Otago Central Rail Trail — Clyde Trailhead
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Dunbar Loop
S 45° 11.692 E 169° 20.136
59G E 369265 N 4994054
The 152 kilometre Otago Central Rail Trail runs from Clyde to Middlemarch through the arid mountains and valleys of the region. It recommended to take a minimum of three days to bike this rail trail.
Waymark Code: WM8FM6
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 03/26/2010
Views: 4
The
Otago Central Rail Trail [OCRT] follows the former NZ Railways branch line of the same name from Middlemarch to Clyde, a distance of 152 km | 94.5 miles. Originally the railway operated from Wingatui to Cromwell, however with the building of the Clyde Dam the section from Clyde to Cromwell was flooded under Lake Dunstan. And once the dam was completed the railway was deemed uneconomic. It was abandoned in the early 1990s.
The Dunedin City Council took over operations within its jurisdiction from Wingatui to Middlemarch and continues to operate a daily tourist train through the Taieri Gorge. While most trips end at Pukerangi twice a week it makes the journey to Middlemarch, the eastern terminus of the OCRT. They offer to take bicycles for free to those want to have a rail and bike experience.
Overall the trail runs through the rather desolate Central Otago region. An arid region that has few native trees growing in it providing for constant panoramic views of the mountains that line the route.
The roadbed is many places is rough with ballast still lying about. The worst sections are between Middlemarch and Hyde. Another that can get rough Ranfurly to Wedderburn.
To adequately cover the journey it is recommended to take a minimum of three days. However if you want to do side trips to Styx, Naseby, Ophir, and other destinations make your journey five or six days. Also expect to encounter strong winds along the route. It is not uncommon to have a 60 to 80 km/h wind buffeting you.
On the other hand, if time is tight the two sections there are two sections worth focusing for scenery. These are the Hyde to Daisybank and then Ida Valley to Lauder. However the entire rail trail is very impressive from both a scenery perspective and being able to learn about the history of the region.
Another recommendation for people who are not camping is to book your accommodation well in advance. At one place I enquired to find that in the six month high season they get over 5,000 room bookings and they are continue to expand their establishment. The Otago Daily Times reported that current estimates is that there are 10,500 riders per year.1 However operators along the OCRT suggest this might be a conservative estimate. A conversation with a fellow rider I learnt that they booked six months prior to riding the trail.
If you are travelling from overseas and want to experience the OCRT you do not need to bring your bicycle with you. Presently there at least three companies that will rent a bicycle and sag your luggage between accommodation locations along the trail.
Below is a listing of trailheads and access points along the way.
Middlemarch (0 km | 0 mile) (S45 30.170 E170 07.560)
Rock and Pillar (13.5 km | 8.4 mile) (S45 24.098 E170 11.531)
Hyde (27.5 km | 17 mile) (S45 18.513 E170 14.750)
Daisybank (38 km | 23.5 mile) (S45 13.807 E170 15.254)
Ranfurly (56 km | 35 mile) (S45 07.808 E170 05.947)
Wedderburn (69.5 km | 43 mile) (S45 01.842 E170 00.646)
Oturehua (81.5 km | 50.5 mile) (S45 00.445 E169 54.826)
Ida Valley (93.5 km | 58 mile) (S45 02.164 E169 49.577)
Auripo (97.5 km | 60.5 mile) (S45 02.849 E169 46.710)
Lauder (108 km | 67 mile) (S45 03.174 E169 40.323)
Omakau (115 km | 71.5 mile) (S45 05.476 E169 36.264)
Chatto Creek (127 km | 79 mile) (S45 08.125 E169 30.680)
Alexandra (144 km | 89.5 mile) (S45 14.900 E169 23.870)
Clyde (152 km | 94.5 mile) (S45 11.692 E169 20.136)