The short answer
If you want the sweet spot of riding time, scenery, and relaxed afternoons, pick 4 days, 3 nights. Many riders then add an extra ride like the Lake Dunstan or Roxburgh Gorge Trails, so the trip becomes 4 days, 4 or 5 nights. If you want something gentler, our DeVineCycle is a mellow vineyard loop in the Alexandra basin. Get a general overview of the trail along with maps, stats and packages on the trail page.
Who each option suits
3 days
- Good if you are short on time and happy with longer daily distances
- Fewer cafe stops and photo breaks
- Best for fit riders or anyone using e-bikes who enjoys a solid day and doesn’t mind the saddle pain of consecutive 50 km days
4 days
- Our recommendation for most people
- Comfortable daily distances with time for coffee, exploration and some activities like visiting St Bathans or Ice Curling in Naseby
- Great for families and mixed-ability groups
5 days
- Unhurried pace and the most flexibility
- Perfect for first-time cycle tourists and multi-generational groups
- Room for longer lunches and extra photo time and general shenanigans!
Typical distances at a glance
- 3 days: about 50 to 60 km per day
- 4 days: about 35 to 45 km per day
- 5 days: about 27 to 35 km per day
E-bikes make any option feel easier, but the overall experience still changes with the number of days.
Our go-to 4 day plan
Day 1: Clyde to Omakau or Ophir. Warm up on river flats and farmland, with a stop in Chatto Creek.
Day 2: Omakau to Wedderburn / Naseby. Ride the Poolburn Gorge tunnels and viaducts, explore Hayes Engineering Works, Gilchrist’s General Store and the Golden Progress mine in Oturehua.
Day 3: Wedderburn / Naseby to Waipiata / Hyde. If you stayed in Naseby last night, the Ice Curling or Summer Luge in the morning. Art Deco Ranfurly, followed by a famous Waipiata Pie.
Day 4: Waipiata / Hyde to Middlemarch. Big skies and wide views to finish, then shuttle return.
Popular add-ons
Lake Dunstan Trail
- 42 km of lakeside boardwalks and elevated sections
- Suits confident riders on e-bikes or MTB’s
- Works well with an extra night in Clyde
Roxburgh Gorge Trail
- 34 km total with a jet boat link through the gorge
- Superb scenery and gold-mining history
- Often added with a night in Clyde
DeVineCycle vineyard loop
- Gentle terrain with just enough challenge, around the Alexandra basin
- Time for tastings, photos, lunch and some shopping at Clydes boutique shopping street
- Ideal warm-up or a rest-day alternative to steeper rides
How to choose your number of days
- How many hours do you want to ride each day, not counting cafe time
- Do you prefer to arrive by mid-afternoon
- Is your group mixed ability, and will e-bikes help
- Do you want time for side trips like St Bathans, Hayes Engineering Works, Curling / luge in Naseby
- Do Lake Dunstan or Roxburgh Gorge sound exciting, or a bit much
If relaxed afternoons and side trips appeal, choose 4 days. If you are very short on time, 3 days will work with earlier starts and E-Bikes are recommended. If you value breathing room, go 5 days.
Sample add-on combos
- 4 days Rail Trail + Lake Dunstan: Arrive Clyde, ride Lake Dunstan as a warm-up, then do the 4 day Rail Trail. Or Leave Lake Dunstan until the end if you’re returning to Clyde.
- 4 days Rail Trail + Roxburgh Gorge: Finish the Rail Trail, add a day for Roxburgh Gorge with the jet boat link. Or put it on the front before you do the Rail Trail.
- DeVineCycle + 4 days Rail Trail: Start with DeVineCycle to build confidence, then enjoy an unhurried Rail Trail. Big thumbs on on this one. The DeVineCycle can also be a lovely way to finish off your time in Central Otago, mellow, restful and so much fun!
Common questions
Is 3 days too hard
Not if you are comfortable with 50 to 60 km per day and keep stops short. E-bikes help a lot.
Is 5 days too slow
No. It suits riders who like museum stops, long lunches, and extra photo time. Works well if you want to ride an MTB and aren’t in tip top condition.
Do I need an e-bike
MTB’s are fine for many riders. For about 20 years an MTB was the only way you could ride the Rail Trail and 100,000’s of people rode the trail like that. E-bikes level out the climbs and help groups stay together when you have a variety of fitness levels and riding experience.
When is the best time to ride
Spring and autumn have cool mornings and clear days. Summer is warm and social with long evenings, it won’t get dark until after 10 pm. Winter is crisp with big skies if you have the right layers, we don’t run trips across the whole trail but you can do a fabulous two day experience from Oturehua back to Clyde with a night in the middle.
Which direction should you ride the trail?
The trail runs between Clyde and Middlemarch. You can start at either end, but most riders begin in Clyde and finish in Middlemarch. This direction is preferred due to prevailing wind conditions, easier transport logistics, and gradual elevation changes. You can read all about it in this handy article.
Why would I use a tour or package provider?
We make things super simple for you by applying our skill and knowledge to create an itinerary that works for you. Read our article on things to consider when choosing a a tour or package provider.
What we handle if you book with us
- MTB’s or E-bikes, pannier bags, helmets, and on-trail support
- Luggage transfers between each stay
- Shuttles to and from trailheads and on the trail if you were felling unwell one day.
- Accommodation to match your style, from budget to luxury
- Local advice and backup from a team that live right here
Packing tips for the bike
- Layers for changeable conditions
- Sunscreen, glasses, gloves, lightweight windproof
- Refillable bottle and a snacks
- Phone for photos and maps, charger in your bag transfer
The bottom line
Choose 4 days for the best balance. Add Lake Dunstan or Roxburgh Gorge if you want more wow, or pick DeVineCycle for a gentle vineyard loop. If you are unsure, tell us how far you like to ride in a day and we will shape a plan that fits.
Ready to plan your trip See our Otago Rail Trail packages or send an enquiry.