The Poolburn Gorge is widely considered the most scenic and dramatic section of the Otago Central Rail Trail. This section is located between Lauder and Oturehua. As a whole, the most talked about feature in the reviews of the trail is the scenery.
Poolburn Gorge Features The Poolburn Gorge offers the most varied landscape and impressive engineering on the entire trail.
The gorge contains two of the trail’s longest tunnels, called the Poolburn Tunnels. The section also features the Poolburn Viaduct, which is 108 metres long and provides sweeping views over the rugged gorge.
The Poolburn Gorge is famous for its moon-like schist rock formations. The dramatic, weathered schist landscapes are characteristic of Central Otago.
The stone masonry of the bridges and tunnels in the Poolburn Gorge demonstrates the skill of the laborers who built the railway by hand over a century ago.
You might see a kārearea (New Zealand falcon) in the Poolburn Gorge. These native birds of prey inhabit the rocky gorge landscape.
Other Scenic Sections The Ida Valley is another highly regarded scenic area on the trail. The Ida Valley is often called Big Sky Country because it offers vast, wide-open views of the Māniatoto Plains and surrounding mountain ranges, particularly the Hawkdun Range.
Price’s Creek is located between Hyde and Middlemarch. This area features an impressive tunnel and a viaduct that overlooks the Taieri River.
Changing Landscapes The beauty of the Otago Central Rail Trail lies in its changing character. The trail shifts from intimate, enclosed gorges to immense, open high country landscapes. Each section offers a different scenic experience.
Planning your Otago Central Rail Trail ride? We handle the bikes, transfers, bookings, logistics and support – so you can focus on the scenery. Explore our Otago Central Rail Trail page or get in touch if you have questions before booking.