Glossary

Trails and geography

Central Otago Cycling Trails

A term the encapsulates the trails in our region like the Otago Central Rail Trail, Roxburgh Gorge Trail, Clutha Gold Trail and Kawarau Gorge Trails. Cyclists visiting the region can combine more than one trail to make a fun adventure cycling across the region.

Otago Central Rail Trail

New Zealand’s original Great Ride, 152 km from Clyde to Middlemarch. Wide gravel surface, gentle gradients, historic stations and viaducts. Click through our Rail Trail page to find out about the various services we provide.

Lake Dunstan Trail

A very dramatic ride between Clyde and Cromwell through the Cromwell Gorge with clip-on bridges and bluffs. You need to be a confident cyclist for this trail and you can find out more on our Lake Dunstan Trail page.

Roxburgh Gorge Trail

34 km between Alexandra and Roxburgh Dam. Includes a jet boat link through a remote gorge which adds to the excitement. In late 2026 the trail will be able to be ridden from end to end. Get more details about the Roxburgh Gorge Trail on our trail page.

Clutha Gold Trail

Follows the Clutha Mata-Au River from Roxburgh Hydro to Lake Waihola. Riverside riding, heritage sites, small towns. Generally ridden in  three days to Lawrence or five days to Lake Waihola. Check out our Clutha Gold Trail page for more detail.

Kawarau Gorge Trail

Follows the Kawarau River from Gibston Valley to Bannockburn where it joins the Lake Dunstan Trail. This trail is due to open in the first quarter of 2026 and will prove to be very popular. Fill in our registration of interest form on our Kawarau Gorge Trail page and we will let you know when the trail is ready to ride.

Trail grade

NZ Cycle Trail difficulty scale developed by the government funded NZ Cycle Trail entity. Most rail trails are Grades 1 to 2 easy. Short sections can feel harder in wind or heat. Trail like the Roxburgh Gorge, Lake Dunstan Trail and Kawarau Gorge trail have grade 3 components. Read more about trail grades at NZ Cycle Trails.

Rail Trail Passport

Souvenir booklet and stickers that you paste in at each of the old station sites. All of the money for these goes to the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust who help maintain the rail trail.

Bikes and equipment

E-bike

Bicycle with electric pedal assist that helps on hills and longer distances. You still need to pedal your bike but it provides assistance. Particularly good for younger children or older people who might not be as strong as the rest of the group.

MTB

Moutain Bike. A bike with no motor, front fork suspension and wider tyres which make it ideal for riding on gravel trails where it's relatively smooth.

Step-through frame

Low top tube that makes mounting and dismounting easier. Ideal for people who don't cycle as much or for those who's joints are making it a little harder to "swing a leg" these days.

Pannier rack and pannier bags

Rear rack and clip-on bags for carrying gear without a backpack. Pannier bags put the weight on the bike rather than your back while preventing the "sweaty back" phenomenon.

Tag-along

Half-bike attached to an adult bike. For kids who can pedal but are not riding solo yet. Great choice if you child won't be strong enough to cycle the whole way on their own bike. The child needs to be able to ride a bike as as balance is required.

Trailer

Two-wheel tow trailers for younger children. Best for the 1 to 4 year age group as it keeps them out of the elements.

Kids seat

A seat that attaches to the parents bike. Only suitable for the 1 to 3  year age group as their are weight restrictions. Note that your child will still be exposed to the elements.

Chain breaking kit

Emergency kit to fix a broken chain. Required on remote trails like Roxburgh Gorge or Lake Dunstan.

Chamois cream

Cream that reduces friction to help prevent saddle sores on longer days. A good option if you don't ride a lot. You need to be wearing cycling shorts without underwear in order for this to make a difference

Bike computer (or Cycle computer)

Tracks distance, and speed. Handy for pacing multi-day rides where you have a transport to meet at the end of the day

Services and logistics

Bag transport

Luggage moved between your overnight stops each day. Saves having to try and fit everything you want to take into pannier bags which means you also don't weigh down your bike.

Shuttle

Passenger transport between towns or trail start and finish. Often used to position riders for point-to-point trips.

Self-guided tour

Bikes, accommodation, and transfers are booked and briefed. You ride at your own pace.

Itinerary

Day-by-day plan with distances, elevation, timing tips, and booked services.

Trail support

Help if you have a mechanical issue or need assistance on the trail. Response time depends on location and access to you.

Concession rate

Discounted pricing for eligible groups or periods. We are one of the few providers that provide concession rates for some transport services.

Briefing

Safety and orientation talk before departure.

Weather, safety, and preparation

Wind chill

How cold it feels when wind is added to air temperature. Riding increases airflow, so extra layers help.

Layering

Base layer for moisture, mid layer for warmth, outer shell for wind or rain. Add or remove as conditions change. In some circumstances, more layers may be required.

Sun protection

In Summer, there is high UV in Central Otago. Use sunscreen and clothing to prevent sunburn.

Water points

Locations to refill bottles. Some sections have longer gaps, so carry enough for the day.

Remote sections

Areas with limited access and mobile coverage. Plan to take food, water and a first aid kit.

Trail conditions

Trail surface can change based on the conditions. Generally it's hard packed, but rain will soften and snow will add further moisture and resistance.

Booking and customer journey

Lead traveller

Main contact person for a booking. This is the person that receives quotations, confirmations, and updates from us.

Booking reference

Internal code such as BR-1234 that identifies your booking across services.

Deposit and balance due

Deposit secures services. Balance is paid before travel per the terms provided at booking.

Cancellation policy

Rules for changes and refunds. We highly recommend travel insurance for unexpected events that prevent or curtail travel.

Height and bike sizing

We need heights into order to book and provide the right sized bike for you when you arrive. On the day, staff will assist you with changing saddle height to get you into the best position for pedaling.

Dietary requirements

Shared with accommodation providers for breakfasts and dinners where included. All food providers along the trail provide vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.

Local and cultural terms

Central Otago

Region known for big skies, dry climate, fruit, vineyards, and goldmining history.

Maniototo

High, open plain through the middle of the Rail Trail with wide landscapes and classic country towns.

Clutha Mata-Au

Te reo Māori name for the Clutha River. Mata-Au refers to the surface current.

Station settlements

Historic rail stops such as Chatto Creek, Lauder, Oturehua, and Hyde that now serve trail riders rather than train passengers.