Cycling the Central Otago Rail Trail, New Zealand

Cycling the Central Otago Rail Trail

Did I save the best for last?  Yes, I did.  We had time for only 17km of the 150km, Central Otago Rail Trail, but it was the highlight of our New Zealand trip for me.  The weather was perfect for great photo shots, cool peddling, easy grade and colorful country side. Everything was PERFECT for a life time experience.

We were ready for this adventure.  For two days we ducked in and out of little villages, farms and taverns that have came alive since the birth of the rail trail.  But then, we were in a motorized vehicle. Now, we could get the actual feel of the landscape. Outfitted in new bikes,(with horns .....that is important) we joined the natives and visitors alike, on the Central Otago Rail Trail.   Over 40,000 bikers and walkers use this trail annually. Everything is provided for the tourist that wants to make a 4 to 5 day vacation of this experience,  from the "where do I lay my head" to "what is available for lunch...or dinner....or snack".  Luggage is  carted from small hotels, (like the picture above) to cottages such as on the Penvose Farms, pictured below. .

There are kitchen-nets to fix your own meals on or historic brick kitchens with fireplaces and two-foot thick walls that hold in the cold and heat, that can serve you up homemade soup with fresh baked bread or fine dining.  Oh! the food.  Bikers can eat all the yummy goodies that car sitters can't because they just burn it all up on the trail.  That's what we told ourselves. It didn't work but we enjoyed some wonderful home cooked meals, some fine dining complete with local wines and attacked the problem of clothes not fitting, later.

The Central Otago Rail Trail follows the former railway line from Clyde to Middlemarch.  It is cold in winter, hot in summer but the scenery is wonderful all year around.  There are short loop trails that take you into historical gold mining territory. That's where the train use to go.  Picnics are a favorite for the natives and they come out in family groups, bringing young and old alike.  We honked our bike horns at a group of friends doing a Sunday fun ride.

Central Otago has two trails that soon will become part of "Nga Haerenga" the New Zealand Cycle Trail.  This national project will build a network of world class cycle trails through the very best country New Zealand has to offer.  The Roxburgh Gorge Trail is 34KM long and takes you into the preserved mining relics area.   The Clutha Gold Trail is 75KM taking you into the Beaumont Gorge along the mighty Clutha Mata-au River.  Both trails fitness rating is: Beginner.

For more information make tracks to: www.cycecentralotago.com 

Submitted by: Bernadette Heath, photographer and writer, Janet Webb Farnsworth, writer of "Grandma Needs a Four-Wheel Drive, Adventure Travel for Seniors".  Web page: www.grandmaneedsafour-wheeldrive.com