Ranfurly - Waipiata

Ranfurly to Waipiata   Distance: 8 km

  • The Ranfurly to Waipiata section of the trail is in the heart of the Maniototo Plain. The Plain's vastness and the “big sky” create an undeniable sense of serenity. “Mani-o-toto” is Maori for “Plains of Blood”. This could be because of bloody incidents of the distant past, the slaughter of the Moa or the red colour of the landscape at sunset and sunrise.
  • Surrounding mountain ranges include the Rock and Pillar Range to the south, Rough Ridge to the west, Mt St Bathans to the nor-west, the Kakanui Mountains to the east and Mt Ida and the Mount Ida Range to the north. The contrast between the vastness of the plain, the mountains and the big Maniototo sky is spectacular. 
  • Find shade at the Ranfurly Straight Gangers’ Shed with information about the local area.
  • An underpass tells you that you are almost at Waipiata, a small town with a surprising number of accommodation choices and things to see and do.
Solar System Model - Sun

Solar System Model - Mercury

Solar System Model - Venus

Solar System Model - Earth

Solar System Model - Moon

Solar System Model - Mars

Maniototo Plain & Surrounding Mountains

The Ranfurly to Waipiata section of the trail is in the heart of the Maniototo Plain. Mountain ranges include the Rock and Pillar Range to the south, Rough Ridge to the west, Mt St Bathans to the nor-west, the Kakanui Mountains to the east and Mt Ida and the Mount Ida range to the north. 


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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