Chatto Creek - Omakau

Chatto Creek to Omakau   Distance: 12 km 

  • This section starts by crossing State Highway 85 from the Chatto Creek Tavern to an information kiosk and DOC toilet.
  • The trail soon ‘S’ bends up Tiger Hill. The steepest part of the Otago Rail Trail, this gradual 1 in 50 incline made it possible for the trains to climb up Tiger Hill.
  • Have a well-deserved rest at Tiger Hill Gangers’ Shed to enjoy spectacular mountain views.
  • After riding under the State Highway 8 overbridge it's a gentle downhill run to Omakau, once Central Otago’s largest stock loading railway station.
Tiger Hill

This gradual 1 in 50 incline, the steepest on the Rail Trail


Tiger Hill Gangers’ Shed

Have a well-deserved rest at Tiger Hill Gangers’ Shed with spectacular mountain views.


The Rail Trail Guide Book

The single most important resource when travelling the Central Otago Rail Trail

A beautifully crafted book with amazing photography by Peter Andrews showing Central Otago as it truly is, one of the most rugged, extreme and beautiful locations on the planet. Stunning scenery, amazing and important historical and current information, detailed maps, lists of accommodation, frequently asked questions, where to eat, how far between towns, etc. It’s all in here.

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