Looking to ride just part of New Zealand’s original Great Ride, the Otago Central Rail Trail? Here’s our insider guide to the trail’s most spectacular sections, based on 16+ years of helping cyclists choose their perfect ride.
Quick Answer: Our Top 3 Sections
If you’re short on time, these are the sections we recommend most:
- Oturehua to Omakau (30km) – Historic sites, the iconic Poolburn Gorge, tunnels, and viaducts—the trail’s greatest hits in one ride
- Omakau-Auripo-Omakau Loop (26km) – An out-and-back adventure through Poolburn Gorge without needing transport
- Clyde to Alexandra Loop (29km) – Scenic river valleys, vineyards, cafés, and museums on easy terrain perfect for beginners
Not sure which suits you? Read on for the complete breakdown.
How to Choose Your Section
The “best” section depends on what you’re after:
- Photography & Scenery → Oturehua to Omakau or Omakau-Auripo-Omakau
- Easy Introduction → Clyde to Alexandra Loop
- History Buffs → Oturehua to Omakau (Hayes Engineering, Gilchrists Store)
- Wine & Food Lovers → Clyde to Alexandra Loop
- No Transport Needed → Omakau-Auripo-Omakau (out-and-back)
- Family-Friendly → Oturehua to Omakau (fun things to explore and trending downhill)
Section-by-Section Breakdown
1. Oturehua to Omakau (30km)
Grade: Easy | Time: 3-4+ hours | Highlights: Historic sites, Poolburn Gorge, tunnels, highest viaduct, curved bridge
Why it’s special: This is the trail’s ultimate day ride. You get everything: working heritage sites in Oturehua, the dramatic Poolburn Gorge with its tunnels and viaducts, the trail’s longest bridge, and a gentle downhill gradient for most of the journey. It’s the section we recommend when people ask “what’s the one ride I shouldn’t miss?”
What you’ll see:
- Gilchrists Store – New Zealand’s longest continuously operating store (since 1898)
- Hayes Engineering Works – A working 1900s engineering workshop frozen in time (book a tour)
- Golden Progress Mine – Historic gold mining site (if you’re prepared to ride in the wrong direction for 2 km)
- Ida Valley – Sweeping pastoral landscapes with mountain views. Famously depicted in Grahame Sydney’s paintings.
- Poolburn Gorge – Two hand-carved tunnels through solid schist rock
- Poolburn Viaduct – Suspended high above the gorge
- Dramatic schist cliffs – Golden rock formations towering overhead, nesting place for the New Zealand Native Falcon
- Manuherikia No.1 Bridge – The trail’s longest at 110 metres and it’s curved
Best for: Riders who want the complete rail trail experience in a single day—history, engineering marvels, dramatic scenery, and that satisfying sense of distance covered.
The gradient: Starting from near the trail’s highest point at Oturehua means most of this ride is gently downhill. Perfect if you’re worried about fitness.
Access:
- Start: Omakau, bike hire and transport to Oturehua available at our depot as a scheduled departure.
- Finish: Omakau (café, river swimming)
Pro tips:
- Stop at Gilchrists Store before you leave Oturehua, it’s full of history
- Visit Hayes Engineering Works with Hannah’s Kitchen serving tasty treats and coffee
- The highest viaduct is waiting for you just before the tunnels. Great spot for a picnic
- The longest bridge comes just before Lauder—save your phone battery for photos
- Finish with refreshments or a swim in Omakau
Timing: Allow 3-4+ hours riding plus 30-60 minutes for Hayes Engineering tour and photo stops.
Book our Oturehua to Omakau Day Ride.
2. Omakau-Auripo-Omakau Loop (26km return)
Grade: Easy | Time: 3-4+ hours | Highlights: Poolburn Gorge, tunnels, viaduct—no shuttle needed
Why it’s special: Want to experience the Poolburn Gorge without organizing transport? This out-and-back ride from Omakau is perfect. You’ll ride through the gorge’s highlights twice, and trust us, it looks completely different in each direction. No logistics stress, just pedaling.
What you’ll see:
- Poolburn Gorge – Dramatic schist rock formations rising on both sides
- Two tunnels – Hand-carved through solid rock (our hire bikes have lights)
- Poolburn Viaduct – The trail’s most photographed structure
- Ida Valley views – Golden pastoral country stretching to the horizon’s mountain scapes
- The longest bridge (Manuherikia No.1) with its unique curve
Best for: Riders who want the iconic Poolburn Gorge experience without shuttle logistics, photographers who want to shoot the gorge in different light, anyone staying in Omakau or Ophir overnight.
The ride profile:
- Outbound (Omakau to Auripo): Gentle uphill gradient—you’ll barely notice it. If you’re worried, hire an E-Bike
- Return (Auripo to Omakau): Easy downhill cruise back
Access:
- Start & Finish: Omakau (our depot has bike hire, parking, and nearby café)
- No transport needed – That’s the beauty of this ride!
Pro tips:
- Ride out in the morning when the light is best for photography
- The tunnels stay cool even on hot days—bring a light jacket
- You can extend into the Ida Valley and some riders will even ride through to Oturehua and back for a 60km day
- Pack a picnic to enjoy at Auripo or inside the Poolburn Gorge between the tunnels
- The return journey shows you everything from a different perspective—it’s not repetitive
Timing: Allow 3-4+ hours including photo stops. Serious photographers could easily spend 4+ hours.
Can’t decide between this and Oturehua to Omakau?
- Choose the loop if you don’t want to arrange transport or if you’re staying in Omakau
- Choose Oturehua to Omakau if you want Hayes Engineering and Gilchrists Store
Book our Omakau to Auripo out and back.
3. Clyde to Alexandra Loop (29km via River Track)
Grade: Easy | Time: 3-4 hours | Highlights: Clutha river (Mata-au), vineyards, historic sites, cafés, museums, perfect for beginners
Why it’s special: The loop combines the scenic River Track alongside the Clutha River with the flat, easy Rail Trail for the return—giving you two different experiences without needing transport. Add in vineyards, excellent cafés, Central Stories museum, and the charm of two historic gold-rush towns, and you’ve got the perfect introduction to Central Otago cycling.
What you’ll see:
- Historic Clyde – Stone buildings from the 1860s gold rush, boutique galleries, cafés
- Clyde Dam – New Zealand’s largest concrete dam with a great viewing platform
- Clutha River – New Zealand’s largest river by volume, dramatic swirling waters views
- Central Otago vineyards – Pedal through wine country (cellar doors nearby)
- Alexandra’s iconic clock – Built into the hillside, visible from the trail
- Central Stories Museum – Regional museum in Alexandra (allow 30-60 minutes)
- Muttontown Viaduct – One of only two wooden trestle bridges
Best for: First-time trail riders, families with children, wine enthusiasts, anyone testing fitness before committing to multi-day rides, groups wanting cafés and social stops.
The two routes:
- River Track (outbound, 12km) – Scenic riverside path through orchards and vineyards, slightly narrower with gentle undulations
- Rail Trail (return, 8km) – Flat, wide, easy—the classic rail trail experience
Access:
- Start & Finish: Clyde (our depot has bike hire, parking, nearby cafés)
- No transport needed – It’s a loop!
Pro tips:
- Take the River Track first (Clyde to Alexandra) while you’re fresh—it’s slightly more challenging with narrower corners
- Stop in Alexandra for lunch—excellent café options and the Central Stories museum
- Book a table at Olivers Restaurant in Clyde for your return (dinner)
- Several wineries are within 100 to 400m of the trail—we can arrange a wine-focused variation
Timing:
- 3-4 hours riding time
- Add 1-2 hours if you stop at Central Stories museum and have lunch in Alexandra
Wine lovers: Visit Three Miners, Como Estate, Ruru and Monte Christo. Ask about our wine-focused day tours.
Book our Clyde to Alexandra Loop ride
Comparison Table: At a Glance
| Section | Distance | Time | Gradient | Best For | Must-See | Transport? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oturehua to Omakau | 30km | 3-4hrs | Gentle downhill | History + scenery combo | Hayes Engineering, Poolburn Gorge, longest bridge | Shuttle needed |
| Omakau Loop | 26km return | 2.5-3.5hrs | Gentle up/down | No-transport gorge experience | Poolburn Gorge, tunnels, viaduct | None (loop) |
| Clyde-Alexandra Loop | 29km | 3-4hrs | Flat/gentle | First-timers, wine lovers | River views, vineyards, museums | None (loop) |
Which Section Should You Choose?
If you only have time for ONE ride:
→ Oturehua to Omakau – You get the complete rail trail experience: history, engineering, dramatic scenery, and the Poolburn Gorge.
If you don’t want to arrange transport:
→ Clyde to Alexandra Loop or Omakau out and back – Both are complete circuits with no logistics needed.
If you’re riding with kids (8-12 years):
→ Clyde to Alexandra Loop or Oturehua to Omakau – Manageable distance, flat terrain, plenty of stops, tons of interesting things to see.
If you want the iconic Poolburn Gorge:
→ Oturehua to Omakau or Omakau out and back – Both deliver the gorge, tunnels, and viaduct. Choose based on whether you want history (Oturehua) or no transport (out and back).
If wine and food are priorities:
→ Clyde to Alexandra Loop – Excellent cafés, and cellar door detours.
Combining Sections for Multi-Day Rides
Popular 2-Day Combination:
- Day 1: Clyde to Alexandra Loop (29km) – Ease in with gentle terrain
- Day 2: Oturehua to Omakau (30km) – Poolburn Gorge highlights
Casual 3-Day Sample:
- Day 1: Clyde to Alexandra Loop (29 km) – River valleys and wine country
- Day 2: Oturehua to Omakau (30 km) – Historic sites and Poolburn Gorge
- Day 3: Lake Dunstan Trail (42 km) – Next level Central Otago adventure
How to Access These Sections
Loop / Out and Back Rides (No Transport Needed):
- Clyde to Alexandra Loop – Start/finish in Clyde at our depot
- Omakau Loop – Start/finish in Omakau at our depot
One-Way Rides (Shuttle Service Available):
- Oturehua to Omakau – Meet in Omakau, we drop you to Oturehua and you ride back
Our depot locations:
- Clyde: 13 Fraser St (8:30am-5pm, 7 days)
- Omakau: 11 Wilson St (8:30am-5pm, Mon-Fri Oct-April and weekends by appointment)
What’s Included in Our Day Rides
Bike Hire:
- Quality mountain bikes with wide tires for gravel comfort
- E-bikes available
- Helmet, pannier bag, puncture repair kit
- Bike lights for tunnels
Shuttle Service:
- Scheduled daily departures
- Secure bike transport
Optional Extras:
- Wine tour variations (Clyde-Alexandra route)
- Multi-day packages combining several sections
See all our day ride options and pricing
FAQ: Section Selection
Q: Which section can I ride in half a day (under 4 hours)?
Our Poolburn Gorge day trips and Clyde – Alexandra loop ride can all be ridden in half a day if you’re short on time.
Q: Which section is best for absolute beginners?
Clyde to Alexandra Loop. Flat, wide Rail Trail option for the return, plenty of cafés if you need breaks, and you can shorten it to 17km if needed.
Q: I want to see the Poolburn Gorge but don’t want to organize transport. Which ride?
Omakau-Auripo-Omakau out and back (26km). Park in Omakau, ride out and back through the gorge.
Q: Which section has the best food and café stops?
Clyde to Alexandra Loop. Excellent options in both towns, plus museum, galleries, and wine nearby.
Q: Can my 8-year-old handle any of these sections?
Yes. Oturehua to Omakau is a favourite and there is an E-Bike option. For the younger children tag-alongs and trailers mean they can be part of the fun.
Q: Which section is most challenging?
None are difficult, but Omakau to Auripo return has a gentle incline on the way out. E-bikes make it effortless.
Q: Do I need a bike light?
Yes for Oturehua to Omakau and Omakau to Auripo return (two tunnels).
Q: Which section is best in hot weather?
Clyde to Alexandra Loop (riverside shade) or either of the Auripo trips as the tunnels provide for a break in the shade.