Otago Rail Trail | Poolburn Gorge | Day Trip | Omakau → Shuttle to Oturehua → Cycle Back
Distance: 30 km
Grade 1 (Easiest) - Easiest
Duration: 3-4 hours
Tour meeting point: Omakau
Suitable for: All cyclists - perfect ride for families
From: $85 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.
Poolburn Gorge Day Trip | Otago Rail Trail. This day trip is one of the best on the trail. 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.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Begin with a scenic shuttle ride through to the picturesque Ida Valley
- Step back in time at Gilchrist’s Store. Visit New Zealand’s oldest continuously operating general store and browse its fascinating collection of historic artefacts before starting your ride from Oturehua to Omakau
- Discover the ingenuity of the Hayes family at the Historic Hayes Engineering Works and learn how their inventions transformed farming life worldwide
- Ride through the dramatic Poolburn Gorge, featuring two hand-dug tunnels and the trail’s tallest viaduct.
- Pedal across the trail’s only curved bridge near Lauder – a favourite photo stop
- Add an extra dash of history with a side trip to the charming gold mining town of Ophir, home to New Zealand’s oldest working post office and the beautiful Daniel O’Connell Suspension Bridge
- The perfect one-day adventure on the Otago Central Rail Trail – packed with history, scenery, and fun for all ages
ITINERARY
Poolburn Gorge – 1 day – Oturehua to Omakau
- 8:45 am – Meet at our Omakau depot for a warm welcome, trip briefing, and personalised bike fit.
- 9:15 to 9:30 am – Depart for the scenic Ida Valley with our friendly, knowledgeable driver, who’s happy to share local insights along the way.
- 10:30 am – Arrive in Oturehua and begin your ride.
- 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.
- Along the way, discover highlights such as Gilchrist’s Store, Hayes Engineering Works, the impressive Poolburn Viaduct, two hand-dug tunnels, the Manuherikia curved bridge, Lauder Station, historic Ophir, and more.
- 5:00 pm – Return your bikes to our Omakau depot by 5pm at the latest
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Transport from Omakau to Oturehua
- Mountain bike with helmet, pannier bag, cycle computer, bike light, puncture repair kit and pump
- 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 map to view the interactive version
Distance: 30 km
Grade 1 (Easiest)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Suitable for: All cyclists - perfect ride for families
Start time: 9:00 am
From: $85 NZD per adult
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