Otago Rail Trail | 5 Day | Clyde to Middlemarch

Otago Rail Trail 5 day Itinerary

Day One – Clyde to Omakau (37 km)

You start with two options for riding to Alexandra, either the  River Track (12 km) or the Rail Trail (8 km). Both are great, but take the Rail Trail if you don’t ride often or need a flat, wide trail. Stop for morning tea in Alexandra then ride through to Galloway (don’t miss the historic Ladies Waiting Room), then Chatto Creek for lunch at the most amazing Tavern. Ride up Tiger Hill – don’t worry as it’s not too long and the gradient is only 3% at maximum. Then find your accommodation in Omakau or Ophir and fuel up with some dinner and a laugh about those funny moments from Day 1.

Day Two – Omakau to Oturehua (30 km)

If you didn’t stay in Ophir last night (and even if you did) you should ride through the town to visit New Zealand’s oldest working Post Office and ride across the iconic Daniel O’Connell suspension bridge. Get that coffee on board and gather together some items for a picnic lunch.

Ride past Lauder Station and cross the trail’s longest bridge before entering the breathtaking Poolburn Gorge, complete with tunnels and viaduct.  Continue into the Ida Valley, stop at Hayes Engineering Works, and visit Gilchrist’s Store — the oldest continually operating general store in New Zealand. Have that late lunch or snack if you haven’t eaten yet, and kick back and admire the majestic Hawkdun Mountain range. Fuel up with a hearty meal, and if you can stay awake long enough, check out the night sky, as it will blow you away.

Day Three – Oturehua to Ranfurly / Naseby (25 km)

You have a shorter day today, so don’t rush to get underway. Have a leisurely breakfast and then start with a look at the historic Golden Progress Mine, before a gradual climb to the trail’s high point.
Stop in at the Wedderburn Red Shed and watch their really fascinating video that details some of the controversy surrounding the creation of the trail. Take the obligatory photos at the Wedderburn Green Goods Shed (made famous by artist Grahame Sydney), and the Wedderburn Station. Onwards to Ranfurly, known for its Art Deco charm and railway heritage. The Railway station has an excellent video on what it was like when there were trains running daily.

Many people choose to stay in Naseby tonight. It’s super quaint, home to the Maniototo International Curling Rink, summer luge and the Star Dust Gallery. It’s also a dark sky reserve, so if it’s a clear night, try and take in those stars, you won’t be disappointed.

Fuel up, food is important, and sleep well. You’ve over half-way now on your Clyde to Middlemarch – 5 day itinerary.

Day Four – Ranfurly to Hyde (34 km)

Take your time today as you’re trending downhill now and check-in isn’t until after 2pm. You have a picnic lunch to organise before you leave today because you might be a little early for the Waipiata Country Hotel and it’s famous pies…. or maybe you’ll be right on time!  They cater for all food tastes and dietary needs. Today’s highlights include the quirky Waipiata Man, views over where Lake Taieri once existed, and scenic stops at Daisybank and the Prices Creek Tunnel and Viaduct.
Finish in Hyde. Accommodation can be scarce in a tiny town like Hyde so check your itinerary, as you may be grabbing an accommodation courtesy car and staying out of town. Fuel up with a great dinner as it’s your last day tomorrow.

Day Five – Hyde to Middlemarch (27 km)

Reflect on the journey as you pass and pay your respects at the Hyde rail disaster memorial, ride beneath the Rock and Pillar Range, and visit Ngapuna Station before reaching the final stop: Middlemarch Station. You’ve done it!
Check in with the friendly staff at the SheBikesHeBikes depot and it’s time for lunch and maybe a celebratory drink before your onward transport.

We hope you took plenty of photo’s. It’s actually hard not to take an award winning photo in Central Otago! Riding Clyde to Middlemarch over 5 days will hopefully leave you satisfied, rested and already dreaming about your next cycling adventure with us.