Otago Central Rail Trail Rail Trail Accommodation	All new for 2010, the updated Otago Rail Trail Guide Book
We offer the most comprehensive information on Accommodation Transport and Bike hire. Our very useful FAQ's can help you to plan your unique Otago Central Rail Trail experience. Checkout our location map.

Explore the Rail Trail Rail Trail Guide Book Rail Trail Information Rail Trail Duathlon History and Features Laminated A4 Photos

The Otago Rail Trail offers a free booking service which is able to co-ordinates your bike hire, accommodation, luggage and shuttle transfers. Detailed section maps and a comprehensive photo gallery both on the trail and in towns.

The Otago Rail Trail can be accessed throughout the year, and has been specifically created for mountain bikers, walkers and horse riders. The Trail follows the old Central Otago branch railway line from Clyde to Middlemarch passing though many towns along the way. This webpage has been put together in a user friendly way to simplify your trail experience.

The idea of the Rail Trail was promoted by the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC), and The Otago Rail Trail Trust, formed specifically to help create this family-oriented recreational facility. The Rail Trail is a public reserve, and motorised vehicles are not permitted on the Trail. Thus, walkers, cyclists and horse riders have no traffic concerns as they travel the level, graveled surface.

The Rail Trail passes through some spectacular scenery not seen from the highways, ranging from mountain ranges, hills and gorges, across the vast Maniototo plain, through old gold mining towns, ending amongst the fruit growing areas of Central Otago. The heritage of the old railway line has been preserved, with the retention of viaducts and bridges, and some of the old Railway Stations.

Rail Trail Accommodation

The Otago Central Rail Trail runs for 150kms between Clyde and Dunedin passing through the intermediary towns of Clyde, Alexandra, Chatto Creek, Omakau, Lauder, Oturehua, Wedderburn, Ranfurly, Waipiata, Hyde and Middlemarch before terminating in Dunedin.

These towns, developed from the original branch line stops, provide the best selection of Rail Trail accommodation for visitors wishing to stay on the trail itself - ranging from backpacker and hostel accommodation to refurbished period buildings and luxury hotels.

Poolburn, Ophir, Becks, St Bathans, Naseby, Macraes Town and Kyeburn provide alternative accommodation options for those wishing to make further exploration off the Rail Trail - perfect bases from which to visit the quiet beautiful locations this part of Otago has to offer.
These Locations are only a short ride from the trail and some hosts offer a pickup and dropoff service.
Poolburn, Ophir, Becks, St Bathans, Naseby, Macraes Town and Kyeburn also provide the more adventurous visitor with a wider range of Rail Trail accommodation options - perfect for those wishing to get a little further off the beaten track and explore the quieter locations off the old Central branch line.

 Location Maps