Otago Central Rail Trail
Otago Central Rail Trail
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Time to think about visiting Central Otago
I keep meeting people who are thinking about biking or walking the Otago Central Rail Trail, this is something to be recommended, even if you are not particularly athletic or don’t have lots of time. We did a family outing a couple of years ago on Boxing Day and walked from Lauder to Poolburn through a gorge, we covered lots of interesting tunnels and viaducts, just walking. We marveled at the stonework and feats of engineering. I thought we were just doing a one hour walk and wore the wrong shoes so I got blisters, but you can go from Lauder to the Poolburn viaduct and back in an afternoon and have plenty of time for a few drinks and a bar-b-que.
Above are some photos of our outing.
Essential information about the rail trail
The rail trail is open all year round, but late November to Easter has the best weather. Cycles with helmets can be hired at either Middlemarch or Clyde for those who want to do the whole trail. The trail is 150 km long and can be a leisurely five day trip or you can cover it quickly in three, free camping or staying at the myriad of accommodation suiting all budgets. There are no track fees. Be in early if you want to book a tour with a support vehicle, Tel Cycle Surgery 0800 292534.
Central Otago is getting a reputation for its excellent hospitality and there are lots of good lodges on the way. The ones I am recommending are both at Lauder. First is Ralph and Nikki Milne’s Lauder Rail Trail School B& B, Ralph and Nikki have upgraded this accommodation after buying it just a year ago. It is right on the trail in Lauder and is the old school, house and an associated cottage. This is great for family groups. If you want something more ‘organic’, Kevin Scotts mud brick cottage home stay is a must for foodies. Then why not relax at the end in up-market accommodation at Clyde’s – Dunstan House hosted by John and Maree Davidson.
This landscape has inspired some of my paintings. I have done a painting of riding along the flat road to Clyde on an autumn afternoon. It reminds me of riding a bike round France, the light is similar. I also recommend taking a side trip to the historic town of St Bathans with the beautiful Blue Lake. When the light is right, the colour of the lake is magical; I recently painted the view from the top of the hill in a romantic European style. Nigel Wilson has done a painting of the Maniototo past Ranfurly, I am currently hosting this painting at my Gallery in Khandallah. See Artworks on this website.
All the detailed information you need on the Central Otago Rail Trail can be found through the official websites: