Otago Rail Trail | Poolburn Gorge | Day Trip | Omakau → Poolburn Gorge → Omakau (Out and Back)
Distance: 30 km
Grade 1 (Easiest)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Tour meeting point: Omakau
Suitable for: All cyclists - great ride for families
From: $60 NZD per adult
What, when, how etc
SUITABLE FOR
This tour is suitable for all cyclists and is excellent for families with children or anyone that only has one day to spend cycling in Central Otago. A great introduction to the most scenic section of NZ’s most iconic cycling trail.
Note that it is an out and back ride, but the view is different on the return ride 😉
This Poolburn Gorge out and back day trip is the best value way to experience the Poolburn Gorge / Auripo section of the trail with its two tunnels and the highest viaduct. This is the most popular section of the Otago Rail Trail.
HIGHLIGHTS
- This is an out-and-back ride, so that saves you paying for transport to Oturehua. If you prefer a one-way ride then please choose this option.
- One of the standout moments will be riding the Poolburn Gorge section. This spectacular stretch cuts through the rugged Raggedy Range and you will cross the impressive 37-metre-high Poolburn Viaduct, ride through two historic tunnels and traverse the trail’s longest (and only curved) bridge.
- Cross the only curved bridge on the trail near Lauder – twice!
- Extend your day with a visit to the the historic town of Ophir with New Zealand’s oldest operating post office and the gorgeous Daniel O’Connell Suspension Bridge. If it’s warm, go for a swim in the Manuherikea river.
- The perfect one-day adventure on the Otago Central Rail Trail – packed with history, scenery, and fun for all ages
ITINERARY
Poolburn Gorge out and back day trip
- 9:00 am onwards – Meet at our Omakau depot for a warm welcome, trip briefing, and personalised bike fit
- Depart on your bikes and head north on the Otago Rail Trail, heading for the Ida Valley
- Capture the moments – take plenty of photos and make memories to last a lifetime.
- Enjoy a picnic en route or treat yourself to a late lunch in Omakau or nearby Ophir.
- 5:00 pm – Return your bikes to our Omakau depot by 5pm at the latest
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Mountain bike with helmet, pannier bag, cycle computer, bike light, puncture repair kit and pump – child bikes available at child rates
- Rail trail map
UPGRADES & OPTIONS
Upgrades
- Standard or premium E-Bikes. Pre-book to secure for your journey
Options
- When you arrive back in Omakau, divert and ride the Ophir loop with it’s historic buildings and gorgeous Daniel O’Connell bridge. Note that this adds 5 km to your day
Click on the map to view the interactive version
Distance: 30 km
Grade 1 (Easiest)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Suitable for: All cyclists - great ride for families
Start time: from 9:00 am
From: $60 NZD per adult
Other adventures you might like
Bannockburn to Gibbston - ride back
Hire bike + Shuttle to Gibbston Valley
Distance: 29 km (Gibbston to Bannockburn)
Grade 2-3 (Easy to Intermediate)
Duration: 3-5 hours
Tour meeting point: SheBikesHeBikes Depot, Bannockburn
Suitable for: Confident cyclists comfortable on gravel and trail. Not suitable for beginners or young children.
From $105 per adult (MTB)
Gorge Yourself
Gorge Yourself | 1 Day
Distance: 36 km (riding)
Grade 2-3 (Easy to Intermediate)
Duration: 7 hours
Tour meeting point: Clyde
Suitable for: All cyclists - note trail is narrow in some parts
From: $260 NZD per adult
Tunnels to Station
Tunnels to Station | 1 Day
Distance: 55 km
Grade 1 (Easiest)
Duration: 6 hours
Tour meeting point: Clyde
Suitable for: All cyclists - note this is a longish ride
From: $99 NZD per adult
DeVineCycle - Clyde
DeVineCycle Clyde | 1 Day
Distance: 29 km
Grade 1 (Easiest)
Duration: 6+ hours
Tour meeting point: Clyde
Suitable for: All cyclists - note the River Track trail is narrow in some parts
From: $85 NZD per adult
Lake Dunstan Magic
Bike and transport | 1 Day
Distance: 42 km
Grade 2-3 (Easy to Intermediate)
Duration: 5 hours
Tour meeting point: Clyde
Suitable for: Most cyclists - you need to be comfortable using gears and brakes
From: $90 NZD per adult
Lake Dunstan Cromwell
Bike and transport | 1 Day
Distance: 42 km
Grade 2-3 (Easy to Intermediate)
Duration: 5 hours
Tour meeting point: Cromwell
Suitable for: Most cyclists - you need to be comfortable using gears and brakes
From: $105 NZD per adult