the hydraulic sluicing that went on. The forest is a great place for the family in the summer, particularly up at the swimming dam which is very close to the township.
High Country 4WD adventures
Along the trail there are a number of 4WD opportunities. One that stands out is John Mulhollands Maniototo 4WD Safaris. John is a fourth-generation Maniototo farmer with as much local knowledge as you’re ever going to fine. He has a number of tour options that take you up into the back and beyond and then take your breath away. You’re not going to find any other tourists out there and you’ll go to places that few have ever seen or been able to appreciate. Johnny will come and pick you up from your accommodation in the region of Oturehua through to Kokonga.
Clachanburn – A Garden of National Significance
As you head to the Southern reaches of the immense Maniototo basin you’ll find Clachanburn, endorsed as a Garden of National Significance, one of only around 40 gardens in New Zealand with this endorsement. The garden is situated amongst a working deer farm that specializes in some very, very big Elk. You’ll be able to appreciate some of these majestic animals as you drive up towards the homestead. Jane Falconer is the owner and gardener, an absolutely fascinating woman filled with entertaining stories and knowledge. Be sure to ask her for the story of the ducks and the poppies. The gardens themselves are currently situated on 2.3 ha of land and include a stream and ponds. Entrance to the garden is by arrangement only and costs in the region of $10 per person depending on numbers. Access is by car or rental car.